Replacing the springs at the same time as struts?

[Exterous]

I know my front struts are shot on my '05 Equinox but I don't know how to tell if my springs should also be replaced. Its got 84,000 miles on it and I have gotten some conflicting information on whether it would be a good idea to do both. After getting some prices from several different locations adding the springs comes close to doubling the cost. In my novice experience and reading it doesn't seem like the springs are all that likely to need to be replaced or as critical but I was hoping for some more input

Thanks!

 

[NutBucket]

Typically there's no need to replace springs.

However, have you considered buying a complete strut/spring combo? Its fully assembled and you can easily do the swap yourself with no need for spring compressors, etc.

http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,904,partnum,172210,d,Monroe_172210.html

The rears look to be shocks so that's an easy job.

Of course, this is assuming you're willing/able to do the work yourself.

 

[mvbighead]

Yep. Typically, unless massively rusted, your springs will be fine. It's the gas pistons in the shocks that wear out in one way or another.

But as suggested, the kit may be an easier replacement option, although more expensive. HF does cell a spring compression tool, but the ratings on it are hit or miss. Compressing springs is something that does not sound like the safest of jobs to undertake.

 

[NutBucket]

I'm comfortable doing it but only if there's a good reason to do so.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

I'm comfortable compressing springs but it is a pain. Those HF compressors I do not trust. I try to use 3 of the compressors when possible rather than two.

I definitely agree with nutbucket, the monroe combo kits make the entire job much easier.. If they're available.

 

[mvbighead]

I'm comfortable compressing springs but it is a pain. Those HF compressors I do not trust. I try to use 3 of the compressors when possible rather than two.

I definitely agree with nutbucket, the monroe combo kits make the entire job much easier.. If they're available.

Yeah, after posting that I figured I'd look to see if something else was available, and sure enough:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

That looks like a higher quality tool for the same job. Might be ordering those at some point for a future strut job.

 

[Jimzz]

I have the original front springs on my old 73 Chevy. Unless the car is lower on one side or the spring is rusted or damaged then I re-use them.

Advance and AZ have spring compressors in their loan a tool.

Make sure to check/replace the strut seat. My BiLs Toyota they were completely bad when I did his struts.

 

[jagec]

Just rent a spring compressor from any auto parts store. They rent decent quality stuff and it's FREE.

It can be a PITA to have to take the strut apart and change the shocks, but it does save money vs. the quick struts. Your call.

 

[Exterous]

Thanks for all the insight so far guys

 

[thomsbrain]

Buying the entire coilover assemblies was the no-brainer solution on my Accord. They cost like $10 more than the damper alone and were super easy to swap in.

BTW, 84,000 on a set of dampers is a damn shame. I beat the hell out of the ones on my Accord (including light trails in Death Valley) for 200,000 miles before swapping them as preventive maintenance, and they were still great when I took them out.

 

[jumpncrash]

Buying the entire coilover assemblies was the no-brainer solution on my Accord. They cost like $10 more than the damper alone and were super easy to swap in.

BTW, 84,000 on a set of dampers is a damn shame. I beat the hell out of the ones on my Accord (including light trails in Death Valley) for 200,000 miles before swapping them as preventive maintenance, and they were still great when I took them out.

yeah well GM parts aren't really known for their longevity

 

[Midwayman]

Its a real PITA to compress your springs, disassemble and make sure you lined everything up right. If its not a ton more, its well worth it to buy all new units. Springs are probably fine, but the hassle savings...

 

[SparkyJJO]

Yeah, after posting that I figured I'd look to see if something else was available, and sure enough:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...pf_rd_i=507846

That looks like a higher quality tool for the same job. Might be ordering those at some point for a future strut job.

That's what Autozone rents out. I've used it a few times when doing shocks on my Trailblazer (I wanted Bilstein HD, no Monroe stuff) and both shocks/springs on my Camaro (aftermarket performance springs and Bilstein HD shocks). Works fine. Just if you go the rental route be sure to inspect them before using. You don't want to use a damaged set and have it fly apart with a few hundred pounds of force

If you compress the springs using a ratchet prepare for a good workout

 

[imagoon]

Its a real PITA to compress your springs, disassemble and make sure you lined everything up right. If its not a ton more, its well worth it to buy all new units. Springs are probably fine, but the hassle savings...

I find it to be the reverse. Removing and replacing the springs on the 4 cars I have done suspension work on was about 10 minutes a corner. Bonus points if you have a buddy over to prep the new strut while you remove the spring from the old one.

 

[phucheneh]

There is generally absolutely no need to replace springs. But as noted, 'quick struts' are often more econonomical and should include other parts like upper strut mounts/bearings and the bumpstops and dust covers located inside the spring.

That said, I would 100% not recommend them at all, as most if not all of what you're going to see available as an assembly is the same budget Monroe garbage. Getting all new parts doesn't mean much to me if I feel the damper itself is not worthy of a $5 bill.

Looking at the listings for your specific vehicle, the quick struts are not even as cost-effective as I'm used to seeing. You can buy KYB GR-2's for about 70 a piece, the other parts are about 60. Add in your old springs, and you have, IMO, a much better product for $15 less a side. Just have to invest a little more effort.

If you're not comfortable with 'widowmakers', I'm sure you can find somewhere that will swap your springs out using a real wall-mounted strut compressor for not much money. The scarily-nicknamed widowmakers aren't that bad if you use some common sense, though.