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spac89
P Plater
47 Posts
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 Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 12:35:28 PM
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Hi just wondering how hard is it to replace front struts in a vn as I want to get some from the wreckers so I have to remove them myself is cheaper thanks
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VNSVLE
Forum Moderator
1316 Posts
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Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 4:03:47 PM
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What exactly do you want to replace the whole assembly or just the shocky or the spring??
Why do you want to replace the front struts?? |
What's the difference between understeer and oversteer?
Understeer is when the driver is scared.
Oversteer is when the passenger is scared. |
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Mechknight73
National Driver
1001 Posts
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Posted - 06 Sep 2010 : 5:23:44 PM
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The first thing you have to remember, is if you change the struts, you will have to get a wheel alignment. Once you've taken the brake calipers, the discs and the tie rod ends off the front, you're left with three parts, the struts themselves, the springs and the strut bushes.
You can tell if your front struts aren't working, if you push down on the front end several times, and when you let go, it takes its time to stop bouncing up and down. Then there's the issue of strut leaks (oil on the strut) and the strut bushes (banging/clunking noises when you go over a bump. It is a bit of a job to replace them.
Assuming they don't charge you for the springs at the wrecking yard, to get a strut out is relatively easy. Undo the tie rod ends (steering rack ends) take off the discs and calipers, and undo the three nuts at the top of the strut tower, and it's away. Before you do, check for obvious damage. |
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VNSVLE
Forum Moderator
1316 Posts
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Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 02:15:39 AM
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Don't forget the ball joint on the lower control arm mechknight. Can be a little troublesome. If it is the shock insert that you are after I honestly would not go second hand with these. They are a reasonably cheap item and if you replace with new you will probably never have to worry about them again while you have the car.
Also on another note you mentioned you had fe2 suspension. This is the basic sports pack for commodores and is slightly lower than standard ( equivalent to "low" I believe ) which means they are not a standard shock and will probably be hard to find second hand. |
What's the difference between understeer and oversteer?
Understeer is when the driver is scared.
Oversteer is when the passenger is scared. |
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spac89
P Plater
47 Posts
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Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 6:11:42 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by VNSVLE
What exactly do you want to replace the whole assembly or just the shocky or the spring??
Why do you want to replace the front struts??
cause the car went to pedders and they told me the struts and shockers and bearing plates need replacing but peoples told me not to trust them ,when I turn I have a clunking noise from the left side of front of car so thats why I thought they might need replacing  |
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Mechknight73
National Driver
1001 Posts
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Posted - 07 Sep 2010 : 11:01:26 PM
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Quick way to find out, is push down on your left strut, and see if you can identify exactly where the noise is coming from. If it's from the top of the strut, it is only the strut bearing and or bush, not the strut itself. You can source the parts yourself, but shop around. I don't mean to be sexist when I say some places will prey on your supposed mechanical ignorance because you're a woman. You can play dirty and say "So how come I can get the same brand and model at _______, for about $50 less than you want?" Ask technical questions, and buy a service manual. The service manual will give you both the technical names of the parts, and how to strip and reassemble them. If they know you know what you're talking about, they'll be less inclined to rip you off.
If you can afford it, it would be a good time to replace the struts, while the front end is in bits. If ever I have to "farm out" work to a workshop, I always compare the invoice to what I can see under the car. For example, if an invoice says "replaced radiator hoses and drive belts" there had better be new rubber in those spots. |
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