2000-2005 Discuss your 2000-2005 Bonneville SE, SLE, and SSEi Please use General Chat for non-mechanical issues, and Performance and Brainstorming for improvements.

How hard to replace front strut assembly?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 15, 2010 | 12:56 PM
  #1  
GunsOfNavarone's Avatar
Thread Starter
Retired Administrator

True Car Nut
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 194
From: Williamsport, PA
GunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud of
Default How hard to replace front strut assembly?

How hard is to replace the front strut assembly on a 2001 SSEi? The 2001 now has 133k miles and is not riding as well as it use to. Thinking about replacing the strut assemblies as a way to better the ride.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:02 PM
  #2  
Rockstar04's Avatar
Senior Member
Posts like a Northstar
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 789
Likes: 0
From: Northern Illinois
Rockstar04 is on a distinguished road
Default

The front have three bolts holding the top in and there are two on the bottom, maybe a bolt holding the brake line on, the whole strut assembly will come out, you will need a coil spring compressor to get the spring off and change the strut, then reverse, You will need to get an alignment afterward.

I would say 5 outta 10, its not hard, but it requires a special tool and an alignment after.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:15 PM
  #3  
BillBoost37's Avatar
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

And frequently the main nut holding the assembly together is impossible or a serious pain w/o air tools.

It'* a 7 out of 10. intermediate to advanced tool level/major PITA.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:18 PM
  #4  
GunsOfNavarone's Avatar
Thread Starter
Retired Administrator

True Car Nut
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 194
From: Williamsport, PA
GunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud of
Default

Thanks RS. Looked at RockAuto'* site and it also lists strut mounts- should those be replaced also when replacing the struts? I have replaced coil springs on a Jeep Wrangler, bought spring compressors from Harbor Frieght (they were crap) and somehow got it done.
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:19 PM
  #5  
GunsOfNavarone's Avatar
Thread Starter
Retired Administrator

True Car Nut
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 194
From: Williamsport, PA
GunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud ofGunsOfNavarone has much to be proud of
Default

Bill, thanks. Let me ask the bigger question- is replacing the struts on a 133k Bonny going to make a measurable difference?
Reply
Old Mar 15, 2010 | 01:19 PM
  #6  
BillBoost37's Avatar
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS

Expert Gearhead
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
Likes: 30
From: Enfield, CT
BillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of lightBillBoost37 is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Mounts are essentially bearings. Yes replace them at the same time. Since you've done it before, go for it. It won't be any worse.

Don't get quick struts unless you are willing to downgrade your springs. quickstruts use the same springs as SE'* get.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
shawn_s
Buick
14
Jul 8, 2014 01:40 PM
antibiotics
2000-2005
2
Jun 7, 2009 11:39 AM
spidey3479
1987-1991
4
Jun 26, 2007 02:04 AM
SamReece
Introductions for new members
2
Jul 11, 2005 09:51 AM
Sasage
1992-1999
5
May 27, 2003 05:17 PM




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:58 AM.