Don’t be put off at the thought of having to replace a strut assembly yourself – it’s an easier and safer job than you think. A full strut assembly bundles the spring, shock or strut, and mount into one preassembled unit. Because the spring is already compressed and installed, you can avoid the daunting task of operating a spring compressor during the swap. This makes for a straightforward DIY job if you follow our guide.
Before buying parts, make sure the struts are actually responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing. If you have not confirmed the diagnosis yet, see “Bad Suspension Symptoms: Signs Your Suspension Needs Replacing” for the common warning signs and checks to perform first.
Quick Reference: What to Expect at a Glance
| What to Expect | Details |
| Spring compressor needed? | No, the spring comes preinstalled on the assembly |
| Estimated time per side | A couple of hours for most DIYers |
| Skill level | Moderate; comfortable with a jack and hand tools |
| Alignment needed after? | Yes, book one before driving normally |
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before removing the old strut assembly, make sure you have the following tools needed to safely work on the vehicle:
- Floor jack and jack stands – These are used to raise and securely support the car.
- Lug wrench – Used to loosen and tighten the wheel lug nuts so that the wheel can be removed and secured.
- Socket set – This is needed to install and remove any strut mounting nuts and/or fasteners.
- Torque wrench – The torque wrench is important for tightening the fasteners to the manufacturer’s specified torque during reassembly.
- The replacement strut assembly
The major advantage of using a complete strut assembly is that the spring and strut are already assembled. Unlike replacing a bare shock or strut, where the original spring must be transferred to the new component safely, having the spring already compressed means you do not need a separate spring compressor for the replacement itself, doing away with tedious and potentially hazardous work.
Step-by-Step: Removing the Old Strut Assembly
Replacing a complete strut assembly is generally a simpler task than rebuilding a strut from individual components. First, you’ll need to remove the old strut assembly by following our steps below.
Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Park on a level surface and ensure the parking brake is engaged. Loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly with the lug wrench while the vehicle is still on the ground. Use a floor jack at the manufacturer-designated lifting point, then support the vehicle securely with jack stands. Never rely on the jack alone while working underneath the vehicle. If required, secure the opposite wheels to prevent movement.
Remove the Wheel
With the vehicle safely supported, used the lug wrench to remove the loosened lug nuts and take off the wheel. Keep the hardware together so it is ready for reinstallation. With the wheel removed, inspect the exposed strut, spring, brake hose, and nearby components for any damage or leaks. Avoid placing unnecessary strain on the brake hose or wiring while working around the assembly.
Disconnect the Strut from the Knuckle and Body
Locate the fasteners connecting the bottom of the strut to the steering knuckle and remove them using the socket set and ratchet. You may also need to detach brackets securing the brake hose or ABS wiring to the strut. Support the assembly as you remove the final fasteners. Next, access the upper strut mounting nuts from the engine bay or appropriate interior access point. Remove the final mounting hardware with the socket set while supporting the strut, then carefully lower and remove the complete assembly.
Step-by-Step: Installing the New Strut Assembly
With the old strut assembly removed, you can then go about installing the replacement:
Position and Secure the New Assembly
Guide the new strut assembly into position from underneath the wheel well, aligning its upper mounting studs with the holes in the strut tower. Screw the upper nuts by hand to hold the assembly in place. Then, align the lower strut mount with the steering knuckle and install the bolts and nuts. Use a socket set and ratchet to secure the fasteners without fully tightening them yet. Reattach any brake hose or ABS wiring brackets removed during disassembly.
Torque Everything to Spec
Once the assembly is correctly positioned, use a torque wrench and socket set to tighten the upper and lower mounting fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer’s specified torque. Check that all brackets, wiring, and hoses are correctly routed and securely fastened.
Reconnect the Wheel and Lower the Car
Position the wheel onto the hub and install the lug nuts by hand. Use the lug wrench to fasten them in a crisscross pattern while the vehicle is still raised. Remove the jack stands, then use the floor jack to lower the vehicle carefully to the ground. Once the vehicle is fully supported by its wheels, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified torque. After installation, an alignment may be required.
After the Swap: Alignment and Test Drive
Strut removal can shift suspension geometry, in turn affecting ride height, handling,and stability. This can result in uneven tire wear patterns, or worse, lead to safety issues. It’s thus important to book a wheel alignment before returning to normal driving following a strut assembly replacement.
After the alignment is completed, take a short test drive in a safe area. Start at low speeds and listen for clunks or other unusual noises like rattling as the suspension moves over bumps. Pay attention to whether the vehicle feels stable and responds normally to steering inputs.
If you notice unusual noise, pulling, vibration, or instability, stop driving and have the installation checked. If everything feels and sounds normal after the test drive, the vehicle should be ready for regular driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a spring compressor to replace a strut assembly?
No. A complete strut assembly comes with the spring already installed and compressed, so you do not need a separate spring compressor.
How long does it take to replace a strut assembly?
The time varies by vehicle and experience, but a straightforward replacement can often be completed in a few hours. Set aside more time if fasteners are rusted or are difficult to access.
Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?
An alignment is generally recommended after strut replacement because removing the assembly can affect suspension geometry. This helps prevent uneven tire wear and ensures the vehicle tracks correctly.
Can I replace just one strut, or should I do both?
It is generally better to replace struts in pairs on the same axle as doing so helps maintain balanced damping and handling.