Hello -
Thanks for the info. . ...
On the fig below. . ..I would replace everything definitely except for the Strut Cap, the dust cover if it is torn or bad in any way and think about the springs if you can afford them. All of those parts have the same wear on them as the shock. On two different vehicles. . ...I have taken the front apart twice, three times on one and slowly replaced the different parts until different noises etc quit. As for the springs. . ...if the shock is really shot then of course the spring becomes sprung and no longer works efficiently. So you need to figure out how long you are going to keep the car and if the cost is worth it. Shop around for part costs.
On the fig below. . ..Again, same thing other than the strut cap. . ..yes the dust cap too unless it is just fine and the same thing with the springs as the front. As before, all the parts wear, even the mounting plates etc as they get worn and I refer to the two vehicles I had.
Yes replace all at the same time.
Springs will last different for different vehicles depending on the driving conditions. If the shocks are bad then that puts more stress on the springs and then they become sprung. If the shocks were changed on a regular basis and the vehicle was not driving on conditions that would cause lots of bounce, then the springs would last longer. So my friend, hard to say on the springs. . ..gotta be your call.
Okay, the bushings. Most of the time you need a press so you don't damage the arm or the bushings. Many machine shops can press them in and out for a small fee. To me that is the best way to ensure no damage. You might also check the cost of a control arm WITH the bushings in them. Just for kicks. I have seen where the new control arm ended up being less because of adding the bushings and the pressing in/out. Just a thought.
Every 10,000 miles you are to inspect the suspension. . ..the maintenance schedule never states to replace suspension parts up through 120,000 miles.
Note though, about 110,000 miles you are to replace the timing belt. . .. . .
Hope that helps.
Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 AT 7:04 PM