On my 2006 Hyundai Sonata, I want to replace the front strut shocks, but I’m not sure if I’ll need a spring compresser for this. In my attempts to find a solution to this query on the internet, I came up empty-handed. Does anyone have any previous experience fixing this particular vehicle? I am aware that using a compressor is not always necessary.
In This Article...
Can I change my own front struts?
Driving on old struts actually results in higher costs since the unregulated bouncing quickly wears out expensive suspension parts like ball joints, control arm bushings, stabilizer bar end links, and tie rod ends. It also swiftly damages your tires. In addition, worn struts increase your stopping distance from 60 mph by roughly 10 feet and cause steering instability, which is dangerous, especially on curves at higher speeds.
It used to be dangerous for a do-it-yourselfer to replace struts. While hoping the spring wouldn’t let go and rip out an eye or a limb, you had to compress it and remove the strut. Furthermore, if the internal hex pulled out, removing the rusty nut at the top of the strut might become a nightmare. However, you can now purchase a full strut assembly that does away with the need to disassemble the strut, spring, and mount. With these assemblies, you may quickly and easily replace both of your front struts. Even though you’ll need to have an alignment afterwards (costs roughly $100), doing the work yourself will still result in a $300 save. You’ll also need a thin piece of plywood, pin punches, large screwdrivers, wrenches, and rust penetrant. You might need to purchase a breaker bar and a couple large sockets. These are the procedures.
How can I tell whether I require brand-new front struts?
Shock absorbers or struts may need to be replaced if your car bottoms out over speed bumps, railroad lines, or dips in the road, or if it continues to bounce long after the impact. Unusual noises over bumps, significant body lean or sway in curves, or the front end of the car diving suddenly under severe braking are other symptoms of worn shocks and struts. Uneven tire wear and poor steering control can also be caused by bad shocks.
Because car shocks deteriorate gradually, you might not notice because you grow accustomed to a looser, springier ride, much as how you do as your car’s brake pads deteriorate and you become accustomed to longer stopping distances.
Pushing down firmly on each corner of a car is one way to check the health of the shocks and struts. Your shocks need to be replaced if the car continues to bounce after you release the brake. It may, however, take quite an amount of strength to do this bounce test for the shocks, and with so many high-riding SUVs and pickup trucks, it might be difficult to gain the leverage required.
Instead, whenever your car is lifted, such when you get your tires changed, you should have a certified auto mechanic inspect your shock absorbers and struts. The mechanic will be able to determine if there are any significant leaks (shock absorbers are filled with fluid), worn mounts or bushings, or physical damage to the shock absorbers, such as dents, which can reduce the piston’s ability to control bounce or lead to leaking.
Despite recommendations to replace shocks or struts at predetermined intervals (typically from those who sell replacements), such as every 50,000 miles, the time frame for doing so depends on your vehicle as well as how and where you drive. You’ll likely need new shocks and struts for your car more frequently than if you mostly travel on level pavement if you frequently drive over uneven, rough roads that put extra stress on the shock absorbers and front struts. Shocks will deteriorate more quickly when carrying hefty weights.
Is replacing struts simple?
The main components of your suspension are your struts and shocks, so if you are operating your vehicle on worn-out struts, you may be sitting on a ticking time bomb. If your struts have more than 80,000 miles on them or if you’ve observed that your ride is getting more
It’s time to replace your struts if they are bouncy. Ball joints, stabilizer bar end links, and control arm bushings are just a few of the pricey parts that might be harmed by old struts. You can easily save over $300 if you replace your front struts yourself.
It is now simpler than ever to tackle this project yourself thanks to our complete strut assembly kits. Having stated that, this job is not recommended for DIY beginners and should only be attempted by experienced to expert technicians. If you’re searching
How much should it cost to replace the front struts?
Depending on the brand and model, struts typically cost $150 to $450. Usually, it is necessary to replace both struts at once. A pair of struts will cost you between $300 and $900 to replace.
What else has to be changed when struts are replaced?
Whether you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms, get your alignment checked, or put on new tires, the best way to know when to repair your shocks and struts is to have a skilled technician check your suspension. Get your car’s suspension inspected at the very least once a year.
Replace front or rear axle shocks and struts in pairs at all times. It is even better to replace the shocks and struts on all four wheels at once. This keeps the vehicle’s handling and responsiveness on both sides uniform and dependable.
We always advise obtaining an alignment as well, following any suspension work. Wheel alignment of your car could also vary if your suspension is altered. Additionally, even little adjustments to wheel alignment can have expensive long-term effects.
Do I need to adjust my struts with a spring compressor?
Many automobiles have integrated springs inside the shocks and struts, which, if removed improperly, could cause you harm or damage your car. In these situations, you’ll need a spring compressor to safely disassemble everything.
Your neighborhood auto parts store may rent out spring compressors, but it’s crucial to know how to operate them. You must exercise caution because this step is crucial to changing shocks and struts. If you’re unsure about removing the springs, you might want to think about taking your car to a repair.
Shocks and struts—are they interchangeable?
You’ll frequently hear individuals use the terms “shocks” and “struts” interchangeably. Shocks and struts, however, are two separate components with different purposes. Both of these components aim to improve the ride and handling of your car, but they do so in different ways. While struts are a significant structural element of the chassis and suspension system, shocks are discrete parts of the suspension system.
What occurs if struts are not replaced?
Let’s discuss why replacing shocks and struts is essential now that you are aware of what they are. Over time, shocks and struts deteriorate, and as a result, your vehicle’s performance starts to suffer. You can experience a bumpier ride, bouncing tires, creaking, and even fluid seeping from your car.
It’s time to take action when you see these cautionary signals. You’ll save money in the long run by having one of our trained technicians at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire examine your car when these problems start. Discuss the reasons why.
Your car’s stability is compromised when your shocks and struts are damaged, which causes your tires to bounce back and forth. In place of the typical, uniform wear patterns you would observe on tires with functional shocks and struts, this can eventually eat away at your tires and generate unusual wear patterns and even smooth patches where the rubber has worn away. The automobile is unsafe to drive because of the damage to the tires, and you might find yourself needing to pay to have the tires replaced as a result of this problem.
Also affected by poor shocks and struts are your brakes. Your tires may actually rise into the air when you apply the brakes when they are worn out. Even though it’s only a few inches at most, it may be very dangerous when your tires are not on the ground. This is especially true while you’re turning or going around curves because you need your tires to be securely planted for those maneuvers to be safe. Additionally, the reduced grip can actually lead you to lose 100 feet of stopping distance when you try to brake.
Additionally, the bouncing caused by the malfunctioning shocks and struts will place a great deal of stress on your car’s suspension system. Not having them updated can result in damage to the ball joints, wheel hubs, and several other suspension parts since they are not doing their job, which is to absorb the shock. If there is nothing in your car to absorb the shock and energy from striking a bump, it will spread throughout it and cause damage. Without repairing your shocks and struts at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire, you risk having a vehicle that is not only potentially unsafe but also incapable of moving at all. Suspension work can be expensive to repair.
When it comes to replacing your shocks and struts, the most crucial danger you need to be aware of is safety-related. You spend a lot of time in your car with the people you love. Your vehicle’s handling, control, and safety are severely compromised when its shocks and struts are failing. If you continue to drive with worn shocks and struts, you run the risk of getting into an accident that damages both your automobile and, maybe, the car of another driver.
Although shocks and struts occasionally can be pricey, they are an essential component of your car. The skilled mechanics at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire will make sure your car is safe to drive and assist you in getting back on the road.
A certified Goodyear tire dealer may be found in Woodbridge, Virginia, at Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire. All makes and models, including Mercedes and BMW, are subject to auto repair services. Oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics are among the available services.
Will new struts improve the ride quality of my car?
Similar to how tires degrade over time, these components also wear down over time. A new pair of struts or shocks might significantly enhance your ride quality in comparison to your old, worn-out ones if you haven’t replaced them in a while or can’t recall the last time you did.
Does alignment change when struts are changed?
Depending on how the car is built. By design, a strut also serves as a wheel and tire support. When the struts are changed, some models are unaffected while others see a change in wheel alignment. Tire alignment may be affected by the removal and installation of struts. Some struts contain spaces for adjustments that can be used for alignment. It is best to examine the service handbook and specs for the particular vehicle as all struts have some effect on alignment.
How can I tell if my struts need replacement?
- erratic behavior at motorway speeds.
- In turns, the vehicle “tips” to one side.
- During forceful braking, the front end drops more than is normal.
- When accelerating, stoop from the rear.
- severe bouncing of the tires.
- uncommon tire wear
- fluid leaking from shocks or struts’ exteriors
How long does it take to replace struts in hours?
Is the stop of your vehicle taking longer than usual? Is it strangely bumpier? The symptoms definitely indicate that your struts have failed, thus I believe it is time to replace them. Fortunately, you can either do it yourself or hire a professional to replace them.
Most professional mechanics agree that changing struts typically takes one to two hours. As long as you have prior mechanical experience and perform the procedure correctly, the expected time is the same even if you choose to replace them on your own.
The ability to manage and control the vehicle may be compromised if struts are not replaced in a timely manner.