Rear strut replacement thoughts? '99 Malibu

[Virtuoso]

The rear struts on our '99 Malibu have run the course and are well worn out. I'm considering replacing them myself, although I've never done suspension work like this before.

Picking up a couple Quick-Strut assemblies is very! tempting. I don't know how "keen" I am about compressing the spring, removing/reinstalling the strut and all the related bellows and bushings and such.

However, is the replacement of the spring insulators, strut mounts/bellows and such usually required when replacing struts? At 182k I can't imagine they would be in good shape anymore either (another reason to just buy Quick-Struts?)

The struts themselves are only about $60, but if I add in all the related hardware, the price isn't really that far off of a Quick-Strut assmebly anyway.

Any caveats to the job I should be aware of? It looks pretty straightforward. This is just one job I'd rather do right the FIRST time!

TIA

 

[oilboy123]

I did all four struts on my Taurus about a month ago. I bought them from Rock Auto. I then noticed I could have bought them from Amazon for a little cheaper. Shop around and see what you get.
I have done the spring compression in shops years back and have a home spring compressor that I have done a few sets on over the years. If I do more spring compressing jobs I need a better compressor.

You want to replace the hardware because if it goes bad you will have to tear down the struts/car. Not worth it. I think the quick struts are lifetime warranty as well. I have found that tracking down all the parts is a pain for the strut hardware. Now that they have the quick struts they will probably make it harder so people will just buy the whole strut assembly.

Can't help you on your Chevy though.

 

[daves87rs]

I'd do quick struts. MI roads suck, so everthing will be new.


Sensatrac quick struts for the wife's


KYB quick struts for the others.....

 

[Stu_Rock]

On a lot of car models, there's only one Quick Strut listing even though there were multiple spring stiffnesses offered by the manufacturer. For that reason, I avoid them.

With that in mind, I checked CompNine. All 246,615 Chevrolet Malibus made in 1999 used the same springs. I say use the Quick Struts.

 

[oilboy123]

Originally Posted By: Stu_Rock
On a lot of car models, there's only one Quick Strut listing even though there were multiple spring stiffnesses offered by the manufacturer. For that reason, I avoid them.


I have thought about the consolidation of the springs to only having one quick strut. My Taurus came with saggy springs that were not great even when the car was new. It rides about an inch higher than it used to. I figure they use the more heavy duty spring for any given vehicle. better to have too much spring than not enough.
So now I have Police car springs....

 

[JustinH]

Buy the quick struts. They cost a little more, but you will thank yourself big time. Especially for the do-it-yourself-er..

Most folks don't have wall mounted compressors in their home garages, and don't want to deal with paying a shop to decompress the unit either.

 

[Virtuoso]

Quick struts it will be. Thanks guys!