No one loves having to fix something on their car. Most of the time, a repair just elicits feelings of despair and stress, wondering whether or not the needed repair is really that serious and if it’s going to break the bank. If you’ve noticed that your vehicle is starting to feel a bit bouncy on the road, your struts may be the culprit. These important components are part of your suspension system and are responsible for smoothing the bumps of the road so that you don’t spill your coffee every time you hit a small pothole on the way to work in the morning.
A car will either have shocks or struts on each wheel (many have struts on the front wheels and shocks on the rear wheels). Although shocks and struts are slightly different, they do the same thing. They are both a type of pressurized damper that controls the oscillations of the springs that support the vehicle. A shock (short for “shock absorber”) is a stand-alone damper, while a strut combines the damper and spring into a single component. If you’re in need of strut replacement, you may be wondering what it entails and whether or not you can do it yourself. Let’s find out.
What’s Involved In Strut Replacement?
When changing out the struts (or shocks) on your vehicle, the car will need to be raised and the wheels taken off to access the wheel wells where the struts are located. Once the struts are taken out of the vehicle, the springs will need to be removed from the dampers with a specialized tool called a spring compressor. This requires skill as these springs, when removed incorrectly, can fly through the air at a startling speed, which can cause immense damage to the area around you—and you if you’re in the way. Like garage door springs, these springs can be dangerous, which is why most drivers leave this task to the professionals.
Once the spring has been removed from the strut, a fresh damper can be installed. Then, it’s time to break out the spring compressors again in order to reinstall the spring on the strut. After this has been done, the strut can be put back into the vehicle, and it’s time to move on to the next wheel and repeat the process. There is also the option to use “quick struts,” where the entire assembly is replaced instead of just the damper. This means you can avoid removing the springs, making the job quicker and safer. However, an entire strut assembly is more expensive than just the damper.
When all the struts have been replaced, a test drive is the next part of the process to ensure that the new struts are working properly and are installed correctly. It’s important to take it slow and see how the vehicle handles and if it’s providing a cushioned quality ride. Testing the steering wheel and slowly maneuvering down the road can help you ensure that the struts are doing their job and you’re able to enjoy a safe, comfortable ride. You’ll also need a new alignment after major suspension work.
Signs Your Struts Need to Be Replaced
If you pay attention to the signs, your vehicle will usually let you know when something is wrong. The same goes for when your struts are becoming too worn to do their job and need to be replaced. Sudden strut failure is rare; usually, it’s a matter of them slowly wearing out over time. Struts take on a lot of wear and tear, especially if you frequently find yourself on uneven roadways or off-roading on the weekends.
You’ll find that the biggest indicator that your struts need to be replaced is how your vehicle handles once you hit a bump in the road. If your vehicle bounces several times, that is a surefire sign that your struts are worn. You may also notice a pulling sensation when you steer after you hit a pothole or a rough patch of roadway—this can also mean that something is amiss with your struts. Many components of your vehicle require fluid in order to operate, and your struts are no different. They include hydraulic fluid, so if you notice some leakage around your struts, this may mean they’re damaged and hydraulic fluid is seeping out.
However, those are only the most obvious signs that your struts are on the way out. Another clue is if your car nosedives when you stop suddenly. You may also notice that your car bounces when you are getting in and out or loading it up with cargo. Any type of shimmying or swaying as you negotiate a curve in the road can also mean that your struts are too worn to offer you the control you need.
Should You Replace Your Struts Yourself?
As with anything, replacing your struts is a learning curve—one that many drivers don’t really want to attempt. You’ll need ample space, and a lift will make the job a lot easier. You can get away with a jack; however, you’ll need to jack up your vehicle one side at a time, so having a lift is more comfortable and efficient. You’ll also need some tools handy, including a spring compressor. This can get dangerous if you pop a spring and it goes flying, so this is important to take into consideration. You’ll also need to be able to remove the strut, which can sometimes be an ordeal, especially if it’s an older vehicle and you have to deal with rust.
If you’re well-versed in DIY automotive work, a strut replacement can be simple, allowing you to have more control over the work done to your vehicle and the parts used. It’ll also save you money—if you know what you’re doing, that is. If you’re confident that you can complete this repair, being able to work from the comfort of your garage without having to take time to head to a service center can be invaluable.
On the other hand, if you’re not so sure of your abilities, bringing your vehicle to a reputable service center will save you a lot of stress. You’ll be able to take advantage of knowledgeable technicians and top-quality parts, and you won’t have to worry about whether or not the replacement part has been installed properly. For many drivers, this is highly appreciated, knowing that your vehicle is in good hands and that your ride will be safe and comfortable when you get back on the road. It’s important to note that the quality of the service center matters, so ensure that you do your research and go to a trusted place to work on your car.
Strut Replacement & Your Ride
Struts become worn out, just like many of the other components in your vehicle. The good news is that you have options on how you wish to proceed with a strut replacement. You can try to complete this job on your own or trust a team of trained technicians to help you with it. The most important thing is that you don’t put this off because your struts play a crucial role in the quality and safety of your ride. Failing to replace these parts can result in poor handling and a lack of safety on the road. If you’re in need of new struts or think you may be in need, don’t wait—take the time to replace these parts or bring your car into a service center so that you can enjoy your travels again.