Strut assembly question
Guest
Posts: n/a
Strut assembly question
I will be replacing my struts soon and have a question about the best way to do it. I've been told that the entire strut assembly- strut, spring, and tops- can be removed without needing a spring clamp. If I were to buy a new set of struts, springs and tops, could I just take out the stock ones in one piece and just slide the new set in? I know I will probably need a spring clamp to get them in the new struts but that is not a concern for me. Is this an easier way to do it, if I do it myself, than taking the strut apart and putting all the old stuff back on the car? I will be doing this on my '93 Impreza, if that makes a difference to anyone. Thanks!
Registered User
iTrader: (5)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,661
From: location location
Car Info: 98 Impreza Outback Sport
If you want to do this, you'll need new boots and bumpstops also. There may be a rubber seat on the bottom or top (or both) of your factory springs that you would want to reuse... this part I was wondering about myself. I'm swapping spring/struts this weekend on my 98 Impreza; it's not that difficult to get the hats of the stock assemblies (just mark them before removal, so if you want to save the $200 (price of new KYB hats) ... go right ahead.
Guest
Posts: n/a
OK need to ressurect this thread. I have most everything I need but have one more question. Can I put the new units together outside the car and have the holes for the tops line up correctly when it's time to install? I was thinking about this and don't really know how to go about assembling the struts, making sure everything will line up having no reference markings or relation to other parts since they're out of the car. Any tips/tricks?? Thanks guys!! 
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 107
From: Lake Hughes | CA
Car Info: WRX Wagon
Assuming you have all the parts necessary to assemble a complete strut assembly:
Front:
17mm nut
Tophat
Conical washer (for the front)
upper spring perch
upper spring perch rubber insulator
spring
bump stop
Strut
dust boot
Rear:
17mm nut
Tophat
upper spring perch
upper spring perch rubber insulator
spring
bumps stop
Strut
lower spring perch rubber insulator
dust boot
You will need a spring compressor, an impact wrench and 17mm socket.
How to align the hat/spring perch to the strut:
This is very important to assure proper seating of the spring in the springs perches and, in the rear, with ease of installment. If you look at the upper spring perch, you will notice 3 holes on it. Basically, all you do is sight down the middle hole and make sure it stays centered between the lower two "leaves/arms" of the "bracket" of the strut. When you tighten the hat down, you'll need someone to hold onto the hat/spring perch to keep it from twisting out of place. then decompress the springs while noting the position of the hat. Try to keep it all centered. A few mm's off won't kill you. but don't quote me on that!
there are quite a few other little things to watch out for. let me know if you have any other install questions.
Front:
17mm nut
Tophat
Conical washer (for the front)
upper spring perch
upper spring perch rubber insulator
spring
bump stop
Strut
dust boot
Rear:
17mm nut
Tophat
upper spring perch
upper spring perch rubber insulator
spring
bumps stop
Strut
lower spring perch rubber insulator
dust boot
You will need a spring compressor, an impact wrench and 17mm socket.
How to align the hat/spring perch to the strut:
This is very important to assure proper seating of the spring in the springs perches and, in the rear, with ease of installment. If you look at the upper spring perch, you will notice 3 holes on it. Basically, all you do is sight down the middle hole and make sure it stays centered between the lower two "leaves/arms" of the "bracket" of the strut. When you tighten the hat down, you'll need someone to hold onto the hat/spring perch to keep it from twisting out of place. then decompress the springs while noting the position of the hat. Try to keep it all centered. A few mm's off won't kill you. but don't quote me on that!
there are quite a few other little things to watch out for. let me know if you have any other install questions.
Last edited by Arnie; Jun 17, 2004 at 07:54 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wrbsuby
Suspension, Handling, and Brakes
3
Oct 31, 2007 11:53 AM
dirstylewrx
Subaru OEM Parts For Sale
2
Jan 12, 2004 12:25 PM