All strut repairs must heed best practise, as well as prioritising technician safety and the time taken. Consider also that a suspension geometry check is required afterwards.
STEERING & SUSPENSION
Getting it right: McPherson strut dampers
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Investigating the best practice for popular repairs, Rob Marshall looks at how dampers are separated from springs in the quickest and safest manner.
we do not wish to duplicate our earlier feature on this topic, https://autotechnician.co.uk/strutting-your-stuff, it is worth re-emphasising that springs and dampers must be replaced in axle pairs. As a guide, KYB states that dampers must be replaced every 50,000 miles, due to internal wear.
Whether you are tasked with replacing a broken spring, or a leaking damper, you might need to dismount the combined strut, dismantle the unit and replace the relevant parts. While
As this procedure must prioritise technician safety, repair quality and the time taken, we have assembled the following tips to help you achieve these goals...
1. D o your research: Many models with adaptive suspension operate via the dampers. Verify that disconnecting any electrical cabling does not require a special procedure.
2. Order the correct part: be certain that you fit like-for-like dampers not anything that will bolt on. For example, gas-filled dampers are superior to those filled solely by oil but they look identical on the outside.
4. S elf-locking nuts are an obvious example of fittings that should not be reused. When sourcing replacements, be aware that high tensile bolts can be identified by markings on their heads.
5. Strut rod gaiters and spring assisters (bump 6. Try to avoid cutting costs on cheap dampers. Even stops) should be replaced whenever new dampers if they look identical, their internals can differ are fitted. In most cases, you should identify this significantly. The difference in welding quality on and order them separately, if required. this OE-quality KYB damper (bottom), compared to a cheap alternative, is obvious.
3. Establish which fixings require replacement and ask your supplier which ones are included with any parts order. You might have to order smaller components separately.
