How to remove shock/strut on a FWD?

['97boostinGST]

I just got myself a set of KYB AGX's and already eager to install them. When I had the springs installed a buddy of mine (Honda guy) did them for me and said it was his first time doing it on a DSM he literally dismantled then entire arm just to remove the shock and took like 2-3 hours for all four with a hoist and power tools. I'm sure there's a much easier way to do this. Does someone know exactly what bolts to remove to make it an easy install?

Thanks.

 

[Colt4G63 also]

If you don't own a spring compressor or have any experience with that sort of thing, you probably shouldn't attempt it. The front springs are loaded enough to take your head off.

 

[wkmitsu]

For the front:

1. Put the front of the car on jackstands.
2. Remove your spinnerz
3. Remove the bolt on the bottom of the damper fork
4. Remove the three strut mount nuts
5. Remove strut assembly

You may need to unbolt the horseshoe to be able to get the assembly out, I can't remember if it's necessary or not, but it's really not a big deal. If you need it loose, just unbolt it and move it.

For the rear:

1. Jackstands
2. Remove wheels
3. Remove the strut lower mounting bolt.
4. Open hatch.
5. Remove interior panel cover to reveal strut mount
6. Remove strut mount nuts.
7. Remove strut assembly.

I took apart my strut assemblies without a spring compressor, it wasn't that bad. I guess its not the safest thing to do, but as long as you aren't stupid about it you should be fine. But using a spring compressor is the correct way to do it and my advice to you is to use one, but it can be done without it.

 

['97boostinGST]

If you don't own a spring compressor or have any experience with that sort of thing, you probably shouldn't attempt it. The front springs are loaded enough to take your head off.

I know how to use one and ill get one rented.

For the front:

1. Put the front of the car on jackstands.
2. Remove your spinnerz
3. Remove the bolt on the bottom of the damper fork
4. Remove the three strut mount nuts
5. Remove strut assembly

You may need to unbolt the horseshoe to be able to get the assembly out, I can't remember if it's necessary or not, but it's really not a big deal. If you need it loose, just unbolt it and move it.

For the rear:

1. Jackstands
2. Remove wheels
3. Remove the strut lower mounting bolt.
4. Open hatch.
5. Remove interior panel cover to reveal strut mount
6. Remove strut mount nuts.
7. Remove strut assembly.

I took apart my strut assemblies without a spring compressor, it wasn't that bad. I guess its not the safest thing to do, but as long as you aren't stupid about it you should be fine. But using a spring compressor is the correct way to do it and my advice to you is to use one, but it can be done without it.

Awesome stuff, thank you sir.

 

[chiuchimu]

The ones they rent are like for trucks. Big and strong but not easy to use on small eclipse springs.

Harbor Freights sells spring compressors for about $20

 

['97boostinGST]

The ones they rent are like for trucks. Big and strong but not easy to use on small eclipse springs.

Harbor Freights sells spring compressors for about $20

Ive used Autozone's spring compressor and it was pretty much straight forward.

 

[chiuchimu]

Ive used Autozone's spring compressor and it was pretty much straight forward.

I've used autozone rent ones too (deposit was about $50)

That's why I bought a set.
( mine aren't HF but I have seen the HF ones at their Topanga store and they look good).

@OP
97BoostinGST wrote a good outline of the process. But you're doing this for the first time. Get a BOOK that's step by step with pictures. Besides, you need the torque specs for each bolt. You HAVE to torque each suspension bolt to spec.

 

['97boostinGST]

I've used autozone rent ones too (deposit was about $50)

That's why I bought a set.
( mine aren't HF but I have seen the HF ones at their Topanga store and they look good).

@OP
97BoostinGST wrote a good outline of the process. But you're doing this for the first time. Get a BOOK that's step by step with pictures. Besides, you need the torque specs for each bolt. You HAVE to torque each suspension bolt to spec.

The outline was written by wkmitsu towards me, i didnt write that.
Just clearing things up.