[illinois1]

I have a 1997 plymouth Grand voyager SE 3.3 I had front end work done on the vehicle by an alignment place and they say everything is good but it still goes to the right. I had my mechanic check it he said the struts need to be replaced. I had them done 50,000 miles ago with a lifetime warranty on parts. They say the struts are good. The guy who owned the shop before died and new persons have taken over the establishment. Is there some way I can find out if the struts are bad before I have them replaced?

I researched a little and if I did the job myself it would be workable from the info I found at the library. I have to remove a brake hose and a speed sensor cable routing brackets. Remove stabilizer bar link Remove the tow steering knuckle to strut mounting bolts push bolt through knuckle. Remove the three upper strut mounting bolts and remove the strut.


When I put it back together with the new parts I'll use a torch wrench for proper torch. Put strut assembly in properly for left and right tighten top three upper strut mounting bolts.

Install the knuckle to strut mounting bolts.

Install stabilizer link to bracket on the strut assembly.

Install the brake hose and speed sensor cable brackets on the strut assembly brackets.

Install the wheel and tire assembly.

Check front wheel alignment and adjust as needed.


My first thinking is the nuts will be tight so get a lubricant to loosen them up. I have never done this before and was wondering what other things I could possibly run into when doing this kind of job.




I got a quote for 135.00 Monroe with life time warranty each side, 270.00 total. To have the job done is 600.00 by my new mechanic. If they do not honor the warranty.

I'm planning on retiring the car to just use as needed and get another but to put 600.00 out is more than I have.

[ma0641]

Strup replacement is difficult without all the tools including a "torque" wrench. If this is an occasional use vehicle and the tires are not wearing badly, I'd just leave it be.

[illinois1]

I'm planning on still driving it regularly until I can get a second vehicle and then it will be an occasional use vehicle. I'm going to purchase the hole strut assembly for replacement this should simplify the job considerably. I checked the difficulty rating moderately easy when the hole assembly is replaced. I still need a torque wrench. I've got jack stands and a jack lined up.