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Im'a gunna say both brian_m and garagelogic have it right.
Getting the right torque is important. Under do it and it can come loose. Over do it and weaken the bolt/stud and have it shear off.
For the most part, I can come pretty close when using foot pounds by feel. Inch pounds, well, I dont guess on those.
I use air to remove fasteners quickly and to thread em quickly, but I will still use a torque wrench to tighten.
Its worth doing it right. You may get lucky 1000 times, but the one time you dont, could be your last. Buy a torque wrench.
Right.
When you're talking about head bolts, on aluminum heads, you danged well better get them right - and tighten them in the right order.
When you're talking about less sensitive things - like shock absorber mounting bolts & nuts, long-term wrenchers can get it right every time, if we just slow down & pay attention.
STS Auto Care for spring compression (no need to lose an eye or my life). Will also rent a torque wrench but if I cant find the specs , my 3/8 ratchet will suffice. Finally, markings are a must (Thanks JBPisgah).
March 28 - had a suspension diagnostic by dealership (bent rim and a pebble caused the problems)
May 17 - had a suspension diagnostic by same dealership ( Struts and shocks caused the problems $1420)
They were willing to give me 10% off. NO Thanks
And to balance the ticket, I've been wrenching professionally for over 30 years, and I often don't use a torque wrench on certain applications. Fact is, I've wrenched long enough that I'll get any nut or bolt tightened to within 5 lbs of where "specs" are just by feel alone. I've never once had anything I didn't use a torque wrench on come back, or fail.
No doubt you can do this, (so can I) but the OP is a noob and I doubt he can!
Plan to replace front struts and rear shocks without a torque wrench or air tools. I will be using regular hand tools a ie. racthet and socket.
Is there anyone here who has done the same and didnt have parts come apart or crack. (success and failed stories are both welcomed)
2007 Hyundai Elantra 88,000 miles
Thanks
Really no need for air tools if you don't mind that the job will go slower without them, but there is no need to go without a torque wrench - either buy one (and you might as well get a good one that will last the rest of your life) or many outfits like Autozone will loan such tools.
What you will need is a spring compressor on the front struts, though. Most rear shock setups are easier to do than front struts.
Get at least a Chilton or Haynes manual so you know what you are doing, the front springs can be dangerous if you release tension not knowing it's about to happen (you really do need spring compressors for this job)
Keep in mind that even if your shocks and struts are worn, there is no reason you really *have* to do this job *right now* - it can wait.
If you decide not to DIY find a good indy shop that can do your front suspension anyway.
If you mark the camber adjust washer/bolt (assuming it has one) you should not need alignment after doing the shocks and struts, but I would at the very least check it with string if you don't get a shop to align.
The Harbor Freight click torque wrenches are $9.99 with coupon and test accurate. Don't be scared by the price they are good and repeatable.
Air tools will help you remove components faster but that is it.
Advance Auto Parts / Autozone "rent" the spring compressors for free. Having an impact will greatly speed the compression of them provided you do so carefully.
Buy a Chilton or Haynes for your car they are inexpensive and will have the torque specs printed in the manual. Any nut/bolt combo that is torque to yield (ie torqued to XX ft-lbs, then turned X degrees) should be replaced and not reused.
Don't buy the cheap replacement parts. Go OEM or quality replacement. I buy cheap aftermarket all the time for certain things but suspension/axles is not one of them.
Good luck! You will be fine. Take your time, no shortcuts, just do as the book says and enjoy the extra cash from not having a shop do it
The pain of the job is not knowing what to do, getting stuck things off, and getting disorganized. (And the springs; they are just inherently kind of a pain.)
Take some pictures at the start. Put a cloth on the ground and put everything in groups in order as they come off. Also, spray some penetrating oil on all the bolts the day before, or even a week before.
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