Strut inspection

A typical shock absorber and spring will be a strut set up.  This means that the dampener is the piece that connects the hub to the body.  On the outside of the strut will be the spring, which keeps the wheels sticking to the road.

To remove the strut, the wheel will need to come off.  the brakes and drive shaft can stay on.  The bolts that hold the strut to the hub are very tight, and will require a rattle gun.  Once this is undone, remove the nuts that bolt the strut onto the body.  There are usually 2-4 nuts  holding it down.  After this, the strut assembly should come out.  Be aware of the ABS parts and do not damage them.  If oil is leaking from the shock absorber, try not to get oil on the brake rotors.

The picture on the right is actually from a wheel bearing job, so the hub would still be there for a strut inspection job.

First we clamp the strut to a vice grip.  We will need spring clamps and rattle guns.  The springs need to be compressed in order to disassemble the strut.  Once the springs are disassembled, we start with the strut hat.  this is simply bolted on, this one has a bearing inside as it is a front wheel strut.  We can also remove the bearing and inspect it.

Once this is removed, the spring can slide out.  We check the dampener's condition by compressing and uncompressing it. It should move in slow and move out fast.  It should also have no signs of bending,  this includes uneven wear on the shaft, may be noticeable by oil residue on just certain sides of the shaft.

We should also take notice of any rust or cracks or damage that may affect the vehicles performance.  A common problem is that the boot of the strut is cracked and damaged.  Do not worry, this is not a major problem.  Also check if there are any bump stops.  Worn, cracked or damaged bump stops are something to take notice to.