I replaced with moog springs and a couple days before I sold this car, found one of the rear ones broken. Must have been the design of the car, or the road conditions I drove daily.
Always a pleasure to watch someone that knows what they're doing. Midas wants about $800 to do my 2000 Saturn SL2, but I think I'll do this when it warms up a bit.
I gotta say that I do not have AAA but I do walk in the Way of Elohim and He protects me so much that I never end up in a situation that requires towing. At least so far and I can show you some signs that it's likely to continue. Thanks for the video, you are an excellent instructor.
Dude pain in butt replacing rears one.the shocks lower base where the bolts goes was like out of target out of fit . Had to use lot of powers muscle mass into get both bolts in
Hey JungleKing, thanks for the video, I just replaced both front struts on my 99 SC2, (piece of cake)I knew I could figure it out with no problem, but, your tips came in handy!! I ordered "OREDY" struts from Amazon, all four, ready to R/R, for $250....TIP: if you don't have an 18mm socket, I used a 13/16 Half inch drive w/a breaker bar.
The socket on the end of the strut is a T45 on my 97 SL2. I failed to order the mount kit, hoping to reuse existing bits when I replaced the core strut. This plan was changed when ball bearings rolled all over the place when I pulled the top mount off...
@5:02 It is a star there T-45 and Nut is # 21. I broke that connection on the car, since heard it is much harder on the bench. Just 1/2 turn or so, everything holds perfectly well. I installed the aftermarket assembly, but think maybe to rebuild that OEM I removed. Do you know what parts are valuable there? I replaced the struts, bcs the car was old and it was sitting too low. No leaks or anything. I assume I can't use the springs, bcs they are compressed too much. Thank you for a great film.
I heard a mechanic dogging these old saturn s series cars awhile back and thought he's crazy , these are great cars i've owned 3 of them, made with pride in spring hill, tennesee
Yes, they did. My '02 has had both front springs break. My '96 went to 170 K with no broken springs. My guess is that they found a cheaper supplier (of more brittle springs).
Thanks for the how to. I am just gonna do assemblies on all fours but the squeaking stories have me worried. Any brands you would recommend to combat this?
I can't believe yours broke and I'm surprised as to how long mine lasted. My 2002 Saturn SC1 is a complete rustbucket. The piece of the strut that broke off was a solid piece of... rust. LOL
I was surprised too, but I think the strut was already toast when I bought the car a few months before. It probably broke due to the added stress from the poorly kept roads I have to drive on and the severe cold the day it happened.
***** Yep. Big ol' rust bucket. But it is also originally from Newfoundland, and has been in Nova Scotia for at least the last 9 years. So all that salt air is bound to corrode it.
I've had bad shocks for about a year now and I'm just now getting around to replacing them, but I have a 1991 with just over 350,000 miles on it. They didn't start going out till about 275,000 for me.
+Eric Torres yes, a torque wrench was used. If I didn't show one it was used off camera. You get a Haynes manual, it will tell you the proper torque specs needed.
Thank you for the informative film. Is it hard to replace the springs (I want to keep my original since read they are always better)? What tool should be used to remove (compress those huge springs)? Or it is better to forget about that operation for an amateur, whatever desperate the one wants to practice it?
Not hard to do, you can either purchase or rent a set of spring compressor tools from an auto parts store. For convenience, there are already assembled strut assemblies available so you can skip the steps of building them.
Thank you for your replay. I'm thinking to buy just struts (from Amazon), because Skotty Kilmer said in one of his films, that the original ones kind of better. In my case the car has only 33 mi. It is 2009 Nissan Sentra (it was our luxury car, so was not driven much), so I even don't know, maybe original shocks are better, than those which come in assemblies. Can you tell which brand of assemblies is more reliable? And where to get the liquid to add into struts (mechanic said something is leaking from the struts). Thank you again.
If the struts are leaking they need to be replaced. Usually sticking with OEM is best, but I don't have any experience with any other brand other than the KYB struts I used to build my assemblies. There are a couple brands to choose from. Check the reviews for the ones listed for your vehicle.
I think I can buy OEM struts from Nissan Dealership (I bought one part from Chevrolet before). I found some information about KYB, which states: "KAYABA Industries (with products marketed under the KYB brand name) has been recognized around the world as a leader in the design and production of state-of-the-art gas shocks and struts. As Japan’s largest manufacturer of automotive shock absorbing equipment, KYB employs a process of continuous refinement and improvement of its products since its founding over 50 years ago." So it is Japan product, so must be good. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.
Every part I used in this video came from Rockauto(dot)com. It was the cheapest place I could find to buy all the parts. Would have cost me about 500-700 bucks more if I went to a local parts store.
They are Pittsburgh brand spring compressors. Got Them at the local Harbor Freight. Think I paid 15 bucks for them. You can also find a local parts store with a loaner tool program if you can't find them for a decent price. Good Luck!
@@jungleking007Channel Thanks! That was my only question, I'll be doing my "99 SC2 this week. Both struts went bad together, like driving a boat on choppy water!!
Great video! I am going to go with pre-assembled quick struts. One question though. How the heck did you manage to do all that with a "white" long sleeve on and not get it dirty? :)
I must be lucky I guess, think the shirt still was destroyed by the end of the other work I was doing after the struts, Usually covered in oil/grease/you-name-it after any car work. Preassembled struts are a good choice if you don't have the tools or time. I actually messed up when I assembled the struts which I outline in a recent video I posted. Thanks for watching!
Hi, What is the size and length of those big bolts? Mine are really rusty so thought I would replace them.Are the front bolts/nuts same size as rear?Going to gather up everything before I start.I know the bolts and nuts need to be hard. Thanks
I'm sorry, I do not know the length of the strut bolts. I do think they are the same size all the way around though. I would suggest hitting up a junkyard and pulling a few to measure or use as replacements. Also check out some forums on Saturns, they would probably have that information buried somewhere.
+Francisco Gabela Yes, mine were fine, no cuts or major dents on them. Should be able to find them under the steering section, then rack and pinion bellow.
+Francisco Gabela oops wrong parts, sorry. I was thinking tie rod bellows. I did use the kyb bellows on my struts sb101 & sb103 I believe were the numbers. When assembling, be sure to move the washers over my note talks about in the video. Haven't had a chance to make an update. Hope to have it out soon.
Read other comments & found where you said to purchase parts online. But now I don’t know the difference between 1.9L L4 DOHC vs 1.9L L4 SOHC, help please? I can’t find struts for my 01 sc2 that needs a right front strut and a wheel hub.
DOHC - Dual Overhead Cam SOHC - Single Overhead Cam I believe suspension parts are for the most part for these cars are the same. Check the forums for Saturn's, there may be some recommendations.
rich,i have an 01 saturn sl 1.9 dohc i replaced the front struts and brake hoses,it now makes a clacking noise when i make right turns,i took it and had the front end lined up and it still does,the garage says they dont have an answer to explain it,what do you think it is?
Check that your brake line is not rubbing up against the tire when you turn. I have a video on it. Look up "Front End Rubbing Noise Fixed!". If that's not the problem, one of the clips that hold the line to the frame has come loose or missing allowing the brake line to hit against the frame.
KYB struts. Moog springs. Struts were great, think I put about 70-80k miles on them before selling the car. About a month before selling this car, found one of the rear springs had snapped. Luckily I kept the originals and swapped those in.
@@jungleking007Channel Oh, so front and rear springs are all same? I see different part numbers. I just put Monroe Quick Struts 171924 in front, and just to finally have found what that knocking/knuckly sound was is so wonderful. (I've changed about 2/3 of things in front half of car, including rebuilding engine). Some people said they were great, some have said there's a squeak. I do hear a squeak and I guess it's the bump stop and/or boot? It's pretty quiet; any music drowns it out. Anyway, they feel really good.
New springs were made by Moog, but were different p/n's from front to rear. I initially had a squeaking sound from the upper strut mount but after a bit of silicone spray on the bushing, it went away. I heard of the issues with the Monroe quickstruts, may get worse as they break in.
Except for the strut mounts that failed due to an installation mistake on my part, everything has held up very well! There is a video posted of my mistake and how to keep it from happening.
Thank you for your video. My father in law just discovered the Allen wrench for the top of the strut isn’t an Allen at all. It is a T 45 Star . I hope that helps for future :-)
Emil, that 1/4 mile push, the resolve to do it, and the successful transportation is an example of the determination, resourcefulness and grit that separates the weak from the strong....the men from the boys. My buddies and I always found a way to get things done. We kept krap cars going back when we were broke..in high school. We spent many Saturday mornings in junk yards, parts hunting. Today’s online parts shopping and how to videos make it much easier. In the old days we read Chilton manuals for info. which was often vague. There might have been a photo of the part in question with a statement such as “remove the water pump” with no detail or hints as how to do it efficiently. TH-cam is a Godsend. Now that I’m an old fart with nice vehicles and money..I still fix my stuff myself. I enjoy the challenge, the satisfaction and the $ savings. I’ve saved thousands over the years. ....my stuff...my kids stuff..and now my grandsons stuff. He has a Saturn. Ran it into snow bank...hence my visit to TH-cam . Good luck. Dave Heitman Semper Fidelis
the route ill be taking soon...probably in the spring/summer.. www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/saturn,2002,sc+coupe,1.9l+l4+dohc,1388516,suspension,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174
Thanks for posting. 2002 is famous for cracked springs. Cheaper quality compared to older SL1s.
I replaced with moog springs and a couple days before I sold this car, found one of the rear ones broken. Must have been the design of the car, or the road conditions I drove daily.
You're a brave man working on a car in a long sleeve white shirt lol. Super helpful video, thank you!
Also, gripping onto steel tools without gloves after snow.
Always a pleasure to watch someone that knows what they're doing. Midas wants about $800 to do my 2000 Saturn SL2, but I think I'll do this when it warms up a bit.
Lmfaoooo that’s an insane amount of money.
@@saturnmedia1Yeah it’s really not a terribly hard job. Hardest part is breaking the bolts loose. That is usually a real pain in the ass lol
Thank you so much for taking the effort of making this video while working on your car. It walked us through our project with ease. Awesome job!
I gotta say that I do not have AAA but I do walk in the Way of Elohim and He protects me so much that I never end up in a situation that requires towing. At least so far and I can show you some signs that it's likely to continue. Thanks for the video, you are an excellent instructor.
arjeliomas the whistle past the graveyard approach. Best wishes. Dave, not Eileen Heitman Semper Fidelis
thanks for the vid its been helpful insight on my 94 sl2
thanks for your videos bro take care. helps out at least we know what to excpect.
Dude pain in butt replacing rears one.the shocks lower base where the bolts goes was like out of target out of fit . Had to use lot of powers muscle mass into get both bolts in
Excellent video, thanks
Hey JungleKing, thanks for the video, I just replaced both front struts on my 99 SC2, (piece of cake)I knew I could figure it out with no problem, but, your tips came in handy!! I ordered "OREDY" struts from Amazon, all four, ready to R/R, for $250....TIP: if you don't have an 18mm socket, I used a 13/16 Half inch drive w/a breaker bar.
THANK YOU..... for this video Jungleking. will be replacing my struts on my Saturn 2000 ls1 soon it needs it bad, i can't wait.....
Thank you very much for the great video.
The socket on the end of the strut is a T45 on my 97 SL2. I failed to order the mount kit, hoping to reuse existing bits when I replaced the core strut. This plan was changed when ball bearings rolled all over the place when I pulled the top mount off...
What rubber bushing did you use? Part number please? Does it matter if it’s MOOG? That’s the only one I can find on the internet.
@5:02 It is a star there T-45 and Nut is # 21. I broke that connection on the car, since heard it is much harder on the bench. Just 1/2 turn or so, everything holds perfectly well. I installed the aftermarket assembly, but think maybe to rebuild that OEM I removed. Do you know what parts are valuable there? I replaced the struts, bcs the car was old and it was sitting too low. No leaks or anything. I assume I can't use the springs, bcs they are compressed too much. Thank you for a great film.
I heard a mechanic dogging these old saturn s series cars awhile back and thought he's crazy , these are great cars i've owned 3 of them, made with pride in spring hill, tennesee
205k Miles, 35mpg daily driver.
Yes, they did. My '02 has had both front springs break. My '96 went to 170 K with no broken springs. My guess is that
they found a cheaper supplier (of more brittle springs).
10:50 This step is REALLY FUN on the Sc2, you have a door in the way, and the opening is very far, it was the worst thing ever.
Thanks for the how to. I am just gonna do assemblies on all fours but the squeaking stories have me worried. Any brands you would recommend to combat this?
Thank you very informative
How did you like the KYBs? I’ve always bought Monroe’s.
My driver side strut just broke on my 02 sl2, just got the parts today
Well done. I see you used a strut and coil assembly for the rear. What brand did you use?
Thanks! KYB struts and Moog springs are used. Didn't go cheap since this is my daily driver to and from my full time job.
Did you mark the camber bolt ?
Really helpful thank you sir
I can't believe yours broke and I'm surprised as to how long mine lasted. My 2002 Saturn SC1 is a complete rustbucket. The piece of the strut that broke off was a solid piece of... rust. LOL
I was surprised too, but I think the strut was already toast when I bought the car a few months before. It probably broke due to the added stress from the poorly kept roads I have to drive on and the severe cold the day it happened.
***** Yep. Big ol' rust bucket. But it is also originally from Newfoundland, and has been in Nova Scotia for at least the last 9 years. So all that salt air is bound to corrode it.
I've had bad shocks for about a year now and I'm just now getting around to replacing them, but I have a 1991 with just over 350,000 miles on it. They didn't start going out till about 275,000 for me.
Did you used a torque wrench?
+Eric Torres yes, a torque wrench was used. If I didn't show one it was used off camera. You get a Haynes manual, it will tell you the proper torque specs needed.
Thank you for the informative film. Is it hard to replace the springs (I want to keep my original since read they are always better)? What tool should be used to remove (compress those huge springs)? Or it is better to forget about that operation for an amateur, whatever desperate the one wants to practice it?
Not hard to do, you can either purchase or rent a set of spring compressor tools from an auto parts store. For convenience, there are already assembled strut assemblies available so you can skip the steps of building them.
Thank you for your replay. I'm thinking to buy just struts (from Amazon), because Skotty Kilmer said in one of his films, that the original ones kind of better. In my case the car has only 33 mi. It is 2009 Nissan Sentra (it was our luxury car, so was not driven much), so I even don't know, maybe original shocks are better, than those which come in assemblies. Can you tell which brand of assemblies is more reliable? And where to get the liquid to add into struts (mechanic said something is leaking from the struts). Thank you again.
If the struts are leaking they need to be replaced. Usually sticking with OEM is best, but I don't have any experience with any other brand other than the KYB struts I used to build my assemblies. There are a couple brands to choose from. Check the reviews for the ones listed for your vehicle.
I think I can buy OEM struts from Nissan Dealership (I bought one part from Chevrolet before). I found some information about KYB, which states: "KAYABA Industries (with products marketed under the KYB brand name) has been recognized around the world as a leader in the design and production of state-of-the-art gas shocks and struts. As Japan’s largest manufacturer of automotive shock absorbing equipment, KYB employs a process of continuous refinement and improvement of its products since its founding over 50 years ago." So it is Japan product, so must be good. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you.
Where did ya purchase the struts and shocks from ?
Every part I used in this video came from Rockauto(dot)com. It was the cheapest place I could find to buy all the parts. Would have cost me about 500-700 bucks more if I went to a local parts store.
Oh okay thank you! I found some shocks and struts for about 150 and springs for 250 only thing is the cushion but that's it thank ya !
Great cars! Super easy to work on.
does the shock and sping come together do i need clamps
Great video
Does it handle and ride much better? I'll be doing my 2000 sl2 soon, as it has the original struts on it. Thanks for the vid!
It's a whole lot better now. Feels like a much smoother ride!
Very helpful video! I'll be doing struts and possibly wheel bearings next month.One thing, what brand spring compressor were you using?
They are Pittsburgh brand spring compressors. Got Them at the local Harbor Freight. Think I paid 15 bucks for them. You can also find a local parts store with a loaner tool program if you can't find them for a decent price. Good Luck!
@@jungleking007Channel Thanks! That was my only question, I'll be doing my "99 SC2 this week. Both struts went bad together, like driving a boat on choppy water!!
Great video! I am going to go with pre-assembled quick struts. One question though. How the heck did you manage to do all that with a "white" long sleeve on and not get it dirty? :)
I must be lucky I guess, think the shirt still was destroyed by the end of the other work I was doing after the struts, Usually covered in oil/grease/you-name-it after any car work. Preassembled struts are a good choice if you don't have the tools or time. I actually messed up when I assembled the struts which I outline in a recent video I posted. Thanks for watching!
When you replace the rear struts do you need a Realignment.
Yes, alignment is necessary.
Hi, What is the size and length of those big bolts? Mine are really rusty so thought I would replace them.Are the front bolts/nuts same size as rear?Going to gather up everything before I start.I know the bolts and nuts need to be hard. Thanks
I'm sorry, I do not know the length of the strut bolts. I do think they are the same size all the way around though. I would suggest hitting up a junkyard and pulling a few to measure or use as replacements. Also check out some forums on Saturns, they would probably have that information buried somewhere.
Did you reuse the dust boots?
I can't seem to find them at Rock auto.
+Francisco Gabela Yes, mine were fine, no cuts or major dents on them. Should be able to find them under the steering section, then rack and pinion bellow.
Do you know if they are universal?
I would like to get the KYB struts that you got too.
+Francisco Gabela oops wrong parts, sorry. I was thinking tie rod bellows. I did use the kyb bellows on my struts sb101 & sb103 I believe were the numbers. When assembling, be sure to move the washers over my note talks about in the video. Haven't had a chance to make an update. Hope to have it out soon.
Hi Jungle Man, what brand did you buy?
KYB struts and Moog springs.
Read other comments & found where you said to purchase parts online. But now I don’t know the difference between 1.9L L4 DOHC vs 1.9L L4 SOHC, help please?
I can’t find struts for my 01 sc2 that needs a right front strut and a wheel hub.
DOHC - Dual Overhead Cam
SOHC - Single Overhead Cam
I believe suspension parts are for the most part for these cars are the same. Check the forums for Saturn's, there may be some recommendations.
If you don't know the difference between a single cam and a dual cam you probably shouldn't be working on a car bro...
rich,i have an 01 saturn sl 1.9 dohc i replaced the front struts and brake hoses,it now makes a clacking noise when i make right turns,i took it and had the front end lined up and it still does,the garage says they dont have an answer to explain it,what do you think it is?
Check that your brake line is not rubbing up against the tire when you turn. I have a video on it. Look up "Front End Rubbing Noise Fixed!". If that's not the problem, one of the clips that hold the line to the frame has come loose or missing allowing the brake line to hit against the frame.
thank you thats whats it was i thought maybe it was the cv joint going bad but thank GOD it was the hose rubbing
I know it's late, but if the 'garage' couldn't find that, I would switch to a new one.
Your video's really helpful.
How did those struts hold up? What brand? Just curious.
KYB struts. Moog springs. Struts were great, think I put about 70-80k miles on them before selling the car. About a month before selling this car, found one of the rear springs had snapped. Luckily I kept the originals and swapped those in.
@@jungleking007Channel Oh, so front and rear springs are all same?
I see different part numbers.
I just put Monroe Quick Struts 171924 in front, and just to finally have found what that knocking/knuckly sound was is so wonderful. (I've changed about 2/3 of things in front half of car, including rebuilding engine).
Some people said they were great, some have said there's a squeak. I do hear a squeak and I guess it's the bump stop and/or boot? It's pretty quiet; any music drowns it out.
Anyway, they feel really good.
New springs were made by Moog, but were different p/n's from front to rear. I initially had a squeaking sound from the upper strut mount but after a bit of silicone spray on the bushing, it went away. I heard of the issues with the Monroe quickstruts, may get worse as they break in.
1998 saturn sw2 does it have rear strut or shock, or both?
struts, same as the rest of the s-series. never heard of a car having both
L Series had the same issue. I had two break in 2 years.
so its like 5 bolts??? and here i was about to pay midas 299 in labor( not to mention an outrageous mark up on parts)
Just asking, is the parts from rock auto been lasting good for a long time??
Except for the strut mounts that failed due to an installation mistake on my part, everything has held up very well! There is a video posted of my mistake and how to keep it from happening.
JungleKing007 alright thank you very much sir
JungleKing007 actually just one more question I don't have to worry if I'm buying it prebulit right?
Correct, prebuilt struts are suppose to have everything already attached to perform a direct swap.
JungleKing007 alright thank you so much for the help I really appreciate it
Brake lines??
+Juvis Wilshon what do you need to know?
Happened to me today, I hit a speed bump and it blew to bits. Pushed it on a floor jack 1/4 mile to a friend's house
Thank you for your video. My father in law just discovered the Allen wrench for the top of the strut isn’t an Allen at all. It is a T 45 Star . I hope that helps for future :-)
H
Emil, that 1/4 mile push, the resolve to do it, and the successful transportation is an example of the determination, resourcefulness and grit that separates the weak from the strong....the men from the boys. My buddies and I always found a way to get things done. We kept krap cars going back when we were broke..in high school. We spent many Saturday mornings in junk yards, parts hunting. Today’s online parts shopping and how to videos make it much easier. In the old days we read Chilton manuals for info. which was often vague. There might have been a photo of the part in question with a statement such as “remove the water pump” with no detail or hints as how to do it efficiently. TH-cam is a Godsend.
Now that I’m an old fart with nice vehicles and money..I still fix my stuff myself. I enjoy the challenge, the satisfaction and the $ savings. I’ve saved thousands over the years. ....my stuff...my kids stuff..and now my grandsons stuff. He has a Saturn. Ran it into snow bank...hence my visit to TH-cam . Good luck. Dave Heitman Semper Fidelis
the route ill be taking soon...probably in the spring/summer.. www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/saturn,2002,sc+coupe,1.9l+l4+dohc,1388516,suspension,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174
You're wearing white!
I was, and it didn't stay white for long...
I was, and it didn't stay white for long...
does the shock and sping come together do i need clamps
+Richard Martinez there are preassembled shock assemblies available on the market.