This is, by a long shot, the best automotive repair informational video I have seen. And I have watched hundreds of them. Good lighting, in focus, explanatory, to the point, clear communicator and edited down. There should be an award. I am watching your others next.
I've got a 2007 Impreza Outback sport with 195k miles on it. I have used several of this videos ..too muany lmao! All little "watch out for..." tips came in very handy..especially on getting stuck bolts free. I really appreciate everything!
Thank you brother! This looks like it would be extremely simple if I buy a complete strut assembly and don’t need to mess with the springs. I’m doing it myself! Much love
Thanks you exactly explained everything in such detail! Even to the point of what tools we’re needing to use to where to place the jack to make sure the car is safe, secure, and lifted properly. I own a 2014 5 speed manual Subaru Impreza wagon sports premium model and I did what you asked and got all of it done. It did take a few hours though but I’m super happy with the results. Thanks
That was unreal. Clear. Concise. Easy to follow. Thanks! I'm getting ready to do my 1993 Subaru Liberty (Legacy) RS Turbo struts all round. Thanks again. Very helpful!
Front struts on 2012 outback are a pain in the arse with these harbor freight compressor, I end up having to buy two pair and it was still hard! The all threads bind up on the plate that attaches to the strut, flip it around and same on other. Don’t take the strut nut off unless you can take it off by hand pretty much, if not, the coil is not tight enough, also the shaft on the shock has to be all the way up into the bearing plate, if not it stays off center, you can still torque it but if that shaft is not all the way up in, I’m guessing that would be really bad. Thanks for the video, was close enough to get it done.
I just did my rear struts, using Haynes manual. It's much easier than doing the front 👍 I installed rallitek heavy duty overload springs, and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you so much! Especially for that last tip about the two holes facing outward, i had to go back and redo it to fix the clunking. I missed that part in the video.
At least on the Impreza, the process for the rear is almost completely identical to the front. There's some small differences in where the brake lines mount up, and you need to access the top mount bolts from inside of the trunk. But, if you've replaced your fronts already, you're definitely ready to tackle the rears! :)
Where do we find such offset wrenches to tighten the centre bolt? And of course KYB and Gabriel replacements use a 19mm rather than the 17mm of the OE Subaru front struts on my SH. Rear ones use a 14mm on the KYB and I am hoping the OE Subaru uses the same.
Cracking video, all the detail you will need. I was just watching this as I thought I would need to mark camber bolt. Video confirmed and gave loads useful tips even though I have an older Impreza.
Wow, I did the same on a 14 Outback and clamping just 2 coils all the way together still didn’t shorten the spring enough. I will need to use different type of compressor.
Yeah i dont understand why people still take their cars to shops for fluids, tire rotations, brakes and struts. All those are very easy to do and you can get some icon tools at harbor freight to do the job. The tools dont even cost that much. Spend $500 on tools and you can do all of these maintenance items indefinitely and not get charged 100/hr+ to do the same job. For example, i can do my oil for 55. A shop charges me $100 for the same thing. I can do a tire rotation for free 99. A shop would charge me $20-30. I can do all four brake pads and rotors for $350, a shop quoted me $700 for all 4 rotors and pad sets. Spark plugs cost me $75. Shop charges 300 to do them because they claim they have to raise the engine to get to them... subaru very cramped nearest to firewall... no you dont, if you use the right extensions and swivels you have 0 issues. Just with those services alone you paid for the tools already. Let alone doing differential fluids, transmission fluids, coolant, shocks. You save THOUSANDS working on your own car. Also it seems like shops take 2x longer to do the job than i can do my own. Like i took my car to the dealer once for an oil change just to see if they recommend any repairs or service and it took them an hour and a half only to do an oil change! Takes me 30 minutes
@@Yurrweoutside , The front struts I bought kyb but reused the old spring. I looked into a complete set for the front but it was very limited and the reviews wasn't great. Bought the spring clamp from auto zone and just took my time uncoiling them. Did the back strut couple of months later and got some nice RalliTek Strut but also bought all the other parts. It cost around $330 but definitely saved in labor cost. I'm no mechanic or even consider myself close to it. Pandemic just gave me so much time to pick up this skills. Now I'm doing the simple thing like brakes replacement and struts.
hi. nice tutorial. in @08:42 you say: "this goes here"... what is "this"? looking for the english term of this upper part of the strut which can freely rotate. is it called "strut bearing"?
awesome video. a little painful watching you do it all with open ended wrench and a non ratcheting breaker bar but I guess the idea is to show people how to do it with the most simple and cheapest tools possible. great job sharing you save your viewers hundreds of dollars!
Subarus are so easy to work on. I'm doing this job this weekend on my car. I got a set of Monroe quick struts. It'll go quicker than mowing the lawn. Thanks for the video, pointers and torque specs.
awesome video brother very imformative with the specs . Just a few questions isn't that called a shock not a strut? and why make the bolts. what I the marking was facing down wouldn't it be the same thing?
How did marking the bolts with the ild strut work out? Lol. I kinda thought that was funny, but it wasn't to be precise i suppose u should always technically get an alignment when doing suspension work.
I have a question so I have to replace both the front and rear struts and saw a complete kit for all four for 400+$ would they be too cheap for a Subaru Legacy 2014?
Subaru front struts are the only struts I have issues with those spring compressors... literally the screw always rubs on the bottom of the MacPherson flange. It's ridiculous. They could've just made the spring compressors like 0.25" wider. Literally done tons of cars and subaru front struts are the only ones I see with issues.
Question on reinstalling the strut. I replaced mine with lowering springs and it’s now hitting the axle when I’m putting the strut back on. I’ve tried stepping on the rotor to match the knuckle on the strut but no luck. Any advice?
Hello there! Nice video! Hope you and your family are doing well!❤️🌞 So I have a question about my 2015 WRX that has the original shocks and Struts at 240,000 miles 🤪😁 I was thinking of going with Blisteins b6 over the oems and my mechanic told I should replace the top rubber mounts under the hood! Is that necessary ? I'd appreciate your input on these two questions! 😁 Thanks...🙌
Yes, certainly replace the top shock mount. It wouldn't make sense to do all this work and not replace it. Secondly, after 240k miles it's the right move. I used KYB mounts. Good luck!
@@CarsNToys I found out the issue. The weight of the other side was preventing the brake from lining up with the strut bolt. Found an article abt it. Lifted the other wheel up just a little bit to get the weight off and it was easy work afterwards
springs are prob good as long as they aren't rusting. btw foresters have a rear spring recall even going back to 2014. go to the dealer and get your free rear spring replacement! can prob get new struts installed CHEAP
Good video, Just FYI, those bolts are not for camber adjustment, in fact pretty much 99% of modern cars have no camber adjustment, only toe angle can be adjusted, which you don't touch when removing a shock so no need to mark or align anything after replacement.
The top bolt is indeed for camber adjustment. It has an asymmetrical shoulder that moves the top of the hub in or out depending on how the bolt is rotated.
@@aleks0001 Below link is a picture of the top strut bolt off my 2011 Outback. The lower bolt is normal, this upper bolt has an asymmetrical shoulder which when rotated moves the top of the knuckle inboard / outboard thereby adjusting the camber. imgur.com/a/9n5vOMv Rotating the bolt to the proper orientation then tightening the nut while holding the bolt with an end wrench will set your camber. Not trying to argue, just want to share correct information for anyone reading this.
This is, by a long shot, the best automotive repair informational video I have seen. And I have watched hundreds of them. Good lighting, in focus, explanatory, to the point, clear communicator and edited down. There should be an award. I am watching your others next.
Thank you, Joe. I appreciate the feedback. Cheers!
Agreed
You’ve really made owning my Subaru way less of a pain over the years. Thank you for your easy to understand and informational videos. Always the best
Great detail, especially the paint marks, torque specs, and parts orientation. Very good job!
I've got a 2007 Impreza Outback sport with 195k miles on it. I have used several of this videos ..too muany lmao! All little "watch out for..." tips came in very handy..especially on getting stuck bolts free. I really appreciate everything!
God bless, this video was the only one I found that gave a fully detailed uninstall and reinstall for struts. And the paint on the bolt? chef's kiss
3 top nuts are torqued to 14.5 ft/lbs. 2 lower strut mount bolts/nuts are torqued to 129 ft/lbs.
probably the best subie strut video I've watched.
Thank you.
This is fantastic, and definitely one of the best home auto repair videos I’ve seen. Great detail and explanations. You do good work!
Great video! Are you able to do a tutorial on the rear struts as well?
Thank you brother! This looks like it would be extremely simple if I buy a complete strut assembly and don’t need to mess with the springs. I’m doing it myself! Much love
The most concise and calm video on all of TH-cam! Thank you.
Thanks you exactly explained everything in such detail! Even to the point of what tools we’re needing to use to where to place the jack to make sure the car is safe, secure, and lifted properly. I own a 2014 5 speed manual Subaru Impreza wagon sports premium model and I did what you asked and got all of it done. It did take a few hours though but I’m super happy with the results. Thanks
That was unreal. Clear. Concise. Easy to follow. Thanks! I'm getting ready to do my 1993 Subaru Liberty (Legacy) RS Turbo struts all round. Thanks again. Very helpful!
Great video. I will be doing exactly the same thing for my 03 Forester. I will soon find out how 18 year old 210K mile struts look like...
I’ve been trying to figure out how to orient the spring seat but couldn’t get it right. Thank you for taking the time!
Just don’t forget the rubber spring insulators. They prevent annoying knocking noises when hitting bumps and when turning
You rock dude. Tyvm, allows an idiot like me to save some money and learn about my car. Can’t thank you enough.
Front struts on 2012 outback are a pain in the arse with these harbor freight compressor, I end up having to buy two pair and it was still hard! The all threads bind up on the plate that attaches to the strut, flip it around and same on other. Don’t take the strut nut off unless you can take it off by hand pretty much, if not, the coil is not tight enough, also the shaft on the shock has to be all the way up into the bearing plate, if not it stays off center, you can still torque it but if that shaft is not all the way up in, I’m guessing that would be really bad. Thanks for the video, was close enough to get it done.
This video show me exactly what I need to do if I want to replacement my shock
Please do a Rear Strut replacement video. This one is pretty awesome.
I just did my rear struts, using Haynes manual. It's much easier than doing the front 👍 I installed rallitek heavy duty overload springs, and I couldn't be happier!
Thank you so much! Especially for that last tip about the two holes facing outward, i had to go back and redo it to fix the clunking. I missed that part in the video.
Watching your video has definitely given me the confidence to do this on my own, thank you! Any chance for the rear?
At least on the Impreza, the process for the rear is almost completely identical to the front. There's some small differences in where the brake lines mount up, and you need to access the top mount bolts from inside of the trunk. But, if you've replaced your fronts already, you're definitely ready to tackle the rears! :)
Where do we find such offset wrenches to tighten the centre bolt? And of course KYB and Gabriel replacements use a 19mm rather than the 17mm of the OE Subaru front struts on my SH. Rear ones use a 14mm on the KYB and I am hoping the OE Subaru uses the same.
How come I couldn’t find this video 3 months ago when I changed my struts, it’s the best I’ve found😢
Cracking video, all the detail you will need. I was just watching this as I thought I would need to mark camber bolt. Video confirmed and gave loads useful tips even though I have an older Impreza.
Glad it helped
This was the best video I have seen on this topic. Well done! I am now a subscriber.
better explain than the other Subaru videos. TY
Very helpful video, I have a 2014 Impreza. Same procedure. Thumbs up!
This is awesome! I'm about to replace the struts on my 2000 impreza and this looks very similar.
Wow, I did the same on a 14 Outback and clamping just 2 coils all the way together still didn’t shorten the spring enough. I will need to use different type of compressor.
I had the same problem
Yeah i dont understand why people still take their cars to shops for fluids, tire rotations, brakes and struts. All those are very easy to do and you can get some icon tools at harbor freight to do the job. The tools dont even cost that much. Spend $500 on tools and you can do all of these maintenance items indefinitely and not get charged 100/hr+ to do the same job. For example, i can do my oil for 55. A shop charges me $100 for the same thing. I can do a tire rotation for free 99. A shop would charge me $20-30. I can do all four brake pads and rotors for $350, a shop quoted me $700 for all 4 rotors and pad sets. Spark plugs cost me $75. Shop charges 300 to do them because they claim they have to raise the engine to get to them... subaru very cramped nearest to firewall... no you dont, if you use the right extensions and swivels you have 0 issues. Just with those services alone you paid for the tools already. Let alone doing differential fluids, transmission fluids, coolant, shocks. You save THOUSANDS working on your own car. Also it seems like shops take 2x longer to do the job than i can do my own. Like i took my car to the dealer once for an oil change just to see if they recommend any repairs or service and it took them an hour and a half only to do an oil change! Takes me 30 minutes
You are the man !!! I might go with a different approach and buying the complete set of strut to avoid taking the spring out (lack of equipment).
Which ones did you use? I know Gabriel makes a quick strut called Ready Mount
@@Yurrweoutside , The front struts I bought kyb but reused the old spring. I looked into a complete set for the front but it was very limited and the reviews wasn't great. Bought the spring clamp from auto zone and just took my time uncoiling them. Did the back strut couple of months later and got some nice RalliTek Strut but also bought all the other parts. It cost around $330 but definitely saved in labor cost. I'm no mechanic or even consider myself close to it. Pandemic just gave me so much time to pick up this skills. Now I'm doing the simple thing like brakes replacement and struts.
@@phizz8694 awesome thanks for your reply. I will consider doing the same.
Thank you so much from Russia. Like! Good luck!!!
hi. nice tutorial. in @08:42 you say: "this goes here"... what is "this"? looking for the english term of this upper part of the strut which can freely rotate. is it called "strut bearing"?
I spent 10 minutes looking for a lost washer before I re watched this haha
awesome video. a little painful watching you do it all with open ended wrench and a non ratcheting breaker bar but I guess the idea is to show people how to do it with the most simple and cheapest tools possible. great job sharing you save your viewers hundreds of dollars!
Thank you. I appreciate the feedback!
Amazing video thank you for your services. I am sure I will rewatch this several times when I do this myself.
Subarus are so easy to work on. I'm doing this job this weekend on my car. I got a set of Monroe quick struts. It'll go quicker than mowing the lawn. Thanks for the video, pointers and torque specs.
This video was very educational. Thank you for sharing!
awesome video brother very imformative with the specs . Just a few questions isn't that called a shock not a strut? and why make the bolts. what I the marking was facing down wouldn't it be the same thing?
How did marking the bolts with the ild strut work out? Lol.
I kinda thought that was funny, but it wasn't to be precise i suppose u should always technically get an alignment when doing suspension work.
I was wondering the same thing! Other than that, good video.
Just curious. Why did you say to loosen the nut on top of the strut tower before jacking the car up? Great video!
Good video, going to do mine soon. Was looking at the rear struts also, looks like you need to remove the seat to get to the top of the struts.
Do you need to disassemble the shock and strut or can you just exchange the worn part for the new one as a whole?
Nice video and well explained. I have to tackle this job soon when it gets warmer outside,Thanks
How is it that there is no rust on the bolts. I'm having a heck of a time getting that brake line bolt out.
I appreciate the video. I did this once on a BMW but wasn't sure if its similar or not to Subarus.
Sadly, my Subaru is making suspension noises :(!!
TH-cam university strikes again. Thank you for the video. Very helpful
Great video thank you, but wth was that incoming missile siren @2:44 : |
He probably lives in the midwest. They test the tornado sirens once a month here.
Awesome, did you also do the rears? I gotta do this soon and thinking of doing all 4 corners
There should be a rubber cover under the spring but it is completely missing on your own O.o
I have a question so I have to replace both the front and rear struts and saw a complete kit for all four for 400+$ would they be too cheap for a Subaru Legacy 2014?
Al of this was a big help my friend,thanks for help!!👍
About to do this on a 2006 Tribeca B9, thank you for the detailed video.
Subaru front struts are the only struts I have issues with those spring compressors... literally the screw always rubs on the bottom of the MacPherson flange. It's ridiculous. They could've just made the spring compressors like 0.25" wider. Literally done tons of cars and subaru front struts are the only ones I see with issues.
At 3:18 are you using PB Blaster garage door lubricant? Is that the same as regular pb blaster?
So why reuse the springs? How long do springs normally last anyways?
Thank you, video's very helpful!
2006 subie sti should be similar. Thanks it helps
Question on reinstalling the strut. I replaced mine with lowering springs and it’s now hitting the axle when I’m putting the strut back on. I’ve tried stepping on the rotor to match the knuckle on the strut but no luck. Any advice?
Thanks for putting this up. How well was your alignment preserved with the attention paid to the position of the camber bolt?
No issues. (Via tire wear)
Great video, thank you very much!
Nice video! I have an 08 ! Thanks
Very good video, thanks alot!
Didn't work so well putting the alignment mark's on the strut, did it. I wondered when u were going to realize that.
Habit. It's on the fastener. Thank you for commenting.
LOL!!!!! you're right. but at least he can look at the old one
SanityOne I did the same thing my first time changing a strut lol. Like josh said though at least you have a reference to get it in the ballpark
Hello there! Nice video! Hope you and your family are doing well!❤️🌞 So I have a question about my 2015 WRX that has the original shocks and Struts at 240,000 miles 🤪😁 I was thinking of going with Blisteins b6 over the oems and my mechanic told I should replace the top rubber mounts under the hood! Is that necessary ? I'd appreciate your input on these two questions! 😁 Thanks...🙌
I'd replace those top hats. Get the factory ones they'll last longer on wear than cheapy ones.
Does anyone know how similar the process is on a 2013 Subaru Legacy?
Btw I was thinking of the Blisteins b6 replacements cause I wanna use the Stock springs..!!
Yes, certainly replace the top shock mount. It wouldn't make sense to do all this work and not replace it. Secondly, after 240k miles it's the right move. I used KYB mounts. Good luck!
@@CarsNToys Thanks for Replying!!!!🙌 Have a Good Sunday!!!
Say it with me guys..”quick struts!” Great video tho
Well done sir !
Awesome Video!
have you ran into an issue when putting the strut back on and the strut seems about an inch longer and it doesnt line up with the brake.
I'm afraid not. The key is to make sure the spring is reassembled the correct way. If the spring is off the strut will not perform correctly.
@@CarsNToys I found out the issue. The weight of the other side was preventing the brake from lining up with the strut bolt. Found an article abt it. Lifted the other wheel up just a little bit to get the weight off and it was easy work afterwards
Thank you so much!!!
The bottom bolt is not a camber adjustment bolt, so i dont know why you bothered to mark it and put it back in the same position. Only the top one is.
Thank you. Just a habit of mine. Appreciate the feedback.
Great video!
Great video.. would you suggest just taking a drill at the top of the strut and just taking off the bolt without compressing the spring?
LMAO
robertd10481 go ahead and also increase your medical health insurance and video it for TH-cam fame
Sure if it’s OFF the car and laying flat on the ground in an open garage or outdoors. Sure it pops a little but just stand off to the side
Nice job
Nice sharing sir
My front left shocks is gone. Do I have to replace both front shocks ?
No. But if the car has a lot of miles. it might going out soon as well.
It's a good idea to replace both.
@@CarsNToys thanks
@@Jay_P86 67,000km so about 30,000 miles
Looks Easy!👍
Question. Why did you not just get new springs at the same time? Do springs outlast the strut? Thanks
springs are prob good as long as they aren't rusting. btw foresters have a rear spring recall even going back to 2014. go to the dealer and get your free rear spring replacement! can prob get new struts installed CHEAP
Thank You!
Great video
Thanks!
what up with the air raid siren at 2:54
Oh yes.. action-packed where I am.
thank you well done.
Is the air raid siren going off in the background concerning for anyone else or is that just me?
Good job
Thanks
Air raid alarm going off wth lol
well done
Match marks don't really work when you discard one of the parts you mark.
How is the new strut any different than the old strut? You mark the bolt for twelve o’clock and it put back to the same spot.
Can you fix my legacy
Dude replacing his struts during an air raid.
👍
Never did tell us what you pounded on up top.
Im surprise that theres no rust
Uses a torx on an allen key fitting. No torque wrenches seen anywhere.
Not good.
Good video, Just FYI, those bolts are not for camber adjustment, in fact pretty much 99% of modern cars have no camber adjustment, only toe angle can be adjusted, which you don't touch when removing a shock so no need to mark or align anything after replacement.
The top bolt is indeed for camber adjustment. It has an asymmetrical shoulder that moves the top of the hub in or out depending on how the bolt is rotated.
@@jsdesigns9532 no its not stop talking crap, ive done more of these than I can count. The only adjustment most modern cars can do is toe in and out
@@aleks0001 Below link is a picture of the top strut bolt off my 2011 Outback. The lower bolt is normal, this upper bolt has an asymmetrical shoulder which when rotated moves the top of the knuckle inboard / outboard thereby adjusting the camber.
imgur.com/a/9n5vOMv
Rotating the bolt to the proper orientation then tightening the nut while holding the bolt with an end wrench will set your camber.
Not trying to argue, just want to share correct information for anyone reading this.
Thankyou so much.