Shocks and struts

V

vadlo

Member
Location
Spokane WA
Hey guys, looking around to change out my shocks, by reading on this forum, KYBs are the way to go? Any recommendations for a coil tensioner to remove the strut? Thanks!

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vadlo said:
Hey guys, looking around to change out my shocks, by reading on this forum, KYBs are the way to go? Any recommendations for a coil tensioner to remove the strut? Thanks!

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I assume you are talking about a spring compressor tool used in removing the coil spring from the strut? Amazon has some, as well as any auto part store. I trust the OEM brand of tools myself ,which make a good spring compressor that they sell on amazon.
 
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That's what I meant lol. So are KYBs the ones I should buy? Just going for a replacement, not fancy upgrade..

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vadlo said:
That's what I meant lol. So are KYBs the ones I should buy? Just going for a replacement, not fancy upgrade..

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KYB should be fine because they are the original suppliers of the original struts and shocks on the first generation FX like yours. Here is link to a good quality spring suppressor from Amazon. FYI, do not go cheap on the spring compressor tool!!!!!Unless you want to see how high your spring can travel or worst.http://www.amazon.com/OEM-25550-Str...383428625&sr=8-5&keywords=coil+spring+remover
 
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vadlo said:
Does RockAuto.com have best prices, or are there other sites you know of?

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Honestly, I use Amazon mostly due to having the free 2-day member shipping. However, I would just check all the different part sites and compare prices plus the shipping. Tirerack does carry the KYB struts and shocks for the FX and have good deals on the prices sometimes. The website may be worth a look.
 
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That's a very good price. Since your FX is an 03, I would highly recommend to change out the strut bearing while you at it. It might not have a problem now, but when it does after you installed the new struts, you'll have to take it apart and replace the bearing then. Also, if you're not planning to replace the strut bearing, just be very gentle when pulling the spring off the upper strut mount, that way the chance of the strut bear rip apart will be minimal.

I love this spring compressor: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-MacPhe...Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c309989f4&vxp=mtr

I used to use this, but its a battle everytime. Not as easy as the one above. http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

I also have those with two hooks, I don't like to use it if I don't have to. I know the one from ebay is the most expensive among the three, but think of it this way. If you going to use the tools two more time, you got your money back since a front suspension job at the shop these days easilu run you $200 to $250 on labor. If you going to use the tool with other cars you have, it already pay for itself. The first one is very easy to use and it doesn't take much to compress the spring down.
 
vadlo said:
I just bought off amazon. All 4 struts in a set from KYB for $207, not bad!
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I just bought a full set of KYB's from partsgeek.com for about $253.00 and free shipping. Looked in amazon.com but didn't see anything close to what you got, which is an awesome deal. Also bought a set of front strut mount that comes with new bearing from 1aauto.com for $72.00, also with free shipping. My search for a replacement strut bearing wasn't too successful and didn't want to take a chance on buying a strut bearing alone that might not fit so bought the whole set since it was no guess work. Going to the dealer for that part would have been just as expensive as buying the full strut mount I think.
 
I believe you can also rent a spring compressor from most autoparts stores, I think it's free w/ deposit. I used to do that years back.
 
Yeah, use those back in the days, but I still have it in tool storage. Not sure why though. :laugh:
 
Haha, it was definitely a paint to use, but free was free. I've hardly ever had to use one after getting the OEM springs off. I found that with aftermarket springs, the tension was much lower so I'd just remove it without compressing. Never had it shoot across the room or any other horror stories, usually just bounce the top cap a foot. I still always aimed it away from anything just in case. Obviously I don't recommend this, I was just being lazy.
 
:P oh well, received this one yesterday lol. Ill let you know how things go on Saturday!

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---------- Post added at 12:33 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:32 AM ----------

Im changing my struts on my g20t first, maybe won't be so bad...

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---------- Post added at 12:42 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:33 AM ----------

Here's the g20t if any are interested :) IMG_0462.jpg
IMG_0461.jpg

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Tried to replace my struts on the g20 today, you guys are right, that tool is a pain! I didn't even replace any of them! After compressing the spring the top nut is a pain to untighten without proper tools, because the strut rod spins with the nut. Got the strut out, but the new one doesnt fit between the spring compressor teeth. Its made a little different from the other strut (different brand). So i put everything back, uncopressed it, and while putting the strut back in i didn't notice that i turned the mounting plate while putting everything back, so the bolt holes didnt line up, so i had to take everything apart again. Lol. Anyway, need a new tool, probably selling this one on Craigslist lol.
 
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