Really enjoyed watching this video. I had no idea how this repair was done and you made it look fairly easy. I'm not particularly experienced in car maintenance but it does look doable with patience and care.
Enjoyed your video, it's more geared towards the pace of the home mechanic or diy'er.... which is where most of us live! lol... I'll be looking for more of your videos...Thanks again!
Thanks for this video, I always wondered if you could take out the shock tower without compressing the spring. Not like the old days, when you lowered the spring with a floor jack.
Love watchin this show Ben you have saved me alot of money, however , i think ill leave the shocks to the pros not even attempting to do this one myself.
At 11:59 the bump stop is installed up-side down. The other side of the bump stop does a better job of gripping the welded section of shaft just below the washer than backs up the bump stop. The narrow end points down.
Other than Koni " yellow " adjustable sport shocks , have you replaced the Springs & Bumps ? I so , which parts did you use . Thanks soooo much in advance !
Torque is force times radius as you said. In English Units it is lbf.ft as you said but most American people incorrectly do not distinguish between pound force and pound mass. Even pressure is often referred to as pounds of pressure when what is meant is psi or pound force per square inch.
I am very afraid to use the widowmaker compression tool since I lost my husband. What is the name of the blue compression & where can I get or rent one of that? Very nice tips & thank you for taking your time out to show us.
Great videos as always, I have a 2000 Corolla, I hear like a thumping, clacking noises when I go over bumps, but I hear it from the rear, do you think it is the rear struts? It comes from the driver's side. Also, what is your opinion about quick struts? Raybestos, KYB or Monroe? Which one?
Thanks a lot, Ben! I'm getting ready to do this to all 4 struts on my Subaru Legacy. I just have one concern: When you're taking the nut off of the top of the strut cap, you used an air powered impact wrench. Is that necessary? I don't know how I'd access one of those for this driveway project. Would it work to just use a cordless drill or a ratchet?
Great vid. One question. Why didnt you put weight on the shock strut before torquing the down? You torqued the bolts down with everything hanging. Why?
i'm glad i got to see this. I was going to replace my shocks but i have second thoughts after seeing the widowmaker... even with the bigger tool it scares the heck out of me.
buy the whole quickstrut - not that much more to begin with, no worrying about killling yourself and 95% of the the upper mounts are bad on shocks anyway so fuckit.
Miata rear shock does not the removal of the upper a arm bolt like what they have done in the video. If the guy only removed the lower shock bolt, he would have realized that all you have to do is pull down on the knuckle.
when you put the air intakes, and tuners in the car, can you compare the before and after sounds? like the way it sounded before, then the way it sounds after
Apologies for the question so many years later, but you only replaced one of the shocks on the vehicle. It seems to me, that would be counter-productive, to have only one wheel supported by a different sort of suspension (and adjustable at that). Did you go on to replace the rest of the shocks?
Hey I push down on my rear right side of my car and it won't go down. Is this a must up strut as well.? My car has shock and coils separate in the rear and in the front it has struts inside the coil. But only have problems with right rear. I can possibly bend my frame if I push down hard enough. But the left end pushes down and bounces once or twice and settles. I have 3 friends that have same car as me and year. And the left side behaves like their cars. Right side is stiff. Any ideas?
How do you know how much torque you need to tighten the bolts if you have a car that is not stock? Do you still use the amount it says in the cars manual?
Just noticed rust on the Front Strut Nut. Bought a Replacement. Can I just undo the Rusted Front Strut Nut and Replace it with the new one while the Vehicle is grounded. ? Thanks!
Can't you use a jack to put that whole steering knuckle area back into place if its low to the ground? I have seen others do that for certain things like sway bar repair.
Going to be doing mine this week on my drive, using a jack, jack stands, torque wrench. Borrowing the spring compressor from a neighbour. Rest cost about £50.
Doing this to my MX-5 tomorrow... Not a mechanical wizard at all, so I hope it goes well. At least I don't have to rebuild the suspension, since I have full shocks+springs all ready to be mounted :) So no risk of head loss.
There is a C clip that goes around the shock body, you can see in the video there is 3 positions you can adjust it to. I believe he has it at the highest setting (stock height), it comes at the middle setting from the factory (or Bilstein height according to Koni).
torque wrench on that strut nut, manual or online has the specific torque requirements for the nut and is pretty important rather than just eye balling
is there a video that shows you how to replace front struts? also wil i need to buy anything besides the strut/shock? (i hear noises when i go over a bump)
If you want to get technical , it is a coilover set up with a 3 click adjustment for rebound ( jounce ).. . If it is the Koni SPORT dampner , then it has a spring perch that has 3 adjustments for ride height ...If its the Koni street series dampner , then it has a non adjustable spring perch ....
also i recommend a click type torque wrench especially if you are not familiar with the manual type use in the video not that those dont work as well just easier with the click type imho
its called a beam type, and its the most basic and cheap, but surprisingly its the most accurate. PS Ben u have to hold it still at the appropriate torque for a couple secs.
the other spring compressor kit offered at auto zone worked fine for me(the first one they showed)...I just did my front shocks on a 2005 cavalier by myself with no vice....it was a little tricky but not impossible and yes two people make it easier but it is not necessary. when bottom and top is loose turn the caliper to the back which gives a little extra clearance to drop down the shock spring assembly. For professionals they do make it seem difficult..it wasn't at all that hard for me but you do have to have a general sense of the physics of levers and compression to understand how to pry to release the pressure from the bolt to remove and reinstall them.
I took my car to the shop for brakes and front upper control arm replacement. I got call from the mechanic recommending shocks replacement. He said it's not urgent. They're still 80% effective but it's recommended and it should be done within a year or so. Don't know what to make of this? You're recommendation input is greatly appreciated.
The car is not rusty at all, it looks to be in very good shape. Just depends where you drive your car. I live in Illinois (rough winters, lot of salt), I also need to torch all my shit.
everytime i run over a small hole or crack on the street my car starts shaking and sometimes its so loud and hard that i feel like the car is probably going to brake. i took it several places to have my oil changed and both time i asked them to check my shocks and suspension and they say everything is fine and that my car comes with a stiff transmission from the factory. but i dont feel like it should be that way every time i run over a small crack. please help. thank you
This episode was really sexual lol "you got a rag anywhere" 9:59 . "Back Nut" their was just so many puns. Great Video you found a new subscriber in me.
two things to comment on first: i own (unfortunately) and have use (of course) one of those clamshell type single action coilspring compressors and not only are they fairly hard to get in and out of most import/compact car coil springs they tend to bow the spring also everyone i have used says "no impact tools" 2nd they are also hard to wield by yourself so i suggest the Sir tools spring compressor much better and easier to use and safer (costly lesson)
That new-fangled spring compressor looks like a real pain to use. Why not use two of the regular-type compressors, one on each side and torqued down equally? Is there any way to keep the bolt from spinning other than using an air wrench? And how can you tell when you reinstall the nut that it's tight enough using an air wrench?
great work, but with this kind of koni high quality shocks i'd change the other side too, which makes more sense while adjustable (one good and tunable and one maybe little worn out = no go). and beware of breaking the springs color\coating; if corrosion drops in, you'll do the job again in a relatively short time. just my two cents. ;o))
Technically, I would refer to the spring and shock assembly, collectively, as a strut and as mentioned a front end alignment is advised, if not required
That torque wrench looked medieval dude xD
Thanks for the video! Good Work
I love how they show everything even their struggles!!!!
Really enjoyed watching this video. I had no idea how this repair was done and you made it look fairly easy. I'm not particularly experienced in car maintenance but it does look doable with patience and care.
Very much enjoyed this video Car and Driver! you've given me the knowledge of replacing dampers on my own and for that i say thank you!
Enjoyed your video, it's more geared towards the pace of the home mechanic or diy'er.... which is where most of us live! lol... I'll be looking for more of your videos...Thanks again!
Thanks for this video, I always wondered if you could take out the shock tower without compressing the spring. Not like the old days, when you lowered the spring with a floor jack.
Excellent tutorial. Thanks for making this video.
Good job, I didn't know the spring compressor tool could slip off.
Been using that tool for years.
Great video! Just stumbled on this channel, but definitely subbing and looking forward to more!
Thanks a lot for this video, found it really useful when changing the shock on my MX-5 today :)
Pat Maher yessss
Another thing, the bolts should be torque when the car is on the ground. This helps to eliminate preload on the bushings.
who is doing the job? the mechanic or the editor?
thanks for the class... was very helpfull... gonna change rear shock absorvers on my audi a3
Good clean video. Very self explanitory.
Love watchin this show Ben you have saved me alot of money, however , i think ill leave the shocks to the pros not even attempting to do this one myself.
thank you. your video was very helpful! i believe you should use new shock boots along with the bump stops...
magnificent, thank you for your timeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Mr. Wojdyla.
Nice DIY, thanks!
Great video guys
Knowledge is power...great stuff to do on a nice 65 degree weekend....that and a cookout!
very very very helpful
Very fun and interesting to watch.
What were the bump stops you used with this spring/damper combination?
They didn't look like the standard Mazda ones.
Thanks for the video.
Great video, love the music!!! 1996 Mazda 626 Monroe's... Here I come!!!
Are you supposed to tighten those bolts when the car is on the ground not on the lift?
realy well done...thanks
Great video
good job i learned something new
At 11:59 the bump stop is installed up-side down. The other side of the bump stop does a better job of gripping the welded section of shaft just below the washer than backs up the bump stop. The narrow end points down.
Do you need a washer there? FM instructions does not say.
Other than Koni " yellow " adjustable sport shocks , have you replaced the Springs & Bumps ? I so , which parts did you use . Thanks soooo much in advance !
Torque is force times radius as you said. In English Units it is lbf.ft as you said but most American people incorrectly do not distinguish between pound force and pound mass.
Even pressure is often referred to as pounds of pressure when what is meant is psi or pound force per square inch.
very informative... thanks a lot... now I know how to change shocks :))
I enjoyed this video
I will be upgrading my miata suspension in 1 week time, exiting ! Koni shocks + springs and new Eibach swaybars and links front and rear. Weehee
I am very afraid to use the widowmaker compression tool since I lost my husband.
What is the name of the blue compression & where can I get or rent one of that?
Very nice tips & thank you for taking your time out to show us.
Awesome vid.
Great videos as always, I have a 2000 Corolla, I hear like a thumping, clacking noises when I go over bumps, but I hear it from the rear, do you think it is the rear struts? It comes from the driver's side. Also, what is your opinion about quick struts? Raybestos, KYB or Monroe? Which one?
Does anybody else love the sound of the impact driver?
yes
Thanks a lot, Ben! I'm getting ready to do this to all 4 struts on my Subaru Legacy. I just have one concern:
When you're taking the nut off of the top of the strut cap, you used an air powered impact wrench. Is that necessary? I don't know how I'd access one of those for this driveway project. Would it work to just use a cordless drill or a ratchet?
Great vid. One question. Why didnt you put weight on the shock strut before torquing the down? You torqued the bolts down with everything hanging. Why?
Do I have to get a alignment job done after I Change out my shock? Thanks!!
Great video, camera was not moving constantly and you had proper lighting. Did you do the fronts? I would like to see that one.
Answer please can we install larger springs in car just little larger to increase hight? thanks
Well said.
i'm glad i got to see this. I was going to replace my shocks but i have second thoughts after seeing the widowmaker... even with the bigger tool it scares the heck out of me.
buy the whole quickstrut - not that much more to begin with, no worrying about killling yourself and 95% of the the upper mounts are bad on shocks anyway so fuckit.
Thanks bro...
Miata rear shock does not the removal of the upper a arm bolt like what they have done in the video. If the guy only removed the lower shock bolt, he would have realized that all you have to do is pull down on the knuckle.
I need deep sockets for this job right? or can I do it with standard sockets?
when you put the air intakes, and tuners in the car, can you compare the before and after sounds? like the way it sounded before, then the way it sounds after
Apologies for the question so many years later, but you only replaced one of the shocks on the vehicle. It seems to me, that would be counter-productive, to have only one wheel supported by a different sort of suspension (and adjustable at that). Did you go on to replace the rest of the shocks?
When loosen the bolt on the shock, how do we keep it from turning with the inside of the shock? Or are all cars made like this?
OMG! what kinda torque-wrench is that haha! never seen anything like it! cool.
I've read that you should get an alignment after replacing front struts.
Yes, or at least just check it for sure.
Haha, that guy in orange really took over the video 😂😂😂
Good!
hey i like your videos where can i find you i need some teaching on mechanic thats my dream job
Hey I push down on my rear right side of my car and it won't go down. Is this a must up strut as well.? My car has shock and coils separate in the rear and in the front it has struts inside the coil. But only have problems with right rear. I can possibly bend my frame if I push down hard enough. But the left end pushes down and bounces once or twice and settles. I have 3 friends that have same car as me and year. And the left side behaves like their cars. Right side is stiff. Any ideas?
How do you know how much torque you need to tighten the bolts if you have a car that is not stock? Do you still use the amount it says in the cars manual?
Thanks
where did you rent the spring compressor at?
Hi my car one side strut is very hard to push down is no jumping movement at all like no Spring what happen could you help?
Just noticed rust on the Front Strut Nut. Bought a Replacement. Can I just undo the Rusted Front Strut Nut and Replace it with the new one while the Vehicle is grounded. ? Thanks!
great stuff.. this should be on SPEED channel... i am sick of their endless nascar coverage on that channel...
Do you have to align it after this?
Can't you use a jack to put that whole steering knuckle area back into place if its low to the ground? I have seen others do that for certain things like sway bar repair.
nice
I always called those spring compressors J-Hooks !
Going to be doing mine this week on my drive, using a jack, jack stands, torque wrench. Borrowing the spring compressor from a neighbour. Rest cost about £50.
Doing this to my MX-5 tomorrow... Not a mechanical wizard at all, so I hope it goes well. At least I don't have to rebuild the suspension, since I have full shocks+springs all ready to be mounted :) So no risk of head loss.
Is it ok to change one shock absorber? My front right shock needs to be replaced. Thanks.
The shock that they do is the easiest one on that car. The other side has the fuel hoses in the way and the front is a real bear compared to the rear.
I have a 94 Chevy 1500 pick up can you do one one leaf springs
There is a C clip that goes around the shock body, you can see in the video there is 3 positions you can adjust it to. I believe he has it at the highest setting (stock height), it comes at the middle setting from the factory (or Bilstein height according to Koni).
torque wrench on that strut nut, manual or online has the specific torque requirements for the nut and is pretty important rather than just eye balling
is there a video that shows you how to replace front struts? also wil i need to buy anything besides the strut/shock? (i hear noises when i go over a bump)
+Ahmad Zaitoun Check the sway bar links.
If you want to get technical , it is a coilover set up with a 3 click adjustment for rebound ( jounce ).. . If it is the Koni SPORT dampner , then it has a spring perch that has 3 adjustments for ride height ...If its the Koni street series dampner , then it has a non adjustable spring perch ....
Where do you get that torque wrench?
It's like watching the students at the local college doing car repairs ..
for putting shock to tower you can use transmission jack if you own 1.
I always wondered if unbolting everything while the car was on the ground, would work as good as a spring compressor.
LOL...and what about the Strut Boot ??? LOOOOL
also i recommend a click type torque wrench especially if you are not familiar with the manual type use in the video not that those dont work as well just easier with the click type imho
how much do those tools typically cost?
its called a beam type, and its the most basic and cheap, but surprisingly its the most accurate. PS Ben u have to hold it still at the appropriate torque for a couple secs.
I wish you did the front too because I want to learn to do all four of them, but I think it's similar to the rears
the other spring compressor kit offered at auto zone worked fine for me(the first one they showed)...I just did my front shocks on a 2005 cavalier by myself with no vice....it was a little tricky but not impossible and yes two people make it easier but it is not necessary. when bottom and top is loose turn the caliper to the back which gives a little extra clearance to drop down the shock spring assembly. For professionals they do make it seem difficult..it wasn't at all that hard for me but you do have to have a general sense of the physics of levers and compression to understand how to pry to release the pressure from the bolt to remove and reinstall them.
I took my car to the shop for brakes and front upper control arm replacement. I got call from the mechanic recommending shocks replacement. He said it's not urgent. They're still 80% effective but it's recommended and it should be done within a year or so. Don't know what to make of this? You're recommendation input is greatly appreciated.
Flyin Miata in Palisade CO?
How did the bolts come off so easy ? I always need a torch for my parts !
The car is not rusty at all, it looks to be in very good shape. Just depends where you drive your car. I live in Illinois (rough winters, lot of salt), I also need to torch all my shit.
everytime i run over a small hole or crack on the street my car starts shaking and sometimes its so loud and hard that i feel like the car is probably going to brake. i took it several places to have my oil changed and both time i asked them to check my shocks and suspension and they say everything is fine and that my car comes with a stiff transmission from the factory. but i dont feel like it should be that way every time i run over a small crack. please help. thank you
This episode was really sexual lol "you got a rag anywhere" 9:59 . "Back Nut" their was just so many puns. Great Video you found a new subscriber in me.
i have a Question... How do you Adjust the shocks to lower the car ?
two things to comment on first: i own (unfortunately) and have use (of course) one of those clamshell type single action coilspring compressors and not only are they fairly hard to get in and out of most import/compact car coil springs they tend to bow the spring also everyone i have used says "no impact tools" 2nd they are also hard to wield by yourself so i suggest the Sir tools spring compressor much better and easier to use and safer (costly lesson)
That new-fangled spring compressor looks like a real pain to use. Why not use two of the regular-type compressors, one on each side and torqued down equally?
Is there any way to keep the bolt from spinning other than using an air wrench? And how can you tell when you reinstall the nut that it's tight enough using an air wrench?
What car is it
How much would this cost for a 2008 Honda CRV do it yourself in San Diego California or at a local shop anyone?
great work, but with this kind of koni high quality shocks i'd change the other side too, which makes more sense while adjustable (one good and tunable and one maybe little worn out = no go). and beware of breaking the springs color\coating; if corrosion drops in, you'll do the job again in a relatively short time. just my two cents. ;o))
Do you need the washer at 12:01?
Technically, I would refer to the spring and shock assembly, collectively, as a strut and as mentioned a front end alignment is advised, if not required
18:52 "just dropping our nuts right on top" you teabag your bosses car huh?
So does every bolt and nut have a certain torque setting
yes