Can't decide whether to fix or buy!

[DOTC]

Ok I had a forum on this with no replies. do the springs need to be changed/??!?! I have a 97 civic.

 

[themisfit610]

springs != struts IIRC

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: themisfit610
springs != struts IIRC

Well, Im going to sound like an idiot, but what does "!=" mean again?

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: DOTC

Originally posted by: themisfit610
springs != struts IIRC

Well, Im going to sound like an idiot, but what does "!=" mean again?

"not equal" for us geeks 🙂

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: DOTC
Ok I had a forum on this with no replies. do the springs need to be changed/??!?! I have a 97 civic.

The "strut" is an assembly which basically comprises a spring and a shock in one unit: Example.

Now the spring itself will probably last forever, barring rust or physical damage, but the shocks wear out eventually, giving you a crappy ride. You can chose to replace just the shock, usually using a strut insert which fits in the old strut body, or you can replace the entire strut. The former is cheaper for parts but takes quite a bit more labor, the latter is more expensive for parts but is much faster and easier.

Or you can chose to just live with the crappy ride for as long as you like, but it does affect handling, and because of this it is somewhat detrimental to safety.

Of course, in the age of giant SUVs, few people consider brakes or handling to be important aspects of safety anymore. Accidents aren't things to be avoided so much as inevitabilities to be survived.:roll:

 

[DOTC]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: DOTC
Ok I had a forum on this with no replies. do the springs need to be changed/??!?! I have a 97 civic.

The "strut" is an assembly which basically comprises a spring and a shock in one unit: Example.

Now the spring itself will probably last forever, barring rust or physical damage, but the shocks wear out eventually, giving you a crappy ride. You can chose to replace just the shock, usually using a strut insert which fits in the old strut body, or you can replace the entire strut. The former is cheaper for parts but takes quite a bit more labor, the latter is more expensive for parts but is much faster and easier.

Or you can chose to just live with the crappy ride for as long as you like, but it does affect handling, and because of this it is somewhat detrimental to safety.

Of course, in the age of giant SUVs, few people consider brakes or handling to be important aspects of safety anymore. Accidents aren't things to be avoided so much as inevitabilities to be survived.:roll:

lol.. I wish they made a quick strut for my car. I've looked all over the website and it doesnt have Honda's listed. I was going to purchase the parts seperatly and have a shop assemble it for me.. but Im hijacking this guys thread now 🙁

 

[themisfit610]

Hijack attempt forgiven. Put away the glock and walk away 🙂

Seriously though, I just got a call from the mechanic and he says there's definitely some issues inside the timing case. He's going to warranty the work, since I took it to him last time, and they apparently did something wrong. I will pay for some labor, and a new water pump - since we didn't do that last time. Estimate is coming.

Struts will be done later... or never...

For now I'm renting a fun little Mazda3. It's pretty zippy and handles very well compared to my beat up fishing boat. Highway 17 and Empire Grade for the win!

~MiSfit

 

[DOTC]

anyway.. more about my topic 🙂 jk, my opinion would be to fix and keep your money. I HATE having car payments, they are evil.

 

[themisfit610]

she's fixed! $414 was a lot better than $2200!!!

 

[DOTC]

wow.. nice deal.

 

[themisfit610]

Yup! no struts, but they did the timing belt, and seals (all under warranty), new engine belts, water pump, valve cover gasket, and a couple misc parts like a spring etc for that much!

They're getting my business next time.

~MiSfit