Front strut inserts

[simon.williams]

Good morning,

My front strut shock absorbers are well past their prime.

As I’ve got to do ball joints and other bushes, I would like to have a go at replacing them. Is it easy to do and what should I fit? (I don’t think I need anything adjustable). I know I will need spring compressors, but is there anything else that is tricky or needs special tools?

My list of jobs is long, so if a garage can do this easily at a reasonable cost, that would work too!

Thank you!

Simon

[johnnydog]

Hi Simon,
If you have a decent pair of spring compressors, then you are half way there, although the other sometimes difficult task is removing the insert retaining cup at the top of the strut tube. Some are merely hexagon shaped with flats, but some require a key with pegs (a bit like an angle grinder disc removal tool). They can be removed with a bit of imagination, but they are sometimes very tight considering they may have been on the car for 50 or so years!
When you remove the strut from the car, don't forget about the possibility of shims between the strut and hub knuckle. They are easily lost in the road dirt that falls to the garage floor when removing them; also they have often not been replaced if the struts have been off before. If they are present, they need to go back ideally as they were fitted (bearing in mind there are two different thicknesses) especially if the steering etc felt OK beforehand. If in any doubt it's worth getting a wheel alignment and camber check done (although many don't!).
Also it's worth making a note of the correct orientation / position of the washers at the top mounting for reassembly, and renewing the gaitor if perished (genuine nos BL are infinitely better if you can get them than aftermarket replacements which in my experience only seem to last a very short space of time - necessitating having to do the job again!)

[simon.williams]

Thank you.