"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
03/17/2015 at 10:07 • Filed to: None
0
15|
"ttyymmnn" (ttyymmnn)
03/17/2015 at 10:07 • Filed to: None | 0
| 15 |
So, the front end of my '03 Odyssey is getting to the point where I have to do something. About a month ago I posted about how my Honda dealer wanted a disgusting pile of money to replace the sway bar links and struts. Now, I would never entertain the idea of having them do it, because I'm not independently wealthy. But the van desperately needs new tires, and I don't want to get new shoes until the front end is sorted.
So my question is, "What is the most economical way of doing this without doing the actual labor myself?"
I know that changing the links is a pretty easy job, but I'm really not much of a wrencher. There is a DIY garage close to me with a lift, and tools, that you can rent by the hour. And I've been told that, for a fee, they'll even help you. So I'm considering that, but I don't really have the time or expertise to tackle it, and I don't thiknk I'd be up to doing the struts. I've also considered getting the parts myself online and finding a shop to install them. Of, if there are any Austin Opponauts with experience in this area who are willing to work for beer, food or cigars (or all three), please respond below.
What do you think?
CalzoneGolem
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:09 |
|
Bribe a fellow Texan Opponaut with beer and/or scotch and cigars.
thebigbossyboss
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:14 |
|
Before last summer my biggest accomplishment was changing my own spark plugs. I never thought I would be able to do my own struts, but if you can get quick struts going to the lift place is not so bad. It honestly was about 5 bolts per side for me. You tube is an amazing invention.
No spring compression on quick struts they come pre compressed.
Pixel
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:15 |
|
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/rafram…
You can buy a strut assembly that has the strut/spring/mount all already together. Changing it out is as easy as removing 2 bolts & 3 nuts(and usually 1 wire retaining clip), swapping in the new assembly and bolting it all back together. Rock Auto has them at the link above from $83-$151 per side.
they also have the sway bar links(called Stabilizer bar links on there) for $7.72-$25 per side.
Both these jobs are completely doable at the DIY garage, or in the driveway if you have a good set of tools and jack/jackstands. You will need an alignment immediately afterwards as it will be off from doing the struts.
|
ttyymmnn
> CalzoneGolem
03/17/2015 at 10:15 |
|
I have also considered that option. And food.
OPPOsaurus WRX
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:17 |
|
I had to replace the alternator on my wife's Escape. Its a transfers V6 so the fucker was on the back bottom. It required removing drive shafts and stupid crap like that. I called around and finally found a guy who said his garage is empty and would rather make a couple bucks than have it continue to sit there empty. He charged me a real good price and had me get the part myself and return it for the core charge myself. I was fine with that. It was a bit of a gamble but it still drives. Just call around until you find a price and a guy that is willing to work to make it happen.
|
ttyymmnn
> Pixel
03/17/2015 at 10:18 |
|
I would love to do this myself, but with no prior experience, and as this is the primary mode of transportation for my family, I just don't have the confidence to tackle it alone.
RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:19 |
|
It actually looks like you don't need much more than a floor jack and a couple of wrenches. If you're needing to get the springs off the struts, that might be something to have someone else do, but it's very possible it'd still be cheaper to get the struts off, take them to a shop for the swap, and then go back with the springs on fresh struts to install. Like (frankly) most cars these days, there are two bolts at the bottom, three bolts at the top, and *poof* - out comes the strut, as long as there's no weight on it. Having a jack and a pair of jackstands is the best way to do this, actually, because you'd get it high enough on the jackstands and could then use the jack to lift the lower arm as needed to get into position.
My Benz is much harder to do this with, because the spring isn't on the strut.
|
thebigbossyboss
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:22 |
|
Having just done struts I really wish I could help you!!!
|
ttyymmnn
> OPPOsaurus WRX
03/17/2015 at 10:29 |
|
That's where I'm leaning right now. I'm good with repairing appliances, but I'm still leery about tackling jobs like this. If I had a knowledgable helper, I'd probably go for it.
jariten1781
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 10:31 |
|
Check with the local trade schools (or High Schools if y'all still have autoshops). Sometimes they'll take cars for simple jobs like this if you supply the parts.
|
ttyymmnn
> jariten1781
03/17/2015 at 10:37 |
|
That's an interesting thought. Thanks.
Meatcoma
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 11:29 |
|
TO THE YOUTUBE!!!!
|
ttyymmnn
> Meatcoma
03/17/2015 at 11:39 |
|
I've already watched a video of the link replacement. It's really pretty damned easy, if you've got the tools.
|
Meatcoma
> ttyymmnn
03/17/2015 at 14:48 |
|
I would gladly trade you jobs.
I'm currently in the process of replacing some exhaust manifolds on my truck.
Write-up coming.
Pass side I broke one stud, one was already broke off inside the head out of 10. I also had to cut one of the bolts holding the Y pipe to the ps exhaust manifold.
Drivers side I've broken 2 out of 3 removed, I think they are just inside the head - 7 left.
I am not looking forward to drill/tapping/welding etc on these.
|
Pixel
> ttyymmnn
03/19/2015 at 11:27 |
|
These are actually really good first jobs, there is virtually nothing that you can screw up. All you have to do is make sure you tighten ever bolt/nut down tight. Have someone at the DIY garage double check your work, or ask the alignment shop if they can double check.