Strut removal questions + pictures
 

I've taken a few pictures and getting ready to replace all 4 of my struts this weekend.

A few questions I need clarity on:
1) Which flange bolt do I "mark" for the camber. Are they both bolts and I'm not sure how I'm marking them.

2) Do I need to mark any bolts on the top where the strut mount bolts to the car?

3) How do I tell which rear strut is the left and which is the right? I don't think I see a part number?

4) In the picture (koni's) installed...do I need the "white" washer on the shaft of the strut? I'm not sure what it is, but it came to me that way.


Also is there anything else in particular I should be aware of such as critical alignments or things of that nature? (I'm attempting this myself)

Re: Strut removal questions
 

if you look really close you will see that the top bolt has a little mark on the strut for indexing directly vertical and the bolt has little lines on the flat part, you may have to clean them off to see it well. mark the bolt where it aligns with the notch on the strut. that's the one to mark. you don't have to mark where the top mount goes into the car as it doesn't really move enough to make very much difference. you can tell which is left and which is right by what side the brake line bracket is on. as for the konis i don't have them but that washer looks like it is just for shipping. i would recommend getting the car aligned when you are done to keep your tires from wearing odd, even if it drives straight it could ruin your tires.

Re: Strut removal questions
 

I don't think that white thingy is just for shipping. I googled koni strut insert installation for some general info about the process (because info specific to the SVX, as usual, is scarce) and I remember something about it being needed. I also vaguely remember reading something about needing bump-stops, but I'm not sure where to get them.

Edit: Maybe here? http://www.ground-control-store.com/...tion.php/II=10

Re: Strut removal questions
 

Ok I can look to see which side the bracket goes on...basically I can remove the ones on the car and note the position they are in for determining left and right.

Well I bought new bolts, so marking the old ones negates the alignment right? I can check the current strut and bolt to see if there is an alignment mark anyways.

Yes I plan on driving it 2 miles down the street for a 4 wheel alignment when I'm finished.

I want to say the white thingies are for stopping any debris even with the boot on top of it....I could be wrong.

Re: Strut removal questions
 

I don't think I have ground control do I? I got a set of struts with the konis in them already. It comes with an adjustment knob but no foam stop.
Do all Konis have ground control? Or is this an option when ordering? Perhaps I'm not familiar with the terminology.

Re: Strut removal questions
 

You do not have to have the ground control springs to use the ground control bump stops. If the factory ones have bump stops, then you can just re-use those and if not then I guess you don't really need them. Up to you. You should also re-use the stock dust guards.

Re: Strut removal questions
 

I would replace the "helpers", available at Subaru.
20321 $20.93 Helper-front strut
20371 $19.35 Helper-rear strut (illustration courtesy of subaruparts.com)
http://www.subaruparts.com/subaru.diag/2A/i211-1.gif
Also, any rubber part that is compromised, the cushions, and top-mounts are subject to rust and wear. Part 20375 in ill. above can get extremely "crunchy" over time/miles. How are your old parts? If you have already assembled units, and they look OK, slip them in. The bump-stops (helpers) are under the dust-shields, check the illustration.

Glenn

Re: Strut removal questions
 

Just found out one of my helpers was cracked and partially disintegrated. I'll post pics this weekend.
I have all new rubber I'm replacing and helpers, so no worries there.

Re: Strut removal questions
 

Some pics from the Front install today...tomorrow will be rears.

Just an FYI, compressing the spring and putting a new strut together takes the longest time. The easy part is getting it out and installing it in my opinion.:D

Re: Strut removal questions
 

Helpers were deteriorated and the mounts had no rubber left in them. My ride should improve greatly with the new parts.

Note: In the write-up how-to...the nuts to hold the mount to the car are 14mm, not 12mm.