Lifting strut installation

While testing your struts is easy, strut replacement is not. First, shock and strut replacement requires lifting and supporting your vehicle to let the suspension hang.

Second, strut replacement or coil-over shock replacement usually requires a special strut compressor tool to do the job safely. On the other hand, quick struts are a great DIY option. MacPherson struts and coil-over shocks require a strut compressor or spring compressor tool to disassemble.

This heavy-duty tool is necessary to overcome the intense spring pressure that supports your vehicle. But you can still renew your suspension and ride quality by using a safer method. When considering rear coil-over shock installation, these quick struts are a convenient and time-saving solution. Instead of removing the shock and disassembling it, simply remove the entire unit and install a new one. When installing quick struts, match up left and right units as well as their orientation.

Shocks and struts may have brackets and tabs for mounting other parts, like height sensors and brake lines. Also, spring orientation can affect ride quality and steering. Use a paint marker to identify strut position and orientation, so you can install the new assemblies similarly. It may be tempting to lift the vehicle and remove the upper strut mounts with the wheels hanging, but the weight of the wheel may yank a wheel speed sensor cable or brake line, damaging it.

After the vehicle is lifted and supported on jack stands, use the jack to support the control arm. Once the top mount is loosened — never touch the center nut — you can slowly lower the control arm to remove the whole strut assembly. If you see cables or hoses pulling, disconnect them from their brackets to prevent damage. Though the weight of the vehicle plays a large part in keeping struts in their place, torque at both top and bottom mounts is critical.

Aside from keeping everything together — no one wants to lose a wheel on the highway — proper torque maintains alignment angles that prolong tire life and stabilize steering.

Look up torque specifications in the repair manual or ask your local mechanic for more information. But, you need the right type of replacement struts for your car make and model. This can be a length of wood or pipe. Also, check that the overall length is correct when the struts are fully extended. This is critical to ensure proper gas strut installation. Start with one and replace it, and then remove the other one and replace it.

Slowly lift up the clips and pull the strut away from the vehicle, and it should release. Remove the clips cautiously to ensure safety. With your lift support on one end removed, you can now install the replacement strut to your car. To do this, start with the shaft end first the skinny end. The strut should pop into place. Repeat the process of removing and installing the lift support for the other end. Gas strut installation is a pretty straight-forward process that anyone can do with the help of these simple instructions.

The best lift supports are defined by their high quality, design, and durability standards. They come with superior rod finish that increases seal durability, high-strength piston seal, high-pressure gas-filled for smooth action, and steel body pressure cylinder for maximum durability.

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Contact us to enjoy one-on-one personal service and a limited lifetime warranty with every purchase. Part Note: Due to the sharp pitch of some Lift Supports this claw type end is used.