Just to let you know your video was very helpfull I just changed my Nissan Titan Struts same principal and yeah the spring Compressors kind a scary. I couldn't record it i was too interested in changing them.
Im a machine mechanic and although I do most of my vehicle repairs myself, I am not a car mechanic, and I have never replaced struts,so this is just an idea and my own personal opinion, again I have never tried it and cant guarantee it will keep you safe, but if I were doing this job with the tools shown in this video I would put some kind of strong clamps (8 of them) to put on each side of the spring compressors top and bottom, to reduce the very serious risk of the spring compressors slipping.
i think for the DYI job in the driveway i would go with the already assembled struts with the new springs and all that. a little more expensive but a better way to go in My opinion. Monroe makes them like that for a Decent price. :-)
unless you got air & a huge impact gun,those bottom strut bolts aint comin off-the bolts will eat yur 1/4 3/4 1/2 breaker bars as a snack all day-Harbor freight rocks...if you know what your buying-lotta junk tools,then stuff you wont find anywhere else,a fiddlers paradise
Eric always remember what I said: "If the bottom spring on the strut come up it is out" That is always true to me. When the bottom spring come up slightly from the top of the strut it has no more pressure at all. At 7:37 in the video you should stop or you could done little more to be safe and that it or you will bust a spring like I saw you done in your other video on the Honda Accord. When you remove the center nut the whole spring come out easily if it is not compress a whole lot.
well Eric at 5:47 in the video it work perfectly just like that. That is the way I done it on my 2002 Honda Civic LX. One of them compress smaller and the opposite side compress longer. If you ever happen to do strut again that method work very good. Just be sure you don't compress the spring too far and just watch for the bottom of the spring to see if it come up. If the bottom spring on the strut come up it is out. I wish I did a video on my strut and post it as a video response.
What about replacing the strut seals on a leaking strut rather than ditching the whole strut - for me this would be a more satisfying (and less expensive?) option. Possible?
@EricTheCarGuy see everyone goes to Harbor Freight because it is cheaper but is cheaper really better quality. I ask myself that everyday no matter what I buy in parts and tools. I heard in this video you said you know people who got hurt from compressing the spring. I change my strut today on 1/7/12 and I didn't get hurt at all. The people you know who got hurt compress it too far. I just compress the spring about quarter inch and done it came off the strut it self.
@EricTheCarGuy with the center nut still attach, because that is the last thing you have to remove and I replace the strut on 2002 Honda Civic LX in 15 minute just on the driver side because it was the only bad side.
Thanks for the great video! Though I'm a seasoned home mechanic I never had to deal with struts, but my wifes Liberty is ready for some. I have thousands of tools but no spring compressor, do you recommend a particular type?
@Dono743670777 They make a better one than I show in this video that actually shackles to the spring which is a lot safer. You could also consider quick struts that don't require you to compress the spring you only have to replace the assembly. They are a bit more expensive but they are safer to install and you get more new parts than just the strut. Good luck.
@MsBangora It may not be the struts, watch the video I did on finding suspension noises first so see if you can nail down the source before replacing any parts. Good luck.
Eric thanks for this video....I need to do front struts on my 96 Grand Prix and will use this video as a guide. You're the man...the shop wants hundreds and hundreds for the job but I simply can't afford it. I'll be lucky to afford the parts.
Without the compression tools would you suggest a ready mount strut with the spring already there? It is about 100 dollars more for the part, how much do you think it would cost for a shop to compress it?
I replace my front struts and they seem to work fine but when i go into a pot hole at high speed, i heard a knock as the when the wheel goes into the hole
i actually managed to bend both of my strut bolts ( on left side ) while taking them out with a metal hammer....so, use a rubber one, or put a piece of wood over them while hitting.
@EricTheCarGuy i'am debate n on weather i want to do this. need to replace the rear coils on my gto but all i can come up with is a set of 4 eibach and i dont' want to spend 750 bucks to have a shop do it.
@gtofan2005 You might want to check to see if quick struts are available for that application as the come as a complete assembly, no spring compressing required. Another option is to remove the struts yourself and have a shop swap them out for you, then all you would have to worry about is the labor for swapping out the struts.
Hey Eric can my shocks and driver side wheel bearings being bad cause my axle to break at the boot. My car shakes pretty bad when I go 60 or faster on the highway
@mikerelli50 No the suspension parts will have nothing to do with the boot. As for the vibration that is most likely a tire or tire balance issue. You might try rotating the tires to start.
Hi Eric, my shock absorber is separated from the spring. When I install the shock absorber on my honda civic 08, rear passenger side, do i have to low everything on the ground before tighten all the nuts and bolts? If not, what could possibly happen? And if I got everything on the ground, how could I reach to those nuts and bolts with the tire installed? Thanks.
@killsometimeforfun It is true that you should tighten those fasteners with the suspension loaded as it helps keep the bushings from being twisted and damaged. You could always put a floor jack under the lower control arm to support it while you tighten the fasteners.
Tnx 4 teaching safety 1st. When I did this, i put the spring under the car and let the car down to compress it, tied it whit a rope and lifted the car back up again. Everibody stand back!!!
@skiplipari If they are different brands or different struts I don't recommend installing them as you must install the same type and brand on both sides of the car for best results.
Hey Eric, I think my truck needs new rear shock absorbers. what is the signs of worn shock absorbers? my truck seems like it bottoms out when I go over trian tracks at about 20 mph or more. but if I go slower it is a smoothier ride. do you think I need new shocks in the rear?
@13FravelJ Put your eyes on them to see if they are leaking oil, if they are then yes replace them, if not either get heavy duty ones or a different brand.
@EricTheCarGuy another thing that would prevent the spring from taking your head off is chaining the spring so if the tools do slip it wont let the springs decompress and fly out. i see your using the ingersol rand titanium impact i have the same one its got some balls and its light very nice. but yeh if you do another vid show people how to chain it for safety purposes. very good video
@cbr900rr919 Our thanks to you for sharing this special of chaining the spring for double safety. And as usual, the viewers' many thanks to EricTheCarGuy for a detailed video on how to change the front absorbers safely.
Hey Eric, is there any reason why a strut can go bad? My both vehicles one 2005 camry which got bad struts in the front before and now in the back. And my 2009 Nissan Armada got bad front shocks. I have to go through bumpy roads daily which I can't ignore. And i live in Middle East with temperature raising upto 55 degree celsius (131 degree farenheit). Can any of these be a reason for struts going bad?
@richu27 Yes they can because heat is what causes the seals in the strut to fail so if you have high ambient temperatures AND a bumpy road it will cause the strut to get pretty hot and accelerate the wear on the seals in the struts.
@grenman20 It could be that the rubber that is suppose to insulate the strut from noise is not positioned correctly or some other installation or part issue, you really won't know till you take it back apart probably. It could also be the upper strut bearing come to think of it but if that wasn't making noise before you did the change it may not be an issue.
I don't need to take them apart like in this video, I just need to remove it to access the transmission in my Saturn SL2. Do you think that is the same procedure for removing it, those two bolts behind the brake disk and the three bolts up top? And it should come out as one assembly like that?
@yerboogieman If you get quick struts you can just swap out the units but if you get just the struts you will have to compress the spring as in this video. Good luck.
Great vid bro! Instructional and entertaining! You're really funny! Going to try and do this on my M3 but I think I'm going to have my local garage decompress the springs. Thanks for the lesson.
@skatew2 I knew someone that almost died from getting hit in the head with one, it's no joke, Killed or Seriously Injured in the case of compressing springs is a very real thing.
hey i replaced my fornt shocks on my 2000 gmc sierra is it possible to tighten the top nut to tight i think i tightened them to tight because i feel like every rock in the road and im thinking there to tight and dont have enough cusion the bushing looks pretty smashed down so help me out if you can
@joeldude76 Tightening the nut too much won't cause that, that's more likely the type of struts your using, different brands do change how the car rides in my experience.
@williamtate Once you have the top nut installed it's very easy to release the tension. Also don't hold your face close to the strut while you work. :)
@EricTheCarGuy I've got fractured springs and I need to keep the struts so I'm just going to be throwing out the old springs. I was just wondering how you release the compressor if you're not releasing the springs into new struts.
most helpful video i have veiwed so far, i am attempting to fix the supession on my volkswagen jetta glx, but whoever had the car before me put a set of cheep aftermarket coilovers on it and i dont think that they reinstalled them the proper way, do you know of any sites i can look at or a book i could buy to show me exactly how the upper strut mount bushing and bearing go cuz im a little confused on what goes where.
@del3021 In your case I might consider a set of 'quick struts' that come as complete assemblies with the upper plates already installed all you have to do is bolt them in.
My dad was trying to replace my shocks and got stuck. He used to do mechanic work a few years ago and my shocks are different than the ones he's used to. I showed him your video and he was good to go. Thanks so much for such a detailed video!
Thanks for the video Eric! I just replaced my front and back struts on my 10yr old G20. I ended up doing this with hand tools - takes a bit longer but it all worked out and I didn't have any nasty surprises. Thanks again!
ERIC: Thanks for your video. I am removing my strut assembly from my 96 Tacoma on the weekend to remove the spacer lift. Q1 - Do you HAVE to use air tools? especially for that center bolt which keeps it all in compression?
2) if the shock shaft is rotating when trying to remove that top nut, how can i secure it without using a clamp potentially damaging my new shocks?
@fuze59 In a way you answered your own question as the issue when not using air tools is that the shaft often spins making it difficult to remove that nut. You can use vice grips to hold the old strut but you can't use them on the new strut. I've also used an electric impact on stuff like this in the past that works pretty well. Good luck.
@dieseldolittle2 Not an expert here but I know it's not good to use chrome plated sockets for use on an impact gun as they are made of a harder metal that can shatter, at least that's what I was told.
@EricTheCarGuy the point I was making, was that I bought a separate socket set for impact work. All sockets are black. But it appears to be made of the same metal as standard sockets. ie chrome vanadium. Less the chrome plating.
Thanks for the info. Your video skills are also very good.
hey eric me again love the work your doing keep up the vids and you and scotty kilmer here are the same check him out awesome guy mech here same as you you both brillant mechs cred to you and him here !!!!lol:)
Would you please use a steel wire or coat hanger to tie those spring compressor tools to somewhere safe? Either on the spring itself or maybe on your table. And don't reuse the steel wires. If you do check them for wear.
i just recently noticed that in the fron side of my car one side is about 1/2 inch higher than the other side....do i need to change my struts or springs?
I have a set of McPherson strut spring compressors that have a safety rod that locks the compressor to the spring so they can't slip off. I know that no matter what they are still very dangerous. I have too seen what a spring can do to someone and its not pretty.
@tinydx95t2 Your tool is much better than the one I used here, personally I like the wall mount because of the ease of use and the cage around it but your right, that amount of potential energy deserves respect. Thanks for the comment.
@EricTheCarGuy My firestone mechanic says i need new struts for mybone stock 97 accord. Was wondering if he can install my $40.00 jdm lowering springs from ebay i think 1.5 front/1.8 rear drop and firestone strut. Is that set up ok?.
@mikeyung91 I don't see why not as it is easier to install lowering springs that it is to install stock springs, you really don't even have to compress them most times. You may find that your car looks cool but is not as usable as it used to be however as decreasing suspension travel has it's drawbacks. It also kills struts in a short amount of time.
@mufcdoz Sounds like an alignment issue perhaps caused by a loose mount at the base of the strut or a worn ball joint or something. I would jack that side up and have a look at what is going on, you can use the other side of the car as a comparison to perhaps help find the problem. Good luck and thanks for the comment.
@henner09 Hard to say as it really depends on what is loose or broken. It may just need to be fastened securely to the knuckle. Not knowing what car you are working on or what exactly is loose it's really impossible for me to say.
Hey Eric, I have an 00 ford Taurus i had put a brand new set of tires on it about 5 months ago. also had an alignment done now the fronts are bald already. but before i done that i hear a clunking sound when i go over a bump and sometime when i push down on the front of the car. you think its the Struts causing my tires to wear out like that? i plan on buying the "quick Struts" if they are.
@antonio30824 The struts will have nothing to do with the alignment, at least not on the scale that you describe, based on your description I would be looking at the tie rod ends as well as the lower ball joints and strut rod bushings.
My 2001 Ford Focus has been making clunking noises when I turn left for some time.
We thought it was a bad CV Joint (which got replaced twice because the 1st replacement was somehow defective).
We got the CV Joint in & my car still makes the clunking noise (& it's also been doing that when I went over some bumps).
Now it turns out I may have to have that strut replaced.
Could a bad strut be the source of the clunking noises in my car?
Nicksolo85 4 days ago
lmao its happy to see me. awesome
wolfprince7777 1 week ago
This little guy? Don't worry about this little guy! Love it! My favorite quote! LOL
joshuadqueen 1 week ago
Thanks eric i think this video will help me to replace my kia sephia front struts God bless u eric .... you guide people very clear
kalimantans 1 week ago
Just to let you know your video was very helpfull I just changed my Nissan Titan Struts same principal and yeah the spring Compressors kind a scary. I couldn't record it i was too interested in changing them.
SoCaL884 2 weeks ago
haha its happy see me
AN1M3DR4W3R 2 weeks ago
Im a machine mechanic and although I do most of my vehicle repairs myself, I am not a car mechanic, and I have never replaced struts,so this is just an idea and my own personal opinion, again I have never tried it and cant guarantee it will keep you safe, but if I were doing this job with the tools shown in this video I would put some kind of strong clamps (8 of them) to put on each side of the spring compressors top and bottom, to reduce the very serious risk of the spring compressors slipping.
mckinney7378 3 weeks ago
Love quick struts make life easier!
Acuransx135 3 weeks ago
i think for the DYI job in the driveway i would go with the already assembled struts with the new springs and all that. a little more expensive but a better way to go in My opinion. Monroe makes them like that for a Decent price. :-)
MrGizmo757 4 weeks ago
What did you spray it with? And Why? Do I need to befor replacing my strut or you just do it for color?
liljSCK 1 month ago
You can buy loaded struts,strut plates,spring and strut already put together saving money.
wafrederick 1 month ago
lol @ happy to see you! What kinda camera did you record this with? cause it shows up great on my iphone 📲
xxDJCUEBALLxx 1 month ago
unless you got air & a huge impact gun,those bottom strut bolts aint comin off-the bolts will eat yur 1/4 3/4 1/2 breaker bars as a snack all day-Harbor freight rocks...if you know what your buying-lotta junk tools,then stuff you wont find anywhere else,a fiddlers paradise
4cClubT 1 month ago
Eric always remember what I said: "If the bottom spring on the strut come up it is out" That is always true to me. When the bottom spring come up slightly from the top of the strut it has no more pressure at all. At 7:37 in the video you should stop or you could done little more to be safe and that it or you will bust a spring like I saw you done in your other video on the Honda Accord. When you remove the center nut the whole spring come out easily if it is not compress a whole lot.
MileyCyrus192 1 month ago
well Eric at 5:47 in the video it work perfectly just like that. That is the way I done it on my 2002 Honda Civic LX. One of them compress smaller and the opposite side compress longer. If you ever happen to do strut again that method work very good. Just be sure you don't compress the spring too far and just watch for the bottom of the spring to see if it come up. If the bottom spring on the strut come up it is out. I wish I did a video on my strut and post it as a video response.
MileyCyrus192 1 month ago
What about replacing the strut seals on a leaking strut rather than ditching the whole strut - for me this would be a more satisfying (and less expensive?) option. Possible?
psycgirl33 1 month ago
where do u buy the thing to hold the spring
jasminethecoolgirl1 2 months ago
@jasminethecoolgirl1 I got mine at harbor freight.
EricTheCarGuy 1 month ago
@EricTheCarGuy see everyone goes to Harbor Freight because it is cheaper but is cheaper really better quality. I ask myself that everyday no matter what I buy in parts and tools. I heard in this video you said you know people who got hurt from compressing the spring. I change my strut today on 1/7/12 and I didn't get hurt at all. The people you know who got hurt compress it too far. I just compress the spring about quarter inch and done it came off the strut it self.
MileyCyrus192 1 month ago
@EricTheCarGuy with the center nut still attach, because that is the last thing you have to remove and I replace the strut on 2002 Honda Civic LX in 15 minute just on the driver side because it was the only bad side.
MileyCyrus192 1 month ago
@jasminethecoolgirl1 autozone free loan a tool program bro
mattmench 1 week ago
Thanks for the great video! Though I'm a seasoned home mechanic I never had to deal with struts, but my wifes Liberty is ready for some. I have thousands of tools but no spring compressor, do you recommend a particular type?
Dono743670777 3 months ago
@Dono743670777 They make a better one than I show in this video that actually shackles to the spring which is a lot safer. You could also consider quick struts that don't require you to compress the spring you only have to replace the assembly. They are a bit more expensive but they are safer to install and you get more new parts than just the strut. Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
super nice video man! I'm about to attempt this on my friends car.
cinamonBITS 3 months ago
@cinamonBITS Good luck and thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 2 months ago
ohh thanks for the advice cuz i drive XG300l and all of the suspension system make squeak noices. i think i can change rear ones after all lol.
MsBangora 3 months ago
@MsBangora It may not be the struts, watch the video I did on finding suspension noises first so see if you can nail down the source before replacing any parts. Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
nice vid Eric, the set i got is the KD Tool 3387, has a lock so it shouldn't slip off. and i say that loosely
Bryanx89 3 months ago
@Bryanx89 That is a much safer set up, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Eric thanks for this video....I need to do front struts on my 96 Grand Prix and will use this video as a guide. You're the man...the shop wants hundreds and hundreds for the job but I simply can't afford it. I'll be lucky to afford the parts.
brakedd 3 months ago
@brakedd Good luck and thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Without the compression tools would you suggest a ready mount strut with the spring already there? It is about 100 dollars more for the part, how much do you think it would cost for a shop to compress it?
deadprezful 3 months ago
@deadprezful I have no idea but it would be less than having them do the entire job.
EricTheCarGuy 3 months ago
Hey man! I replaced my struts on my Mitsubishi Galant following your video....thank you so much for your time and help.
hieyeque1 4 months ago
@hieyeque1 I love comments like this, thank you for posting it.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Do you think an electric impact wrench would be an appropriate equivalent to the air version?
dbflyboy917 4 months ago
@dbflyboy917 That's actually what I used to use before I got my compressor.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Ah, ok?
dbflyboy917 4 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Ah, okay.
dbflyboy917 2 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I replace my front struts and they seem to work fine but when i go into a pot hole at high speed, i heard a knock as the when the wheel goes into the hole
ryanlester1980 4 months ago
Eric, why don't you consider getting yourself a good clamshell type spring compressor?
They are so much safer than using those damn "strut sticks".
rjh1217 4 months ago
@rjh1217 I don't do enough work to justify the expense at this time but that's a great suggestion.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
i actually managed to bend both of my strut bolts ( on left side ) while taking them out with a metal hammer....so, use a rubber one, or put a piece of wood over them while hitting.
also, that was before seeing this video ;)
nutschTM 4 months ago
@nutschTM That sucks, glad you got it sorted out.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
i know a guy that tried to take a shortcut and the spring whacked him in the head.
gtofan2005 4 months ago
@gtofan2005 Yea if your not careful you can get hurt doing this.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy i'am debate n on weather i want to do this. need to replace the rear coils on my gto but all i can come up with is a set of 4 eibach and i dont' want to spend 750 bucks to have a shop do it.
gtofan2005 4 months ago
@gtofan2005 You might want to check to see if quick struts are available for that application as the come as a complete assembly, no spring compressing required. Another option is to remove the struts yourself and have a shop swap them out for you, then all you would have to worry about is the labor for swapping out the struts.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Hey Eric can my shocks and driver side wheel bearings being bad cause my axle to break at the boot. My car shakes pretty bad when I go 60 or faster on the highway
mikerelli50 4 months ago
@mikerelli50 No the suspension parts will have nothing to do with the boot. As for the vibration that is most likely a tire or tire balance issue. You might try rotating the tires to start.
EricTheCarGuy 4 months ago
Hi Eric, my shock absorber is separated from the spring. When I install the shock absorber on my honda civic 08, rear passenger side, do i have to low everything on the ground before tighten all the nuts and bolts? If not, what could possibly happen? And if I got everything on the ground, how could I reach to those nuts and bolts with the tire installed? Thanks.
killsometimeforfun 5 months ago
@killsometimeforfun It is true that you should tighten those fasteners with the suspension loaded as it helps keep the bushings from being twisted and damaged. You could always put a floor jack under the lower control arm to support it while you tighten the fasteners.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Judging by the fact that they were black, I'm assuming they're Sens-a-Tracks. KYB's are generally white.
AdrianWaitemusic 5 months ago
Tnx 4 teaching safety 1st. When I did this, i put the spring under the car and let the car down to compress it, tied it whit a rope and lifted the car back up again. Everibody stand back!!!
TheMioAmico 5 months ago
@TheMioAmico Scary.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
were those monroes or kyb's?
thumpyls 5 months ago
@thumpyls I don't remember.
EricTheCarGuy 5 months ago
Nice Eric!!!
Chills327 6 months ago
@Chills327 Thanks.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
Fuck I have no clue about cars lol.. having a dad in my life would have helped ^ ^
soulrisk1010 6 months ago
@skiplipari If they are different brands or different struts I don't recommend installing them as you must install the same type and brand on both sides of the car for best results.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
Hey Eric, I think my truck needs new rear shock absorbers. what is the signs of worn shock absorbers? my truck seems like it bottoms out when I go over trian tracks at about 20 mph or more. but if I go slower it is a smoothier ride. do you think I need new shocks in the rear?
13FravelJ 6 months ago
@13FravelJ Put your eyes on them to see if they are leaking oil, if they are then yes replace them, if not either get heavy duty ones or a different brand.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy so I should get new shocks? because I bought this truck used a couple of months ago and I have no clue what brand they are.
13FravelJ 6 months ago
@13FravelJ Have you checked them for leaks?
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy not really but I have just looked at them and I dont really see any liquids dried on them
13FravelJ 6 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy another thing that would prevent the spring from taking your head off is chaining the spring so if the tools do slip it wont let the springs decompress and fly out. i see your using the ingersol rand titanium impact i have the same one its got some balls and its light very nice. but yeh if you do another vid show people how to chain it for safety purposes. very good video
cbr900rr919 6 months ago
@cbr900rr919 Thanks for the great tip and for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@cbr900rr919 Our thanks to you for sharing this special of chaining the spring for double safety. And as usual, the viewers' many thanks to EricTheCarGuy for a detailed video on how to change the front absorbers safely.
opsvideo2008 5 months ago
Hey Eric, is there any reason why a strut can go bad? My both vehicles one 2005 camry which got bad struts in the front before and now in the back. And my 2009 Nissan Armada got bad front shocks. I have to go through bumpy roads daily which I can't ignore. And i live in Middle East with temperature raising upto 55 degree celsius (131 degree farenheit). Can any of these be a reason for struts going bad?
richu27 6 months ago
@richu27 Yes they can because heat is what causes the seals in the strut to fail so if you have high ambient temperatures AND a bumpy road it will cause the strut to get pretty hot and accelerate the wear on the seals in the struts.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Thanks for the answer. Thanks for this wonderful videos. :)
richu27 6 months ago
@richu27 Your most welcome.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
Eric, I just replaced my struts on my 01 ford escape but now ever time i turn the wheel there is a creaking sound. Any ideas what that could be?
grenman20 6 months ago
@grenman20 It could be that the rubber that is suppose to insulate the strut from noise is not positioned correctly or some other installation or part issue, you really won't know till you take it back apart probably. It could also be the upper strut bearing come to think of it but if that wasn't making noise before you did the change it may not be an issue.
EricTheCarGuy 6 months ago
It's happy to see me lol . Very informative . Thanks for the how to video . Now I think I can change my struts myself .
TheMoviedude2011 7 months ago
@TheMoviedude2011 Good luck and thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
That's right! set that loaded bomb on that chair..so when you get tired you'll know were to go..LOL
Pontisti 7 months ago 4
I don't need to take them apart like in this video, I just need to remove it to access the transmission in my Saturn SL2. Do you think that is the same procedure for removing it, those two bolts behind the brake disk and the three bolts up top? And it should come out as one assembly like that?
I promise, I usually know what I'm doing.
yerboogieman 7 months ago
@yerboogieman If you get quick struts you can just swap out the units but if you get just the struts you will have to compress the spring as in this video. Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Eric, car seat was happy to see you too. Great video. I got a paint ball mask and construction helmet for strut compression. Weee
vitiay 7 months ago
@vitiay You sound like the perfect guy for the job, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Ahahaha!!!!!! "its happy to see me"
Zekedead 7 months ago 20
Great vid bro! Instructional and entertaining! You're really funny! Going to try and do this on my M3 but I think I'm going to have my local garage decompress the springs. Thanks for the lesson.
UTubeMeTubeWeTube 7 months ago
@UTubeMeTubeWeTube Thanks for the comment and good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 7 months ago
Wheel bearing
nicktouchy 8 months ago
@Godstable That's a bit vague if I'm honest but check the ball joints as well as the other parts of the suspension.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
what injuries have you seen from failed spring compressing attempts? (awesome vids btw)
skatew2 8 months ago
@skatew2 I knew someone that almost died from getting hit in the head with one, it's no joke, Killed or Seriously Injured in the case of compressing springs is a very real thing.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
do you know if i can use air hammers ,driver ,wrenches ect with a 8 gallon compresser? if not whats the minimum you would recommend
kirklanddavis 8 months ago
@kirklanddavis Perhaps but I don't think they would be very effective, I think you need at least a 20 gallon to run basic air tools.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
OMG I laughed soooo hard at the end you are so effen funny and cute!
italiarachel68 8 months ago
@italiarachel68 Well thanks for that and the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Like a "loaded bomb"!!!
Thanks for the info! This was helpful.
halnass 8 months ago
@halnass I'm happy to help, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
hey i replaced my fornt shocks on my 2000 gmc sierra is it possible to tighten the top nut to tight i think i tightened them to tight because i feel like every rock in the road and im thinking there to tight and dont have enough cusion the bushing looks pretty smashed down so help me out if you can
joeldude76 8 months ago
@joeldude76 allthough my tires are very old and worn could that be a problem with the bumpy ride?
joeldude76 8 months ago
@joeldude76 The first thing to address when dealing with ride quality is the tires.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
@joeldude76 Tightening the nut too much won't cause that, that's more likely the type of struts your using, different brands do change how the car rides in my experience.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Great video! I watched it before replacing my cars full suspension.... great help
hodgeybodgey78 8 months ago
@hodgeybodgey78 It's always great to hear when my videos actually help someone. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 8 months ago
Sweet video! (It was counter-clockwise to 'unlock' the compressed strut, by the way. :)
KazimierzCIE 9 months ago
How do you get the spring compressors back off the spring without smashing your face off?
williamtate 9 months ago
@williamtate Once you have the top nut installed it's very easy to release the tension. Also don't hold your face close to the strut while you work. :)
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy I've got fractured springs and I need to keep the struts so I'm just going to be throwing out the old springs. I was just wondering how you release the compressor if you're not releasing the springs into new struts.
williamtate 9 months ago
Gotta love the flashing "subscribe" button at the end. LOL
jonathanyip343 9 months ago
@jonathanyip343 So far it's been working out. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
can you make a full vid of a car getting a sevice step by step
antoblake09 9 months ago
@antoblake09 I've actually shot a video for that but I have yet to edit it.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy ok thats great let me know when u do edit it thanks
antoblake09 9 months ago
@antoblake09 It may be some time as I'm about to start on a series covering electrical but I'll do my best.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
most helpful video i have veiwed so far, i am attempting to fix the supession on my volkswagen jetta glx, but whoever had the car before me put a set of cheep aftermarket coilovers on it and i dont think that they reinstalled them the proper way, do you know of any sites i can look at or a book i could buy to show me exactly how the upper strut mount bushing and bearing go cuz im a little confused on what goes where.
del3021 9 months ago
@del3021 In your case I might consider a set of 'quick struts' that come as complete assemblies with the upper plates already installed all you have to do is bolt them in.
EricTheCarGuy 9 months ago
2 People couldn't follow Eric's instructions...
jmzollner 9 months ago
the best video ive viewed so far... kudos for the super troops reference..."that little guy ? dont worry about that little guy" #assurance.
MrPoppaseed 10 months ago
@MrPoppaseed Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Nice one Eric , very useful.
awxjr 10 months ago
@awxjr Thank you and thanks for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
My dad was trying to replace my shocks and got stuck. He used to do mechanic work a few years ago and my shocks are different than the ones he's used to. I showed him your video and he was good to go. Thanks so much for such a detailed video!
ruvalcaba86 10 months ago
Comment removed
ruvalcaba86 10 months ago
Thanks for the video Eric! I just replaced my front and back struts on my 10yr old G20. I ended up doing this with hand tools - takes a bit longer but it all worked out and I didn't have any nasty surprises. Thanks again!
jtallman2323 10 months ago
@jtallman2323 Those are a lot of fun from what I remember, you da man for doing it with hand tools. Thanks for your comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Springs are scary as hell to work on. i was scared of getting hurt just by watching this
1PARADOXXX 10 months ago
@1PARADOXXX A healthy respect for being killed or seriously injured is a good thing in my opinion.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Awesome. I have a '99 Intrigue that need all the struts replaced.
tjrieves 10 months ago
@tjrieves I think these videos will help, thanks for the comment and good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
ITS HAPPY TO SEE ME... that was kind of gay lol... WELL THANKS FOR THE VID IT HELP ME ALOT..LOL THANKS GUY.
1therambo 10 months ago
@1therambo Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
ERIC: Thanks for your video. I am removing my strut assembly from my 96 Tacoma on the weekend to remove the spacer lift. Q1 - Do you HAVE to use air tools? especially for that center bolt which keeps it all in compression?
2) if the shock shaft is rotating when trying to remove that top nut, how can i secure it without using a clamp potentially damaging my new shocks?
Thanks and love your work!
fuze59 10 months ago
@fuze59 In a way you answered your own question as the issue when not using air tools is that the shaft often spins making it difficult to remove that nut. You can use vice grips to hold the old strut but you can't use them on the new strut. I've also used an electric impact on stuff like this in the past that works pretty well. Good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy Thanks Eric. Doing it this weekend and hoping it all goes smooth :)
fuze59 10 months ago
@fuze59 Me too, good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
ERIC
Great Videos.
My impact grade sockets have "Chrome Vanadium" stamped on them.
I thought all impact grade sockets should be "Chrome Molybednum"
Is it OK to use my socket set with air tools.
Danny
dieseldolittle2 10 months ago
@dieseldolittle2 Not an expert here but I know it's not good to use chrome plated sockets for use on an impact gun as they are made of a harder metal that can shatter, at least that's what I was told.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
@EricTheCarGuy the point I was making, was that I bought a separate socket set for impact work. All sockets are black. But it appears to be made of the same metal as standard sockets. ie chrome vanadium. Less the chrome plating.
Thanks for the info. Your video skills are also very good.
dieseldolittle2 10 months ago
@ERIC
Great Videos. Now I am getting into air tools.
My impact grade sockets have "Chrome Vanadium" stamped on them.
I read that impact grade sockets should be "Chrome Molybednum"
Is it OK to use my CrVa socket set with air tools.
Danny
dieseldolittle2 10 months ago
ERIC
Great Videos.
My impact grade sockets have "Chrome Vanadium" stamped on them.
I read that impact grade sockets should be "Chrome Molybednum"
Is it OK to use my CrVA socket set with air tools.
Danny
dieseldolittle2 10 months ago
hey eric me again love the work your doing keep up the vids and you and scotty kilmer here are the same check him out awesome guy mech here same as you you both brillant mechs cred to you and him here !!!!lol:)
fastvpbt1 10 months ago
@fastvpbt1 I'm actually a subscriber of Scotty Kilmer, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Attempting my first do it yourself strut replacement today. Thanks for the insight.
Dlitz3 10 months ago
@Dlitz3 Have fun and good luck.
EricTheCarGuy 10 months ago
Would you please use a steel wire or coat hanger to tie those spring compressor tools to somewhere safe? Either on the spring itself or maybe on your table. And don't reuse the steel wires. If you do check them for wear.
nobutsome 10 months ago
i just recently noticed that in the fron side of my car one side is about 1/2 inch higher than the other side....do i need to change my struts or springs?
Titan9mm 11 months ago
@Titan9mm Springs control ride height, struts dampen the movement of the springs, in short it sounds like you need springs.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
Excellent how to video....Excellent quality and really detailed.....Keep em comin I will always be watchin....Thanks
wsvitak 11 months ago
@wsvitak I'm very happy you liked the video, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 11 months ago
I have a set of McPherson strut spring compressors that have a safety rod that locks the compressor to the spring so they can't slip off. I know that no matter what they are still very dangerous. I have too seen what a spring can do to someone and its not pretty.
tinydx95t2 1 year ago
@tinydx95t2 Your tool is much better than the one I used here, personally I like the wall mount because of the ease of use and the cage around it but your right, that amount of potential energy deserves respect. Thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy My firestone mechanic says i need new struts for mybone stock 97 accord. Was wondering if he can install my $40.00 jdm lowering springs from ebay i think 1.5 front/1.8 rear drop and firestone strut. Is that set up ok?.
mikeyung91 1 year ago
@mikeyung91 I don't see why not as it is easier to install lowering springs that it is to install stock springs, you really don't even have to compress them most times. You may find that your car looks cool but is not as usable as it used to be however as decreasing suspension travel has it's drawbacks. It also kills struts in a short amount of time.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Very helpful, thanks you!
classikz 1 year ago
amazing video
antofro 1 year ago
@antofro Thank you.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy hi eric keep up the good work can you show me the best way to remove a ball joint from the control arm thanks Jas.
jass355 1 year ago
@jass355 Thanks for the comment. Watch the video Oops, Axle Ball Joint Replacement for ball joint removal.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@jass355 hey eric when changing the strut do you have to do the wheel allignment after.
jass355 1 year ago
@jass355 On most vehicles no but if you find that the lower bolts for the strut are offset then you will need an alignment after replacing struts.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
GTA 4 for free on:
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FrederichDonatelli93 1 year ago
@FrederichDonatelli93 Go away.
tjrieves 1 year ago
hello love all ur vids man great stuff best guy doin this stuff i eva seen,
i have a peugeot 206 and my strut base plate tht the bottom of the coil spring sits on is resting on my tyre any ideas to what is the problem????
mufcdoz 1 year ago
@mufcdoz Sounds like an alignment issue perhaps caused by a loose mount at the base of the strut or a worn ball joint or something. I would jack that side up and have a look at what is going on, you can use the other side of the car as a comparison to perhaps help find the problem. Good luck and thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
@EricTheCarGuy
cheers man greatly appreciated, keep on creating those videos cant stop watching them.
mufcdoz 1 year ago
great video!!! One of the best. Thanks! :)
sweetestnovember28 1 year ago
@sweetestnovember28 Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
did they shut down Davidsfarm vids
hp11208 1 year ago
@hp11208 Last Saturday I think. I hear through the grapevine he may be doing his own site or something.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
If the lower end of my strut is loose can I just repair it or replace?
henner09 1 year ago
@henner09 Hard to say as it really depends on what is loose or broken. It may just need to be fastened securely to the knuckle. Not knowing what car you are working on or what exactly is loose it's really impossible for me to say.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
Hey Eric, I have an 00 ford Taurus i had put a brand new set of tires on it about 5 months ago. also had an alignment done now the fronts are bald already. but before i done that i hear a clunking sound when i go over a bump and sometime when i push down on the front of the car. you think its the Struts causing my tires to wear out like that? i plan on buying the "quick Struts" if they are.
Thanks.
antonio30824 1 year ago
@antonio30824 The struts will have nothing to do with the alignment, at least not on the scale that you describe, based on your description I would be looking at the tie rod ends as well as the lower ball joints and strut rod bushings.
EricTheCarGuy 1 year ago
haha you're nuts for removing the coil using only one of those braces. I used three smaller ones, never trust cheap tools..
vetteburna 1 year ago