"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot)
10/04/2014 at 09:30 • Filed to: Tires, pt cruiser
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"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot)
10/04/2014 at 09:30 • Filed to: Tires, pt cruiser | 1
| 10 |
...and brakes, rotors, drums, shoes, & tie rod.
While trying to figure what do to for the repairs last Wednesday I called my mom for advice. She promptly decided my car was unsafe (my brakes were still good, just not the 'best'). She called dad and talked to him. I decided that, if anyone could make my mom understand everything is ok, it would be dad, so I called him up myself to tell him that.
A few minutes into the conversation, I could tell he was already willing to pay for everything except the tires and struts. I asked "you're not gonna accept any money back are you?" "Don't worry about it." Aka, that's dad code for 'it's a freebie' *sigh*
Now, after my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I was getting gung-ho about doing it myself. Getting the experience and the know-how. But then I realized...I'm not the only person who gets in the car, I have a wife and a 1.5 yr old daughter. And my duties as a husband and father in protecting them and keeping them safe take priority over learning something new, so I told my dad he can pay for it.
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
So he paid ~$516 for everything minus the tires. I still need the struts done though.
I am also planning on giving an update on how much the ride of the car has changed since the repairs. Also, a pic of my refreshed car and new house.
JGrabowMSt
> zeontestpilot
10/04/2014 at 09:41 |
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For the struts, use Monroe Quick Struts front and rear. Don't even bother with a spring compressor on this, it simply isn't worth the time of day. Unbolt the whole tower, bolt in the new one.
They're also in the ballpark of $120ish per corner. The rears are very easy to do yourself, the fronts will require an alignment, much like the replaced tie rod. If the car doesn't pull in any direction, and tracks mostly straight, think about doing the suspension soon, so you don't have to pay for two alignments.
PS9
> zeontestpilot
10/04/2014 at 10:34 |
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So you'll let them ride in your PT but not in the gundam? Thats pretty mean, dude.
EL_ULY
> zeontestpilot
10/04/2014 at 10:46 |
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PT Cruiser getting in shape little by little. Is that the new place?
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zeontestpilot
> JGrabowMSt
10/04/2014 at 13:40 |
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Ever since the first repair, it's been pulling a lot more than usual.
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zeontestpilot
> PS9
10/04/2014 at 13:43 |
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Psh, that captured Gundam went to HQ. I heard something like it was being repainted red...
No, I pilot a Zaku II, unfortunately there's no room for a car seat in it, I know, I tried -_-.
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zeontestpilot
> EL_ULY
10/04/2014 at 13:44 |
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Hey yes that is the new place. Just spend this morning cleaning out the gutters and walking on the roof, :). It's like a childhood dream come true!
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JGrabowMSt
> zeontestpilot
10/04/2014 at 14:52 |
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Your alignment is out then. If you do any suspension work, you'll need to align the car a second time.
Time to do the suspension quick, because you'll get weird uneven tire wear.
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zeontestpilot
> JGrabowMSt
10/04/2014 at 16:36 |
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Dang , I was hoping I could wait a bit....
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JGrabowMSt
> zeontestpilot
10/04/2014 at 16:52 |
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Any time you take apart suspension or steering components, you need to have the alignment checked.
thebigbossyboss
> zeontestpilot
10/04/2014 at 18:51 |
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As someone who just did quick struts, I can vouch for everything JgrabowMst is sayzin.
I had virtually no mechanical experience and did my quick struts myself.
It's is honestly 5 bolts a corner. Get a buddy to lend a hand because lining the strut mount on top up with the brakes down below by yourself is hard.
What you'll need is: A good youtube video showing yourself which bolts to undo
a hydrualic jack
jack stands
chalks for your wheels,
an appropriate ratchet & socket sizes for your car.
a breaker bar
PB Blaster, and if not then wd40
a torque wrench
and maybe a hammer