2006 Grand Prix GT

[kcota15]

Time for my next adventure on my wife's Grand Prix. It is time to put new struts in. Being this is my first adventure into this kind of repair I have a few questions.

1) I know the rear struts are available in the complete package so I won't have to rebuild the strut assembly with the old spring. Is the front available in this form also? I have looked around but haven't seen that they are avaiable.

2) I need the torque specs. Anyone have them?

3) If I do need to rebuild the front strut assembly should I replace the other replaceable parts also or reuse the old?

4) About how much time would you think this job would take? I am thinking I will do the front at one time and the rear another. I know that an alignment will be required after each but may put off the rear from a while so I can spread out the cost. The front are bad and need to be replaced soon. I am not an expert mechanic by any means and really take my time and work at a fairly slow pace.

I am planning on borrowing a spring compressor. If you have any advice or there is anything I have not considered I would appreciate input.

Thanks!

[Macgyver55]

(1) I find it is available in for some models depending on your model and tire size. Here are a couple common ones. Monroe 271662R or a KYB SR4004.

(2)Strut center rod nut, front: 41Lb/ft

Strut to knuckle, front: 129Lb/ft

(3)If you are unable to find the quick struts I would reuse the springs (if unbroken) but replace the upper strut mount.

(4)Without knowing your abilities, tool availability and shop situation its impossible to say how long to expect. You know the old saying....your results may vary!

Not to minimize your ability, but I would strongly recommend using the quick struts and not having to deal with changing the springs. Changing them can be dangerous with improper or inferior spring compressors.

[kcota15]

Macgyver55,

Thanks for the help. I really would like to be able to use the quick struts. I would be much more confident doing it that way. I will do some more looking around today.

[CASTnBLAST]

Likely be cheaper to use the coils over. Just bring them to a service station and have them mount the new struts into the springs, it doesn't take them long at all. Probably could wait for them and shouldn't cost much. Wouldn't attempt it without the right equipment though.

[kcota15]

Thanks for the advice. I only wish that the front came in quick struts, but they do not. So, I have a contact at a local repair shop and will be contacting them to see if they will rebuild the struts for me after I pull the old ones.

I also thought of another question. I know it's necessary to do an alignment after putting in new front struts. Is an alignment required after putting in the rear struts as well? I would assume so, but if not required or recommended I would do so.

Thanks again. I'm feeling more confident with the project thanks in part to the advice here.

[JOHNBIGDOG]

I also thought of another question. I know it's necessary to do an alignment after putting in new front struts. Is an alignment required after putting in the rear struts as well? I would assume so, but if not required or recommended I would do so.

The short and sweet answer is: Yes.

[kcota15]

Finished the front struts this morning. Thanks to the help from all of you. It went pretty smoothly. Only a couple of minor glitches. Learned a few things, as always, to help on the next project.

Thanks again.