Hi guys, I need confirmation before I do this. I have 2001 z24 cavalier and I get knocking over bumps from the rear on both sides. I have been told the struts are good and they seem to be because I don't have bouncing. I believe it is the strut mounts.
My question is do you need a spring compressor for the rear? I read that you do not need it for the rear but I want to confirm just in case. Also, what tools are needed for this job. From what I can see I need a socket set and possibly some allen keys. It will be done in my condo garage so any tips and tools would be great before I rip it apart downstairs. Thank you.
Yes, you need spring compressors for the rear.
You don't need spring compressors. The rear springs aren't that much longer than the piston rod on the rear strut. If you have an impact gun and the right socket, you can put your weight directly on the upper strut mount and buzz off the nut. It will lift you a little and probably catch you off guard the first time, but it's not that bad. To put it bck together, just put your weight back on the mount and start the nut. Then hit it with the impact and you're good to go.
DO NOT try this with the front strut / spring assembly. There is too much spring in the front assembly to try this. But the rears should be ok if you have enough body weight. I did this in the dealership all the time when I weighed no more than 200 lbs.
Some people have brain storms, others light drizzles. And then there are those that have droughts.
k I'm a bit confused on the sit on the car part....your saying sit on the car while the tire is off and the car is being supported by a jack? Then unbolt?
Jeremey Csatlos wrote:You don't need spring compressors. The rear springs aren't that much longer than the piston rod on the rear strut. If you have an impact gun and the right socket, you can put your weight directly on the upper strut mount and buzz off the nut. It will lift you a little and probably catch you off guard the first time, but it's not that bad. To put it bck together, just put your weight back on the mount and start the nut. Then hit it with the impact and you're good to go. DO NOT try this with the front strut / spring assembly. There is too much spring in the front assembly to try this. But the rears should be ok if you have enough body weight. I did this in the dealership all the time when I weighed no more than 200 lbs.
Just because you CAN do it doesn't make it a good idea.
Buy a spring compressor. They are cheaper than having teeth replaced.
I would suggest going to autozone they carry the Macpherson strut tool for right at 35.00.It is very easy to use and has safety pins and locks on the spring coils nicely.The above idea is NOT smart bc the tension on any spring worn or not can hurt you some kind of serious.I used mine on a 98 accord front/rear and very easy just have a air tool to make things quik and simple.Good investment and can be used for years on end.A simple way to check the struts for wear is to push down on the corner of the car and it should only bounce back one time(this is a old rule of thumb check).If your struts have over 50k on them replace them it will prove to be a good idea in the long run.Hope this helps buy the tool.
yea thats a lot of hurt to play roulette with, $35 for not getting slammed in the face with a spring is worth it.
Hmm... $35 or all my teeth/ or an eyeball/ or my memory.... hmmm....
If these were lowering springs I'd say sure, no compressor needed..... but they aren't.
Maybe I've done it too many times to make a judgement call for someone else. But the reality of it is that the upper strut mount will release barely above the threads of the strut and not even completely off the strut with the nut removed. Put your weight on the assembly with it assembled and gauge for yourself how far the spring compresses with your weight on it without bouncing. If you feel like you can do it without the compressor, then have at it. But if you feel safer using a compressor, by all means, spend the $35 for a compressor that you might use once. I did this stuff for a living at one time though on a flat rate paycheck, so to me, time was money. Err to caution and get a compressor. I'm just trying to save you some time and money. It is not as dangerous on a J body as others may inflate it to in my opinion. But I also ask that I not be belittled for something I've done god only knows how many times without a spring compressor.
Some people have brain storms, others light drizzles. And then there are those that have droughts.
JCZ Z24 wrote: But I also ask that I not be belittled for something I've done god only knows how many times without a spring compressor.
Sorry, I didn't mean to come off that way. Personally it's not something I'd try while disassembling..... I've done what you're describing putting them back together though, and yeah, balance your weight on them and it compresses pretty easy.
