front/rear struts/shocks

[Barry W. Martin]

I getting ready to replace struts/shocks on my '84 944. The rear shocks don't look too difficult, however, I'm not sure about the front struts. Do I have to replace the entire front cartridge/strut assembly or just the cartridge? How difficult a job do you think this is? The replacement struts/shocks will be BOGE. Thanks

[todd951]

Early cars generally have replaceable insert struts, so you should be able to replace only the strut insert rather than the entire strut. However, this is a more difficult job than replacing the entire strut. To replace the insert, you have to remove the entire strut, then remove the upper mount and unscrew the strut cap to remove the old insert. You need a set of spring compressors to do this. The Haynes manual says you shouldn't try to do this yourself, but I don't see what's so difficult about it as long as you have the proper tools.

[lm6y]

Don't loosen the nut that keeps the spring compressed!! The spring is under a LOT of pressure, and can take your head off! Instead, ask a shop like Midas, or one that does a lot of strut jobs what they would charge to remove the springs from the strut assembly. Then remove the whole assembly from the car, and take it to them. After you get the cartridge changed, take it back and have the springs put back on. Most places will only charge $5-$10 for this. Once you get the springs off, you will see what I mean. My springs were about 4 inches taller when the pressure was off of them, and there was no way to get them compressed again. I considered $10 a bargain after I saw what kind of damage that spring would have done to me if I would have removed that nut.

[todd951]

That's why I said you need a set of spring compressors to do it. You can get a set for $25-30, but it might be cheaper to have a shop take the springs off and put them back on for you if you're only going to be doing it once.

[hoff944]

Well I've heard that the 944 front suspension is like that on a Volkwagen Rabbit so having done a Volkwagen Rabbit, we changed the springs out in under at hour. We have spring compressors though. Make sure you tighten the compressors down evenly!

[bwm944]

Thanks guys. I guess I'll have to buy the spring compressors since I'll be changing the rear shocks as well. If that turns out to be too difficult, I might opt for Midas handling the front strut springs. Assuming I get the springs off the struts ok, will I need a special tool to unscrew the strut cartridge, or will a pair of vise grips or similiar suffice?

[hoff944]

Eeeek MIDAS!!!!! Don't ever plan on getting them off again if Midas does it. I've witnessed Midas first hand.

[bwm944]

They must use super-glue. Huh?

[RealRideRacing]

Uuhh.... you won't need a Spring Compressor for the rear shocks.... there aren't any rear springs, unless you have rear Coilovers, in which case you still don't need a Spring Compressor.
David www.RealRide.com/racing
(Come visit our Message Board)

[todd951]

Why wouldn't you need a spring compressor for coil-overs? There shouldn't be any gap between the spring and perch when the suspension is at full droop, and if there is shouldn't you use a helper spring to keep the spring from coming off the perch?

[bwm944]

Ooops. You're right. No coils on the rear. How embarrassing. Just checking to see if you were paying attention.

[This message has been edited by bwm944 (edited 08-15-2000).]