Strut replacement,...How?

[HELLFIRE!]

I'm looking at the option of replacing the shock struts myself.

 

I need to know what is involved, tools/procedure.

 

The work is to be done to a 76 260Z 2+2 (daily driver).

 

All I want to do is replace the original struts with a current equivalent.

 

I don't intend to keep this car forever (she will part fund my 2 seater project) so a cheapish strut replacement is desired.

 

The new owner can choose to put fancy shocks on if they want.

 

I would hate to get half way into the job only to find that I haven't the skill or tool to complete the task.

 

So if you know what is involved and can give me specific instructions I would be appreciative.

 

I haven't messed with suspension before but am willing to give it a go if possible.

 

I have already tried the search function.

 

If you have a story to share then please do.

 

 

 

 

[aegean]

It's a fairly straight forward job, but you will need a spring compressor. Other than that, there's not too much to it. Google "Strut replacement" and you will get plenty of options.

[C.A.R.]

Have you bothered to read the workshop manual?

[HELLFIRE!]

Have you bothered to read the workshop manual?

 

Yep. I have a workshop manual and Wick Humble's restoration book but they are both a little too vague.

Aegean has however confirmed what I thought wick was referring to and that is the use of a spring compressor.

 

Sorry for being such a noob Lurch. I'm still learning and need confirmation.

 

Guess I'll get a professional to do it.

 

 

[C.A.R.]

Strange, I found my Haynes manual reasonably descriptive...

 

Just get in there & have a crack at it - it's pretty hard to make a mistake on the old Zeds

[HELLFIRE!]

Strange, I found my Haynes manual reasonably descriptive...

 

Just get in there & have a crack at it - it's pretty hard to make a mistake on the old Zeds

 

My workshop manual isn't a Haynes. Probably should get one.

 

I don't have a spring compressor, Otherwise I would have at it.

[ZED660]

As the attached link sets out it is a fairly straightforward job, not too difficult. Look for the instructions in the Tech section.  Although he says to disconnect the front and rear brake lines it can be done without undoing these.  On the front you can unbolt the caliper and support it under the guard while you remove the strut and the rear strut can be swung out from under the guard without disconnecting the brake line.

 

http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/

 

I believe Supercheap sell spring compressors.

[HELLFIRE!]

As the attached link sets out it is a fairly straightforward job, not too difficult. Look for the instructions in the Tech section.  Although he says to disconnect the front and rear brake lines it can be done without undoing these.  On the front you can unbolt the caliper and support it under the guard while you remove the strut and the rear strut can be swung out from under the guard without disconnecting the brake line.

 

http://www.sonic.net/~kyle/

 

I believe Supercheap sell spring compressors.

 

Thank you for the link. Apart from a couple of spelling errors it's perfect.

 

I will check the price of spring compressors, they have to be cheaper than a mechanics labour costs.

[aegean]

Cheap, but for a one-off job, probably OK.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HEAVY-DUTY-COIL-SPRING-COMPRESSORS-PAIR_W0QQitemZ260305116467QQihZ016QQcategoryZ35625QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[matt drago]

Just a note on the ones that aegean posted.  They are cheap and they are the type that I have used, but be careful to make sure that you tighten and loosen them evenly.  If you tighten one too much, the other can slip and the spring will go back to full size on one side and be compressed on the other.

 

Just a cautionary note.

 

Cheers,

 

Matt

[Zedman240®]

The compressors I use have two "claws" rather than just simple hooks; less likely to slip and both go to one side like Matt said before. If you are game, you could just use a air powered rattle gun to loosen the top nut while the strut is lying on the ground and undo! Quick but not recommended!! With me, theres the right way or the quick way!

[Hunter]

http://carfiche.com/manuals023/cars/ <<<<<<<<< DOWNLOAD THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL HERE. IT IS A 73 240Z MANUAL. BUT IS VERY COMPREHENSIVE.

 

http://atlanticz.ca/zclub/techtips/ <<<<<<<< CHECK OUT THE SUSPENSION SECTION ON THIS SITE.

 

http://www.xenons30.com/reference.html <<<<<< THERE ARE MORE MANUALS HERE.

[aegean]

Just a note on the ones that aegean posted.  They are cheap and they are the type that I have used, but be careful to make sure that you tighten and loosen them evenly.  If you tighten one too much, the other can slip and the spring will go back to full size on one side and be compressed on the other.

Just a cautionary note.

 

Correct ! But they do work, and for a one-off job, economical. You just need to be careful how you use them as Matt says.

[GT240Z]

Just came accross this. Haven't read much of it but might help.

 

Cheers

 

Brian

 

http://www.biopatent.com/struts.html

[modular9]

nice find. Thanks for the HU.