gfor7 Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 I need new strut inserts on my lexus es 300 1994, how difficult of a job is it for the novice??? thanks, gfor7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blk_on_blk Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 If you have the right tools, they are pretty straight forward. If you don't have the right tools, they're impossible. You need at least a breaker-bar to get the lower strut bolts off... and impact wrench is ideal, but without either, you're not getting those suckers off. Then you need a torque wrench for reinstall. You'll also need some spring compressors. I just did my rear struts this weekend and it wasn't a particularly difficult job... just a lot of wrench-turnin'... again, that's if you have the right tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gfor7 Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 If you have the right tools, they are pretty straight forward. If you don't have the right tools, they're impossible. You need at least a breaker-bar to get the lower strut bolts off... and impact wrench is ideal, but without either, you're not getting those suckers off. Then you need a torque wrench for reinstall. You'll also need some spring compressors. I just did my rear struts this weekend and it wasn't a particularly difficult job... just a lot of wrench-turnin'... again, that's if you have the right tools. [/quote Thanks for the quick response, but are you talking about the inserts or the whole strut assembly??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blk_on_blk Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 When you use the term 'inserts', I'm guessing you are talking about the strut mount (I don't know of any other 'insert' in the strut area). If so, then yes, you need to take out the entire strut and used spring compressors to get to the mount. You'll need to take out the entire strut to get to nearly any part of the strut (the slide bumper, the spring perch gasket, other). Here's a pic of a removed strut. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jag1 Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 If you have the right tools, they are pretty straight forward. If you don't have the right tools, they're impossible. You need at least a breaker-bar to get the lower strut bolts off... and impact wrench is ideal, but without either, you're not getting those suckers off. Then you need a torque wrench for reinstall.You'll also need some spring compressors. I just did my rear struts this weekend and it wasn't a particularly difficult job... just a lot of wrench-turnin'... again, that's if you have the right tools. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jag1 Posted December 16, 2008 Share Posted December 16, 2008 If you have the right tools, they are pretty straight forward. If you don't have the right tools, they're impossible. You need at least a breaker-bar to get the lower strut bolts off... and impact wrench is ideal, but without either, you're not getting those suckers off. Then you need a torque wrench for reinstall.You'll also need some spring compressors. I just did my rear struts this weekend and it wasn't a particularly difficult job... just a lot of wrench-turnin'... again, that's if you have the right tools. just had the dealer declare my rear struts DOA after 13,000mi. I called Lexus to mention this and they referred me to their 'good will' representative. sounds as if i may get some relief. replacement on my own is beyond my tool capability. but has anyone heard of any aftermarket struts for the es? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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