I just had my front struts done and man did it make a difference. I know i need to do my rears but im just wondering how much i should expect to pay to have them done. I had my front ones done in conjuction with a bunch of other stuff, and i definetly don't have the tools to do it myself...

so what should i pay?

?

Sure you do. Unless something has changed after 1991, you would only need a couple open end wrenches, and a ratchet with sockets. Two small nuts on the top strut tower and two bolts at the bottom. It'* been a lttle more than 4 years since I replaced the rears on my car and it was not that difficult. Trust me, If I can do it by myself, it is not that difficult. You'll need to get it aligned after you do the deed.

really? i was under the impression there was some like compression to it and whatnot... i'll ppull out my chiltons and take a look

anyone have any tips for doing it?

just checked out the chiltons... looks like i have rear springs and struts and at least the springs require a compression tool... so im gonna be getting someone to do this... anyone had it done recently? guestimate on pricing?

ol' timer is right. If you have ELC. The compressing tool you need, is available at Autozone for a deposit, which you get back when you return the tool. Let me guess 94bonnyv, you have an SE or SLE, right?


-justin

SE ... sry will edit sig

Wait! Have they changed the rear suspension after 1991? Are you sure you have McPherson Struts in the rear??? Mine looks vaguely like this. Note the top and bottom mountings are not the same and the shock is in front of the spring on my Olds.



This is the Mcpheson Stur I have in the front.




Sorry, this was the best picture I could find at this time. But if you remove one of your rear wheels, you will see the shock right in front of you with the spring BEHIND the shock.

Doing the rears shoulld be almost as easy as changing a shock. Loosen the top, remove the bottom two bolts and it comes out. The rears are a strut, but are not a coil over and do not require a spring compressor.

Jay

I'm going to jump in here because I think there is a little too much confusion. I have a 94 Bonneville SE. The spring is between the wheel a-frame and the chassis of the car. The strut is vertical from the wheel knuckle to the top mount. The strut is under no spring pressure and can be removed without even touching the spring.
I don't have ELC but I added ELC replacement struts from Monroe and a manual air filler. They have an air bag around the strut that adds to the springs force. To my knowledge the ELC factory system is the same.
So no compressor of any kind needed. Just release the clip to let the air out of the old bag, then replace the strut like it was a normal strut.
one large socket (18MM I think), a large breaker bar, some small sockets and 2 hours is all you need. Then get an alignment and you will love the improvement.
While you are under there you can add an SSEI sway bar, $72 and 15 minutes work. It helps a lot without hurting the ride. Any questions drop me a line...

RD

Correct. Don't touch the spring. No need. But do make sure you get an alignement done when it'* all over. You may want to consider upgrading to rear air struts anyway.

This may give you a better picture of what you'll be dealing with:

http://www.williamwren.com/struts/elc.html