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Thanks GL! It sounds like you know this model pretty well.
I did recently change the sway bar links on the car. Everything else is looking good, except for the strut mounts, which I haven't inspected yet, but the ride indicates they might likely need a change.
One last question for you: Bilstein or KYB GR2 (Excel)? Both are low pressure shocks. Just wondering if paying nearly twice as much for the Bilsteins would be worth it.
Thanks!
If your strut mounts are shot, you'll hear them. But even if they're not, and you're "in there anyway," consider replacing them.
I hesitate to say which shocks you should buy, because preference plays such a big part. The Billsteins are typically associated with & used by the "tuners" who want a stiffer "sport ride." If it was my car, I'd probably go with the cheaper shocks. But that is just my OPINION.
Actually, unless this car is different than the Galants I've seen, there is a spring at the top of the shock absorber. It's not a typical strut, but you still have that coil spring to deal with.
Very true about the spring compressors. This seems like a simple job for me, but I don't understand the OP's abilities and don't want to mislead him into getting into a situation he isn't comfortable with. Some cars i've dealt with with rear shocks could be removed without even touching the spring or needing to jack the car up even. Guess this isn't the case here.
An impact wrench (which I don't have) would make the job go quicker on all four shock/spring assemblies. I know I could do the job of compressing the springs, but I just don't like the idea of sitting next to the potential danger for that long a time, relying on a compressor tool to keep me and my fingers safe.
I think I'll buy the strut mounts and shocks and find someone who will do the labor with shop equipment.
Honestly the Monroe units aren't bad. They will most likely rid a *tad* bit softer than the originals but that isn't always a bad thing unless you really want the "sport" feel.
To save you might be able to find a mobile mechanic who will come out and work with the parts you buy. With an impact I can have the struts out of my car in about 15 minutes for both of them. With the quick struts, you can be in an out in well under an hour for both sides.
Also look at new hardware. If the torque to mount the struts on the knuckle is a "ft-lb + angle" you should really buy new bolts/nuts as they are torque to yield and will be distorted.
Some shops view asking them to do that like you taking a steak to your favorite restaurant and asking them to cook it up for you. Others may see it differently. If I were a shop I would refuse, more from the liability standpoint than the loss of profit standpoint. If you hurt or kill yourself when installing something I worked on, guess who they are coming after ?
Some shops view asking them to do that like you taking a steak to your favorite restaurant and asking them to cook it up for you. Others may see it differently. If I were a shop I would refuse, more from the liability standpoint than the loss of profit standpoint. If you hurt or kill yourself when installing something I worked on, guess who they are coming after ?
Don
I don't understand the liability argument you're making here.
At any rate, I was quoted 5 hours labor for shocks and mounts and they would use O'Reilly's or Autozone's "spectra", which were at $117 each. I'd rather go with $50 KYB's.
I supply better parts and ask them to do the labor. Seems like they still come out ahead and I get a better suspension system.
And I bet they can actually get it done under 5 hours with shop equipment.
I don't understand the liability argument you're making here.
At any rate, I was quoted 5 hours labor for shocks and mounts and they would use O'Reilly's or Autozone's "spectra", which were at $117 each. I'd rather go with $50 KYB's.
I supply better parts and ask them to do the labor. Seems like they still come out ahead and I get a better suspension system.
And I bet they can actually get it done under 5 hours with shop equipment.
The potential liability problem here is HUGE. The reason you don't see it is probably because you don't think that way. But a lot of people won't hesitate to sue for any and every possible reason.
A lot of shops won't let you bring your own parts in. We buy the parts wholesale, and take a mark-up on them. I don't take much of a mark-up, but some shops go as high as 100%. The bottom line is the bottom line.
I guess that is the price of doing business.
I'm not in the least litigious, so it never crossed my mind. (And I hope by saying that, that the gods don't screw with me now to test me on it)
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