Amai21

My front left strut has decided to retire. With that mind, any recommendations on replacement? Quality, performance, etc. Definitely will be switching out both. Please share all thoughts and possibilities. Since I will be doing all the work myself maybe there are additional components that need attention too? Thanks.

Sure the search option is the way to go, but so far I am not feeling it......

brianlin87

iTrader: (11)

Is your vehicle equipped with air suspension?

Lextrician

Struts are a easy swap but price depends if they are air or just regular ones.

Amai21

Ahhh I forgot to mention that I do not have air suspension. I figured the swap shouldn't be that hard, but just wanted to see all the different aftermarket options I may have without getting into coilovers.

lbintab

iTrader: (1)

I think you only have 2 options. Factory replacements or KYB Gas-A-Just. Factory struts are kyb as well but way more expensive. I replaced my fronts with the kyb gas struts and it rides real good.

Amai21

I went ahead and ordered the KYB's. Did you also change out the support assemblies too? I have popping noise coming from my struts when making turns right now. Hopefully, that's not something else I need to get.

lbintab

iTrader: (1)

I ordered nothing else. Support assemblies? What do you mean. I did have my upper control arms replaced under warranty.

Amai21

is there a procedure write up on replacing front struts? I got the struts in, but wanted to make sure that everything is covered. Hopefully it is fairly easy...

Amai21

Really need to know if it will be necessary to remove the steering ball joint? If so, is there any specific tool that would be needed besides a regular ball joint puller, that would be available at AutoZone?

Lextrician

You do not need to remove the ball joints. Just remove the strut nut on the bottom and the sway bar end links and you should be good. There are many links on this car but its a straight forward job.

lbintab

iTrader: (1)

You do need to remove the ball joints on the upper control arms to get the strut out. You don't need ball joint puller to remove it. You just need a BFH and a couple swings to it.

Amai21

Exactly what I tried but couldn't get enough clearance. Maybe I didn't give it enough forces since I was worried about the bottom steering joint.