In this video I bring you along as we swap out the front struts on this '07 Subaru Forester.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.
I have a question. Last week, I bought some struts from an online
company. One of the struts do not match the original strut.
The strut mount three bolt pattern does not match where the strut is
installed. The company is suggesting that I put it in and than try to
turn it (upper strut plate) as hard as I can. I have built many strut
assemblies in the past. I know if I use a coil spring compressor, I can
turn it somewhat and than tighten it, but I do NOT have a spring
compressor. The coils are very close to each other. So I truly find this
idea crazy. I thought the whole point of buying a strut assembly is to
get that "out of the box experience" where I can go from the box to the
car without buying tools or making any modifications. My concern is if I
try to do it this way, I will get the strut assembly dirty, oily and
scratched and if I do not succeed, than I am stuck with this strut and
unable to return. It appears that the strut mount cannot be turned. It
is very tight. The bolt pattern is different than the old one. Its
clear to me it came like that from the factory. If I turn the strut mount a
little, than it would work. Any thoughts? Merchant
refuses to return my money. Any thoughts?
Your daughter is so cute. Nice family Eric. Enjoy watching your videos.
I would have used the impact on the center bolt off camera. I'm sure u did. Your a great mechanic
Or buy redi-struts
That's to sweet!!!!!!
Please protect your hands while you work. There are no spares available for your hands. Great video.
Good Video and very informative. Mark the lower bolts so they go back in the same position. I would put a small piece of small thickness wood under the strut so you don’t rip the boot on the axle. Thanks
Super cute daughter? She knows how to ham it up! Prior to finding YT Videos on strut removal I did it both ways 1st took whole unit to an alignment shop and they did the spring compression for me 2nd time rented the tool from auto parts shop and did the forcing screw thing which was nerve racking but had a he'll of a time tightening the large nut with the Allen key hole in strut rod., had no impact etc., thought about buying a pass thru socket set but didn't so used the $ saved to take to shop where they just impacted the nut on, don't think the strut shaft got turned and damaged but it did cross my mind as was sure Allen socket must be there for a reason! It was for Subaru rear struts. Thanks for the excellent videos your electronics diagnosis videos are very instructional! I can diagnose simple electronic problems and can read auto diagrams but have not made the leap into serious scan/ OBD2 code diagnosis. All your Subaru content much appreciated. Your rear wheel bearing video……yikes, will not do anytime soon that long rusted bolt looks real hairy !
We get a sweet bonus at the end of the video…..thx for learning us 🙂
I would want to cut the handle of that wrench so it fits inside the machine and you don't have to keep repositioning
Subaru after 100000 miles they become money pits. I'll never own one again.
Good video. Would be better if not using unusual press.
my dad and i did this growing up with spring compressors from harbor freight. works great and even had a built in safety made out of aircraft cable.
You are bless with super cute daughter. Great video sir. I will be doing mine next week. ordered parts.
Nice!
She’s so cute! 😁
The strut is under compression and is very dangerous if you don’t have the correct machine. Be safe everyone
Just did 4 struts on my subie did 4 on my celica too all with the 2 set of 'mcpherson strut spring compressor's and it scares the shit out of me every time. Struts are so simple to work on but deceptively dangerous.
What a great kid! You’re ok too Eric Thomas, 😂
Like father like daughter how cute.
Other option is purchase complete strut Assembly with spring and new upper bearing
Great video thanks. I'm considering changing all 4 struts and springs on my forester. What do you think about keeping the existing rubber insulators and strut mounts?
WHERE CAN I FIND THAT SOCKET WRENCH FOR THE STRUT TOPS?
If I had you and SMA here that is one thing, but these shops seem like Used car salesmen. You run into the good ones but it's a minefield.
Talking about helping the DIYer, hey you're making something instead of nothing. Eye doctor here and I here other doctors say they don't take walk ins. I'm like, suppose you're walking down the street and someone asks to give you $100, are you gonna say no because they don't have an appointment? They tend to catch the drift then.
Thanks for instructing us , and warning us also of the dangers . Take care , and also of your Family.
I was dumb enough to slowly decompress the spring then head to mineki to have them put my new cartridge in
You explain it very weell. Your right how dangerous it is changing the coil springs at home. I have done it that way and whole way. All put together. Good job Kennedy. Your a cute one.
Yeah, yeah I know this video is over 5 years old…but for those DIY'ers who find themselves here, look into "quick-struts". Most OEMs and aftermarket offer the whole strut assembly new that includes a new strut bearing, coil spring, etc. No need to compress and face that danger. They cost a little more but make it so much easier to do yourself at home.
Great job again and video
Second time watching 6/23/2020
great job, Thanks for your work!
i tried to pick up my phone…then i realized, i dont have a home phone, then i realized, its from the video.
Hey Eric you should try the new Milwaukee stubby impact there awesome for doing mechanic work 👌
great great video man! thank you!!
Haha Your daughter did amazing hilarious!!!
2014: "a viewer scolded me for not wearing PPE" 2019: "been there, done that…."
My wife told me I am making up car issues to fix since I started watching you videos. There are pre built struts for many cars. They ride much better than a leaking strut, half the price of a factory.
How was 2019 so far for you ? I saw one deer and got it, we enjoying the jerky this year 👍 good luck this weekend 😔🦌🦌
Monroe Matic Pluses?
the ending was the best part!!
I like your videos primarily because of the tremendous amount of correct information you share, the correct methodology/ and the warnings/gotchas. It is one thing to film your work and it is another to deliver instruction as you do- it is a tough job, and I admire and respect you for that. As another person pointed out, your quality of work demands a higher hourly rate. Stealerships charge 125 per hr! Here's to many more years of instructional videos.
Another SMA video to save the day
Eric great safety advise with the spring energy danger, thank you much and much.
Oh man! The closing on this done by Trinity…So adorable! Dang, has time flown!! Brilliant conclusion to the vid! 😍😊🤗😊
I worked on the Final Assembly line for Oldsmobiles for a year. We assembled one car every 40 seconds, which is 180,000cars on my shift that year. Across the aisle from me, 3 meters (30 ft) away, they compressed the front springs. Two or three times each day one of those compressed springs got loose. It was horrible. They really fly, fast & far, AND they weight a lot. Eric is correct! Do NOT allow the spring to get loose.
Question are quick struts decent?
Eric, just did this job tonight on my outback before i found this. I did not know about the alignment of the circle and the bottom of the mount. I did however make sure that I aligned the top plate with the original imprint of the stock spring which i reused. By aligning the imprint to the spring did i essentially align these components. Car drives fine afterwards. Thanks.
Sweet little helper there Eric.
Really useful video too, thank you.
How about replacing with a quick strut. .saves a bit of time?