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Strut replacement

C

chumley

New member
This has probably been covered on this forum, but I don't have time to scroll through every post. How difficult and involved is it to replace the struts all around on a 2001 Grand Prix? ( do it yourself job)
thanks, Chumley
 


As with anything, depends on what you have done before and how mechanical you are.

The spring compressor / holder / clamps (unless you are changing springs then you will need a real spring compressor) are very cheap so that is really not an issue. I found using the weight of the car works well when installing the spring holders.

Just time consuming and getting the back struts out requires removing the back seat to really get at the bolts easy. Always fun doing stuff on the inside of your car when your hands are greasy. You may also have to invest in some sockets and wrenches to complete the job. Stuff that is not typical unless you have a big Snap-On roll around tool vault. But then if you had one of those you would probably not be asking. Right? Not being raggy, I don't have one either, wish I did.

Check this thread out for some recommendations on struts:
http://www.grandprixforums.net/what-do-you-guys-think-about-kyb-gr2-37070.html

Hope this helps.
 
No. Factory holes do not allow enough camber adjustment. Get 4 camber bolts or slot the replacement struts before installing them. I was lucky and the camber was even left to right without any adjustment but more negative than spec. No wear problems after ~4K miles.
You will need a BFH to knock the lower strut bolts out but look out as I slipped and cracked one of the rear ABS housings they are plastic. Then had to replace the bearing/ABS hub assembly.
 


So how long would it take someone who has never done struts before to replace all 4?

I am looking to just replace the worn stock struts on my 2000 GTP (not lowering). I've done a lot of things with my car from simple spark plugs, to brakes, coolant change, tranny pan drop/filter, front and rear wheel bearings, sway bars, intake, plog, downpipe....

I have always been scared of the springs. Maybe they aren't as much of a problem after all. Plus I have a free alignment coming, so it may be good to do this in time to use that before it expires.

Something that I should be able to handle?
And again, about how much time is required (estimated of course) for all 4 to be replaced?

Thanks!
 


If you had all the tools on hand, less than half a day (~4 hrs). Me, I had to run out and get a BFH (ball peen wasn't heavy enough) then out again to get a ratchetting box end wrench for the rear upper mounts (ratchet and socket won't fit). Having an impact wrench really makes working the lower bolts of the struts super quick.
The springs you should be scared of. Using the spring compressor, the threaded rods were bending quite a bit. Made me real nervous.
Then when putting in the 2nd front strut, I noticed a clear plastic debris shield that didn't come with the new parts but was on the original struts. Well (oh s#@*%t) out came the 1st strut, compress that spring again to get the debris shield into the stack of parts under the mount then re-install it.
 
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I did my front two in an about an hour tonight (maybe a little less) But I bought quick struts, so you dont have to deal with compressing the springs or anything, they just come right out as one piece and the new one goes right in. I would recommend doing that, the only reason I did it is because I'm at 135K and riding on the original suspension still, so it made more sense to get the whole quick strut kit even though it was much more than regular struts. You can definitely do it yourself this way. 5 bolts, you really can't mess up. Air tools do help though, it would have taken me twice as long by hand. Plus most of the auto stores are doing buy 3 get the 4th free for "Shocktober"
 
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