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Old 08-02-2013, 08:13 PM   #1
ben131185
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Default front strut replacement

just about to replace the front struts on my au1.

picked up some new lowered ultima's off ebay and spring compressors.

is it as simple as jacking up, unbolt top and bottom of strut, remove, then put springs etc on the new strut and refit?

is a wheel alignment necessary afterwards?

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Old 08-02-2013, 08:36 PM   #2
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Default Re: front strut replacement

yup unbolt big nut from bottom of strut and 3 nuts from top of strut in engine bay, leaver lower control arm out of the way with a breaker bar or jack handle or remove swaybar links only 2 bolts and take it out and replace shocks. refit.
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Old 09-02-2013, 05:07 AM   #3
peterljohnson55
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Default Re: front strut replacement

I heard this week that it is necessary, for rego/road worthy to have boots fitted to the struts. Is this true?
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Old 09-02-2013, 05:15 PM   #4
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Default Re: front strut replacement

ive never heard of that but i live in s.a we dont have roadworthys
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Old 09-02-2013, 06:21 PM   #5
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Default Re: front strut replacement

Quote:
I heard this week that it is necessary, for rego/road worthy to have boots fitted to the struts. Is this true?
New one on me? never heard of this before, what sort of boot? I just had my Silver AUIII passed in December and my AUI in October, no one mentioned that.
I think someone is pulling your leg.

As to changing, I just changed the Struts and control arms on the AUIII and I found it is MUCH easier to remove the upper control arm as well, makes the removal of the struts easier.
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Old 10-02-2013, 01:25 AM   #6
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Default Re: front strut replacement

I have emailed the question about the strut boots to NSW's Roads and Maratime Services and should get a reply early next week.

Ben131185, I am not intending to hijack your thread here, but thought the side topic important given your proposed work.
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Old 10-02-2013, 04:13 PM   #7
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Default Re: front strut replacement

I don't think you would need them. The OEM don't have boots on them and they passed ADR at the time.

Edit:
Just looked at the FG no boots there either.
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Old 10-02-2013, 04:32 PM   #8
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Default Re: front strut replacement

alignment not essential but it's always a good idea when you change front end components
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Old 10-02-2013, 07:09 PM   #9
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Default Re: front strut replacement

Yep, Id take upper control arm off too, much easier!!
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Old 10-02-2013, 10:04 PM   #10
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Default Re: front strut replacement

ok i got it all done. was pretty easy once i worked it out.

unbolt bottom, unbolt top, unbolt swaybar link, disconnect the upper ball joint from steering knuckle, pull it all out. change over spring and upper mounts and refit.

2nd side probably too about half an hour or just over all up with removing and refitting wheel and torquing nuts up to spec.

only thing i was a bit unsure about was the new struts have a hook on them, the old ones don't. i refitted with the hook facing the centre of the car. i would have thought facing outwards would have been more likely, but i fitted them back in so both top and bottom spring mounts were facing the same way as before which left them on the inside.

they don't look like they'll foul on anything but i can't see what the idea of them is.
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Old 10-02-2013, 10:10 PM   #11
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Default Re: front strut replacement

I think Hook is for the brake line. I think it faces the wheels.
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Old 10-02-2013, 10:17 PM   #12
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Default Re: front strut replacement

yeh hook is for the brake lines and faces the wheel
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Old 11-02-2013, 03:36 AM   #13
peterljohnson55
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Default Re: front strut replacement

Pic shows relationship of bracket to other stuff - no interference.
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----- ANJ is a practical beast, but still a lady, that I want to keep alive until at least2021 -----
-------- Preventative Maintenance Policy --------

Last edited by peterljohnson55; 04-10-2014 at 04:55 PM.
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Old 11-02-2013, 10:29 PM   #14
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Default Re: front strut replacement

oh well mine are facing the wrong way then.
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