Anyone replace shocks? Is it as easy as it seems? I can save some cash if I do it myself (I'm fairly tool-savvy).
It could be as easy as changin your oil, or it could be the hardest thing you've ever done.
What car are you modding, and with what parts?
2001 Chevy Silverado. I'm just replacing what was spec'd with new...nothing special.
You might need some air tools to get the existing bolts off.
The rear will be the easiest, start there to warm yourself up and get an idea of what has to be done. It's just a matter of supporting the truck. The front might be just as easy depending on what type of setup it is. Is the shock separate from the spring?
Seriously, having shocks replaced at Midas is dirt cheap
at least here it is
Easy, especially the rear should be easy to access.
Struts, otoh, can be a little more involved, and you should get the alignment redone if replaced.
Quote from: OverCaffeinated on March 12, 2009, 01:16:17 PM
The rear will be the easiest, start there to warm yourself up and get an idea of what has to be done. It's just a matter of supporting the truck. The front might be just as easy depending on what type of setup it is. Is the shock separate from the spring?
Shock is a separate component, yes.
Cyrus - Going to Midas is like getting your haircut at Supercuts...no thanks.
Quote from: Sinister on March 12, 2009, 02:20:41 PM
Shock is a separate component, yes.
Yes, you shouldnt need to support the truck. Or even take the wheels off it you can get to it.
Super easy unless the fasteners are rusty, impacts help. Problem is the easier the job, the less money saved.
I just had the shocks replaced on my 01 tahoe. I had waited far too long to do this on the vehicle too, it made a world of difference in driving, surprisingly. I had never bothered with worrying about it before.
Quote from: howie on March 12, 2009, 02:23:13 PM
Super easy unless the fasteners are rusty, impacts help. Problem is the easier the job, the less money saved.
I can save at least $100, and get a better shock. That's worth it to me, even if I have to buy a tool or two.
The Chilton manual says taking the wheel off makes access easier; I can see that.
many places will install for you as part of the purchase (especially for a higher end shock)
just my .02...
Quote from: herm on March 12, 2009, 02:30:49 PM
many places will install for you as part of the purchase (especially for a higher end shock)
just my .02...
I know what my mech. will charge me, that's what I am comparing against. Good point, though.
Quote from: Sinister on March 12, 2009, 02:20:41 PM
Cyrus - Going to Midas is like getting your haircut at Supercuts...no thanks.
I used to go to MasterCuts........
now my wife cuts my hair
Quote from: cyrus buelton on March 12, 2009, 02:43:31 PM
I used to go to MasterCuts........
now my wife cuts my hair
I rest my case.
I'm a die hard DIYer. I do my own auto work, cut my own hair, and even used some JB Weld on a few cavities I had. [thumbsup]
Ok, maybe not the last one. But pretty much anything to save a buck or an excuse to buy a new tool.
Shocks and struts really aren't bad. If you do struts, you need to rent a strut compressor.
Quote from: cyrus buelton on March 12, 2009, 02:43:31 PM
I used to go to MasterCuts........
now my wife cuts my hair
Yeah, but once you get as old as you are it gets easier (less hair). Try it with a full head of hair, and a baby crying in the other room.
The Doc
Quote from: MrIncredible on March 12, 2009, 04:33:42 PM
Shocks and struts really aren't bad. If you do struts, you need to rent a strut compressor.
:o
rent?
How dare you!!!
One
NEVER passes up an oportunity to purchase a new tool
Quote from: Mother on March 12, 2009, 08:23:09 PM
:o
rent?
How dare you!!!
One NEVER passes up an oportunity to purchase a new tool
Here, here! I don't have struts, though.
Quote from: Mother on March 12, 2009, 08:23:09 PM
:o
rent?
How dare you!!!
One NEVER passes up an oportunity to purchase a new tool
Sure you do. If you have said tool, you are obligated to use it.
I don't own any vehicles with struts. Hence when my strut wielding idiot friends ask for help, I can explain that while I owuld love to do their work for free, I just don't have the right tools for it. Sorry man!
If I had friends who tried to weld a strut, I would hide my tools too
Just unbolt the old ones and toss in the new ones. Its very straight forward. On the front there's one nut on top and two bolts on the bottom. On the rear there's two bolts on top and one nut on the bottom iirc.