Front Struts Advice Needed

zhimpro · Jun 9th, 2007, 04:49 PM

Hi all, thanks in advance for your comments and advice.

I have a 1999 Pathfinder, and a set of leaky front struts.

I priced it out around $600 or so to get it fixed, so I'm looking to save some dough and do it myself.

So here are some questions for ya'll.

How hard is it to perform this proceedure? Ie, should I save myself some pain, not teach my kid some new cuss words, and pony up the $600? (he already knows that one...)

I know I need a spring compressor, any other special tools I need to beg, borrow or steal to get the job done?

I looked at some KYB Struts. Anyone have any opinion on this brand, model? Anyone have a better / comparable, but cheaper alternative?

If I get the left & right struts, and the strut mounts listed on that link, are there any other bits and pieces that I need? It looks like the mount kit comes with a boot (according to the picture).
Also, are there any other parts I should replace while I have the thing apart?

And finally, does anybody have a link or can give me some instructions on how to go about this? A book or shop manual recommendation is helpful as well, though I would prefer online and free.

Again, thanks one and all for helping me out.

-Kevin in Seattle.

blitZ · Jun 9th, 2007, 06:29 PM

I replaced my struts with some Ranchos, which have worked out well. Firmed up the ride with being teeth shattering. Other than the coil spring compressor and jack stands, you will need a few large sockets to remove the top plate. You can get a Haynes manual for $20 or so at most auto parts stores or used on Amazon. It should have enough info to get you going. It's relatively easy.

Put the truck on jackstands, remove front wheels. Detach the strut from the A-arm. Pop the hood and detach from body. Compress the coil spring, remove top plate. Replace strut, put coil spring back in place, replace top plate. Remount strut, rinse and repeat.

navygz19 · Jun 11th, 2007, 09:45 AM

$600 for strut replacement and all required parts? Are you ordering parts from Mars?

Here:
GR-2's for $86 apiece

Strut bearings, $15 each X 2 needed

Strut Mount, $51 each X 2 needed

That was a BRIEF search using an extremely generic, Google found parts website that offers a $5 discount on orders over $50. Add in, say $20 for shipping (which is insanely high mind you) and if you were to go to a shop and have the parts installed, say, $60 dollars labor X 2 hours (estimate) and even then you're looking at about $450. That's absolute WORST-case scenario.