I've done a lot of suspension strut replacements and its not that big of a deal. You'll need to unbolt the strut assembly and get yourself a really decent spring compressor (double pronged on both ends) in order to transfer the springs to the new struts. Some retail auto shops rent the tool out (like Oreilly's). Apply enough compression force to relieve tension on the upper strut mount. I use an electric impact driver to compress the springs. All you need is around a 1/4" gap between the top of the spring and the mount. Use paint to keep the alignment of removed parts to be transferred to the new struts. For the front end, I recommend your also replace the top strut mounts. If the strut bellows (boot) is ripped, you'll need to replace those as well. You can get cheap replacements struts from various sources...just shop around.
The car is a 2004 Corolla with approx 120K
She had a slight pull to one side for a while. I don't believe she hit any curbs, but can't really say about a pothole, nothing big enough to remember. She took it to the shop after noticing the front end noise. They aligned it due to the pull and balanced the wheels b/c I assume they thought the wheels were causing the noise.
Forgive me, I haven't done much suspension work, just tie-rods & ball joints. I sort of find suspension work intimidating, but if I can find a step-by-step guide, I can follow directions. Speaking of for repair manuals, do you guys recommend Haynes, Chilton, or something else (i.e. for my Jetta, I have a Bentley repair manual)
I looked up end links, and it doesn't look bad...Is it really just unbolt the old and pop in the new? Also is this what I need:
Moog This one has grease fittings, would I be better off going with a sealed unit?
Thanks for all your help guys. Hoping to save the g/f some money as the place she took the car to wanted to charge $1800 to do the shocks, struts, and links.
Ok, I apologize for the delay, but here's the update. She took it to a shop and they said she needs the following (quoted $1800):
1. struts
2. shocks
3. sway bar end links
4. 3 tires ( I don't know that these are necessary, but the shop said they have uneven wear. If needed, I am going to suggest replacing 4 of them)
I have never replaced struts, shocks, or sway bar end links, but I believe my shopping list will be:
1. Struts -KYB GR-2 Struts (Qty: 2)
2. Shocks - KYB GR-2 Shocks (Qty: 2) **I am aware the driverside & passenger side have different part numbers
3. Sway Bar End link Kit - Moog Sway Bar End Link Kit (Qty:2)
4. Tires - Will order online at tirerack or something
Addt'l Items
1. Shock Boots (only needed if original's are damaged, correct?) KYB Shock Boots (Qty: 2)
2. Strut Mount - KYB Strut Mount (Qty: 2) (per hardlymovn's suggestion)
3. Shock Mount - KYB Shock Mount (Qty: 2) (per hardlymovn's suggestion)
Total of these items is about $800, budget another $400 for tires, so looking about $1200.
Tools Reqd.: Spring compressor (rent from autoparts store), various sockets/wrenches
Am I missing anything? Should I look into replacing strut bearings? Would I be able to get by with a Hayne's manual or are there any "Write-ups"/ "How-to's" online? I found a few generic ones, but haven't seen one specifically for her car yet.</div>