MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Can anyone of ya’ll walk thru changing out front struts on a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer.. I have never fooled with struts before but need to learn how as the truck is at 100k and is getting bouncy... The strut runs up thru the spring..is clamped at the botton and supports the bottom of the spring.. top is attrached like a normal shock at the fenderwell... The rear are regular shocks so no problem there..
Blake,
You'll need a strut compressor tool. They can be rented at Autozone. Support vehicle on jack stands and remove front wheels. Clamp on the compressor to compress the springs. Unbolt the strut and remove it. Remove the spring and reinstall on the new strut. Reinstall strut. It's not too bad of a job as long as you have the tool.
Dave
No problem, Blake. You'll probably have to unbolt the brake calipers and tie them up out of the way in order to get the suspension droop you'll need to get the struts out. It depends on the application. I've done a few Hondas, but I've never done a Trailblazer. I had an S-10 Blazer, but it had front shocks and torsion bars, so it was completely different than the newer ones. Good luck, man!
Dave
dont use the cheap spring clamp style. get the good ones, auto zone ought be good.
the clamp style dont work well. ask how i know.
I always take the whole thing out then compress the spring. Any wall mounted spring compressor makes the best portable ones look like toys. Those loaded springs scare the hell out of me every time I woek one, even with the finest Monroe wall mounted compressor.
I'm with John, remove the whole assembly then compress the spring. Of course you will need to have the front end re-aligned.
Blake, what happened with the valve seats on your MG head?
