Do you need an alignment after replacing rear struts?

Yes, if the vehicle manufacturer recommends an alignment after replacement. Yes, if you did any suspension modifications that do not follow manufacturer recommendations. Yes, if you are replacing your tires at the same time.

Can I replace just one front strut?

Technically, it is possible to have just one strut done at a time. But, I don’t know of a single mechanic that would advise having one strut done. Struts are replaced in pairs for several reasons, the most important of them being that replacing only one can very easily lead to an unsafe driving condition.

Why do you need to replace your front struts?

By being proactive about replacing your front struts as recommended by your manufacturer, you can avoid further damage to steering and suspension components like shock absorbers, ball joints, and tie rod ends, reduce wear and tear on tires, and maintain a safe-operating vehicle.

How can I tell if my front struts are weak?

Front strut. To pinpoint a weak or failed strut or shock absorber, your mechanic may do a quick “bounce test” where each corner of the vehicle is pushed down and quickly released.

Do you have to change coil springs when replacing struts?

Do coil springs or strut mounts need to be changed when replacing the struts? The answer is no: if the springs or the struts mount are in good shape, they can be re-used with new struts. However, if a vehicle is old and strut mounts are known to fail in this vehicle, it makes sense to replace the strut mounts too.

What are the struts and shock absorbers in a car?

A strut is the shock absorber built into one unit with the coil spring. Front suspension layout with a MacPherson strut. It’s also known as a MacPherson strut. Any car has four struts/shock absorbers; one at each wheel. Most cars and SUVs have struts in the front suspension and shock absorbers or struts in the back.

When is the best time to replace a strut?

A bare strut reuses the original coil spring so it’s cheaper but will require tool rentals or shop time and usually additional replacement parts. Strut replacement is generally recommended between 50-100k miles and can vary based on the conditions of miles being traveled.

What’s the best way to replace rear struts?

Step 1: Park your vehicle on a level, hard, and flat surface. Ensure that your vehicle is in a space that is level, hard, and flat so the job goes smoothly. Step 2: Open the hood. Open the hood of the car to provide greater access. Note: If you are doing the rear struts you need to locate where they mount to the body.

Is the front shock the same as the rear strut?

The words “shocks” and “struts” are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. Each wheel on your car has either a shock or a strut, never both; although, a vehicle may have struts in the front and shocks in the rear. Consult your owner’s manual or speak to an Advance Team Member to be sure. We’ll take you through the basics below.

What are the symptoms of worn out front struts?

Here are 6 common symptoms of worn out struts: 1. Steering response is less than stellar. If you notice that the vehicle steering is sluggish, or not as responsive to input as usual, it is typically a warning sign of damaged or worn out struts.