How difficult would you rate strut replacement?

[18IsTheMan]

I need to replace the front struts on my 2001 L200. Apparently the driver's side strut has been leaking. I have essentially no mechanic experience at all (apart from changing my own oil) besides replacing my blower motor one time. I just did my front brakes last week and that seemed to be a pretty easy repair for me (once I got the caliper pins loose) even though I'd never done brakes before.

That said, I'm wondering how difficult a job it is to replace the struts. After hearing how much it would cost to have my brakes replaced ($140 for the cheapest) and then finding out I could get a set of brake pads for $23 and replace them on my in less than 1 hour, I'm not too keen on paying for stuff I can do on my own.

I just assumed it's a beast of a job, but a friend of mine who has about as much mechanic experience as I do said he did his struts once and it wasn't bad.

For anyone who has done strut replacement, how difficult would you rate it? If replacing brake pads is a 1 on scale of 1-10, where would you put struts?

Also, I looked on several auto parts websites and there are all kinds of strut-related parts (boot kit, bellow, boot, spring seat, strut mount, etc). If all I have is a leaky strut, do I just need to replace the struts and that's all, or do you always have to replace all that other stuff too?

Last question. Is this the kind of job that can be done with regular tools (wrenches, sockets, etc) or are there all kinds of exotic tools you need? I know I'll apparently need to rent a spring compressor. Other than that?

[fdryer]

Strut replacement is not for beginners, period, unless you research carefully to know what you're getting into.

At the least, access to service manuals would be a priority just to read on procedures for your car. Service manuals are written for trained mechanics or at least those with a brain. Not having one usually means unsafe short cuts when not familiar with spring loaded assemblies. Basic mechanical skills are necessary and being aware of hazards to stay on top of things. Either your local library has free access to alldata.diy for service manuals online, pay a small yearly fee for access, search for pirated cd's/dvd's/free downloads or buy the OEM manuals from helms publications. Then there's Google and youtube videos. Read, watch, and learn the right way and the stupid ways. Avoid stupid ways. There are many ways to do things wrong, one way to do it right and having information can help eliminate doing it wrong and/or getting hurt.

[18IsTheMan]

I have a Hayne's Manual is it right now. After reading through that and looking at videos, diagrams online, I THINK I understand it.

[fdryer]

Ok, now look at your strut tower and see if there's anything different from what you read or seen on youtube or Google? A Haynes manual is good but not the exact manual unless you know the differences between Haynes and factory/field service manuals written explicitly for the model. Haynes will generalize in some areas if you're not careful until you're in the middle of repairs and suddenly find out Haynes isn't accurate. The reason for paying for expensive service manuals is that they pay for themselves the first time you repair your car and don't pay GM to do it. Experience counts when you have familiarity and Haynes as back up when service manuals aren't needed. The gray areas are if youtube/Google gets you specific information/pictures that Haynes won't have and unfamiliarity causes confusion.

If you're ready and have tools then dive in but be aware of anything not covered.

[Sweepspear]

I see that there are quick strut assemblies for that model Saturn available.
(I looked on Rockauto)
For the novice that wants to do it themselves, that would be the way to go since it is a complete assembled strut unit with a new spring, new mount, the works. You won't have to deal with spring compressors which can be very dangerous.
For the most part all you will need to do is remove the mounting nuts for the upper mount, and bolts at the steering knuckle.
Remove, replace, Done.
You will need to get an alignment!

[s3nfo]

Strut replacement on the Satty L is actually pretty easy as strut replacement goes, the design was well thought out for easy replacement. However, as Fdryer said, not really for the beginner as there is considerable potential for injury (lots of stored energy in a compressed spring) and considerable potential for getting something wrong and damaging the suspension (springs must be uncompressed correctly on the perches and the top connections are a bit fiddly) if not done exactly right.

[mjhstl]

I replaced the struts on my 2002 SL. Not difficult. I also paid $100 to have a shop swap the springs. You will need a small torque wrench (3/8") for the upper bolts. Just estimate the lower bolts. The torque will be corrected during the wheel alignment.
Build your confidence by viewing a few videos on Youtube. My struts were no harder than replacing the brake pads and rotors. KYB struts and mounts on eBay ~ $250.

[Jonnyferrari]

Originally Posted by mjhstl

I replaced the struts on my 2002 SL. Not difficult. I also paid $100 to have a shop swap the springs. You will need a small torque wrench (3/8") for the upper bolts. Just estimate the lower bolts. The torque will be corrected during the wheel alignment.
Build your confidence by viewing a few videos on Youtube. My struts were no harder than replacing the brake pads and rotors. KYB struts and mounts on eBay ~ $250.

Make sure you do your strut mount bearings while you are in there...had one go out on me a week after I replaced my struts and had to replace it 3 times before my mechanic and I realized the spring was broken and breaking my strut mount bearing! Overall part costs were like...$220 for 1 spring, 2 Gabriel Ultra Struts, and 1 strut mount bearing. Good luck!