ASOG Forums

So I put in KYB AGX struts in my car tonight.  To tired to post up pics but I'll do that later, and probably a DIY guide.  Check 4 Cylinder for the thermostat, oil change and plugs, that will get pics later as well.

The best way to do it is to call my friend Tim.

Big props and thanks to Tim.  I could've done it without you, but it would've really sucked.

Alright here it is.  My way and pics for the strut change.


Jack front end up, using jack stands to ensure safety.

remove front tire

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.8b03cc55f77.JPG)

Remove the Sway Bar Link from the strut cradle

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.27306455a79.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.140a491d34a.JPG)

Remove the lower control arm/strut cradle bolt

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.c212dd06f3e.JPG)

Remove the bolt on the cradle and use a pry bar to loosed the cradle from the strut

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.833bdcd8418.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.da328a5fd33.JPG)

Remove the strut cradle.  Push down on the spindle assembly and swing the cradle 90 degrees to the left then pull off.

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.276d9bf228f.JPG)

Remove the three nuts on strut tower under the hood

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.fddc7b4f307.JPG)

Use spring compressors to relieve the pressure on the upper plate. 

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.4227cfe788a.JPG)

Remove the center nut and pull the strut hardware off

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.1521cd6ae17.JPG)

Remove the spring

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.40893ea083f.JPG)

to install just reverse order. (When putting back together make sure the opening in the cradle lines up with the "tooth" on the strut)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.6e9cf3c7056.JPG)


(http://medialocker.org/i/t.30da37991ba.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.ddfe1651f50.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.b22c6a5a593.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.4d989d85e71.JPG)


Raise and safely support the rear of the car.

Remove the rear wheels

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.a82da63fb34.JPG)

Remove the lower bolt

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.fc1cd17246c.JPG)

Remove the two upper bolts located behind the rear seats

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.6f483c023e6.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.264fe72e3be.JPG)
(http://medialocker.org/i/t.eacabf164d2.JPG)

Use spring compressors to relieve tension on the upper plates

Remove the upper nut

Remove spring

To install reverse order.

(http://medialocker.org/i/t.b26e46aafca.JPG)

how long did the whole job take? i'm doint this in the spring.

I can normally do all four in 2 hours with airtools and no stubborn/rusted bolts

Yeah the rears were like a minute a piece after taking off the tires, and the fronts are a little more problematic.  It only took me about 45 minutes.  But that was with two people.

damn that's pretty good. local shop quoted me a 5 hour price.

If you live near me, hell even if you don't you can probably drive here, and spend less on gas than what that shop would charge!

I think shops tend to charge a lot b/c of the relative danger involved. You know, the compressed springs explosive energy. At least that's what I've always heard anyway. Seeing as how I've never done anything, nor have I ever watched anything, like this I really can't say whether that is true or not, but it does sound like a possibility.

Springs are no big deal as long as you have the compressor's on them.