Shop Discount Struts

Hi all, the struts (front for sure, back too prolly) on my 96 cougar xr7 are bad, at least the driver side is really bad, it squeeks when i turn the wheel and both are generally noisey when going over bumps.

my question is, i was going to buy this http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Gabriel-Ready-Mount-Shock-Strut-Front/1995-Mercury-Cougar-XR7/_/N-j1lv9Z8oxxw?itemIdentifier=388662_460866_2362_

but as you can see they are very expensive, I was hoping to find out whether it would be ok to buy one with my next check and replace the driver side, and in 2 weeks buy the other one and replace the passenger side.

what do you all think?

Rather you just posted the pic and not a link........... Pic shows this......

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Pre done so you don't have to mess with the coil. Have you verified that these are the problem or are other parts making noises?

T

1996 Buick Regal 130,000 miles


First off, is it safe to drive the car without one rear strut attached? The strut literally broke through the top mount leaving it completely detached from the top end. The nut is clearly still attached. Does this look like something that can just be pulled up and attached with a new strut mount? How difficult would this be for someone who is mechanically inclined but has never worked with struts?
Also, the strut itself is completely compressed. Does that mean the strut is ruined and must be replaced?
I'm hoping to not need to invest much cash into a 12 year old car with 130,000 miles.

Quick look shows it's available with the upper mount! Must happen more than usual! "Is it safe to drive" Yes/No - right into the shop to replace it! Control of vehicle is compremised and it could whack and break something else and be additional trouble. It is a higher end DIY job - air wrenches will help and an alignment is required. I strongly suggest doing both sides with the identical replacement part,

T

Strut Mount - Rear Gabriel / Strut Mount - Rear for a 1996 Buick Regal

Related Parts Shock/Strut - Front Shock/Strut - Rear About this product: Part Number: 143067 Weight: 2.53 lbs. Warranty: LLT Note: Complete mount kit
Includes mount, bumper bellow and retainers Pricing: $34.99 Availability: Store: Visit your local store to special order. Online: Ships within 3-5 business days

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Check that out! They do make a fix for just the mount. It might have to come out to install it as that nut will be stuck and shaft may just be an Allen head to the shaft - not sure.

A good gas strut would self extend under pressure. It doesn't have to to be safe but it should have it's shock effect which you think it does. The bottom two bolts are very HD and might give you a hard time. You kinda need to know what your'e doing as they are a serious part of the rear suspension. It's been a while but those are where you adjust the "camber" setting of the alignment as I recall. If you spray paint or scribe the exact position (indexing where it started) you can at least get it back close for a while to use car. This also means supporting the weight just so and if in doubt get help with this.

As I recall - some of these types to get to the top can be from trunk or maybe even from inside package shelf or back seat - memory gone - back in five minutes!

This sure appears like it was weakened by rust. Also take a good look at the other one! If it looks ok now I'd spray the heck out of it with something to stop rust now or just do both at once.

Note: Sometimes when taking the nut of a shock's shaft like this the thing is rendered useless as it's possible for the shaft to "come unscrewed" inside it if the shaft can't be held in position while undoing the nut - like by air wrench as heat is not really an option with shocks/struts.

The whole unit was about $82 bucks listed at AutoZone if it just can't be done separately. I know that's some bucks but as cars go it's pennies!

Tom

Does anyone know if struts for a 1993 Cavalier will fit on a 1995 Cavalier? Thank you

yes they should work

upper strut bolt broke off when trying to remove it
can't get it off
any suggestions on how to remove the bolt?
thank you

thanks for the tip

Procedure for strut change on 2003 GMC Envoy xl 4wd 4.2L

Alldata calls them shocks. I have a 2005 but I assume it's the same procedure. Let me know if this isn't what you're looking for.



Shock, Shock Component, and/or Spring Replacement

Tools Required

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the shock module from the vehicle.

1. Remove the shock module yoke to shock absorber pinch bolt and nut.

1. Spread the shock module yoke at the pinch bolt using a flat-bladed tool.
2. Remove the shock module yoke from the shock absorber.

1. Install pieces of heater hose to the shock module spring where J45400 contacts lower part of spring.
2. Install the shock module (2) into the J45400 (1).

1. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.

1. Remove the shock absorber upper retaining nut.
2. Remove the shock absorber from the shock module.
3. Loosen the compressor forcing screw until the upper mounting plate and coil spring may be removed.
4. Remove the upper mounting plate and coil spring from the J45400.

1. Install the coil spring and upper mounting plate to the J45400.
2. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
3. Install the shock absorber to the shock module.

1. Install the shock absorber retaining nut.

1. Remove the shock module (2) from the J45400 (1).
2. Remove the pieces of heater hose from the shock module spring.

1. Install the shock module yoke to the shock absorber.
2. Install the shock module yoke to shock absorber pinch bolt and nut.

1. Install the shock module to the vehicle.
2. Install the tire and wheel.
3. Lower the vehicle.

Those are great instructions but this is a 4WD and doesn't even have coil springs or struts in the front.

That picture came from Alldata for this exact vehicle.

I just looked at a 2005 and it shows the exact same suspension.

You part # thru Monroe if correct I would only call a strut........ Shown here...........



Reason that doesn't say shock is that one is whole and pre installed in spring assy. I would still be asking for a strut cartridge which does act as a shock if all this is correct,

T

No telling Hammer where you know I look things up. This apparently calls them either and I would call those a strut but that info could be all wet!

Showed this......... Gabriel Ultra/Shock/Strut - Front / Part Number: G51718 Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Notes: Strut must be rotated to align notch with lower control arm. Quantity per car: 2. Shock/Strut should always be replaced in pairs





Yes - inside the set up or available all ready for lots more if that type at all??

T