Strut mount & shocks and struts

[estrnged1]

I have an 2006 Mustang (around 75K miles). Recently discovered that my front strut mounts are shot, although the actual shocks seem to still be good and stiff. Would it be wiser to only replace the strut mounts or go ahead and replace the shocks, struts, and strut mounts?

Thx!

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[Matthew Ross]

I’m assuming that they are MacPherson style struts (the spring surrounds the strut). If not, the rest of this may not apply.

In order to replace the strut mounts, you will most likely need to compress the front coil spring. The springs are very stout and require special tools to compress. This job can be dangerous if not done correctly. The springs have a lot of stored energy which can be lethal (as in the spring unloads and hits you in the head). That being said, with the right tools and knowledge, it’s not a dangerous job. I have the OTC 6494 Clamshell spring compressor, which I feel is a safe way to compress the springs. You can spend $700 on a spring compressor, but it’s not necessary if you are a DIYer. Here’s the tool: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6494-Clamshell-Spring-Compressor/dp/B0002SRHU6

On the flip side, you could just buy a quick strut. This is a complete assembly (new strut, spring, and mount already assembled). Take a look on http://www.rockauto.com and check the prices. Once you find your car, look under “suspension” and then “Strut/Coil Spring/Mount Assembly” Not a bad option if you’re not ready to try to compress the springs.

[Ingvar]

[quote=”matthewross1987″ post=123279]I’m assuming that they are MacPherson style struts (the spring surrounds the strut). If not, the rest of this may not apply.

In order to replace the strut mounts, you will most likely need to compress the front coil spring. The springs are very stout and require special tools to compress. This job can be dangerous if not done correctly. The springs have a lot of stored energy which can be lethal (as in the spring unloads and hits you in the head). That being said, with the right tools and knowledge, it’s not a dangerous job. I have the OTC 6494 Clamshell spring compressor, which I feel is a safe way to compress the springs. You can spend $700 on a spring compressor, but it’s not necessary if you are a DIYer. Here’s the tool: http://www.amazon.com/OTC-6494-Clamshell-Spring-Compressor/dp/B0002SRHU6

On the flip side, you could just buy a quick strut. This is a complete assembly (new strut, spring, and mount already assembled). Take a look on http://www.rockauto.com and check the prices. Once you find your car, look under “suspension” and then “Strut/Coil Spring/Mount Assembly” Not a bad option if you’re not ready to try to compress the springs.[/quote]

If I were you, I’d have that link to clamshell strut compressor removed and replaced. I bought SAME ONE for $42 free shipping off ebay. That’s THREE times lower cost. Black in color, yes, but do I give?

[Ingvar]

Otherwise, yes, it’s a great compressor – as far as you are not working on say Geo Metro struts. Has limitations on very small sized struts.

[Matthew Ross]

ukrkoz – Is your clamshell spring compressor made by OTC? If so, then you got a much better deal than me. However, if your tool is made by a different brand, then your price comparison isn’t valid. Harbor Freight makes a clamshell spring compressor for $45, but I’ve heard stories of them failing. The OTC version is very well-made with quality welds and high strength metals.

Curious to find out which brand you have because amazon does price match.

[zero]

75000 miles, you’re probably at the end or very near the end of the struts life span. So I’m going to also suggest quick struts assemblies where applicable. Nothings worse than detaching the mount and the strut collapses under it’s own weight.

While you may think your struts are in good shape, trying a simulated panic stop reasonably close to highway speed will let you know. Of course do so in a safe manner. Things like worn out struts can be difficult for the driver of the vehicle to detect since the degradation of performance is spread out over a long period of time. You’ll feel the nose dive if the struts are weak.

[estrnged1]

The driver side already dips noticeably even stopping at a low rate of speed, passenger side on the other hand doesn’t at all. Also the passenger side shocks are considerably stiffer than the driver side when pushed down on (both at the bumper and directly above the strut). I just figured that was mainly due to the worn out strut mount on the driver side. Though it’s sounding more and more like it’s probably just time to replace the front struts with the mounts.

That being said, if only the mounts were going to be replaced, I was going to go with these (since the OEM’s were total crap):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XRP6LO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AQ5LQTIPUCN8K

But it the entire strut assembly should be replaced, I’ll forgo the above and possibly just get these from the front:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008X02SEK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2L77EE7U53NWQ

Any opinions on the brand of struts/shocks?

[zero]

What you just described is a sign that the drivers side is at or near complete failure. I personally use Munroe, but I’m pretty sure there’s at least a few that are Munroe rebrands. If you look online somewhere with a comprehensive parts list you can usually pick out words like econo(my) or premium. The premium line ones will generally have better component and last longer. If you can afford it get the best ones you can get your hands on.

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