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Ive never used a torque wrench for this and Ive done suspension three times on my Gti. But my car might be slightly different than yours..
Ive also never used a torque wrench on lug nuts either...
Each strut should have two bolts that will bolt to the steering knuckle, which should be adjustable for camber... and another cap at the top of the strut that you need to take off and set in place and then tighten everything... thats how mine goes. the back is pretty much the same.
You will need a spring compressor to mount the springs if they arent complete.
You can buy a cheap torque wrench for about $25 that will get the job done. Some vehicles it is not as important to be strict with torque specs, but if the tool is that cheap, why not?
To the best of m memory, I have never used a torque wrench on anything but cylinder head and manifolds and never had any real problems. I might be forgetting some torque wrench usage. Usually I call my dad or older brother and ask him whether it is really necessary. (Dad was an experimental engineer for GM and brother is a genius who reads everything there is to read it seems and has had various jobs fixing things) I also look at the torque specs and observe whether it is just somewhat tight or really cranked on and do that. I have never had any problems, nor has my father or brothers. Your results may vary. I certainly do not recommend this. A basic torque wrench costs about $5 at a garage sale or online. You can rent them free from auto parts places, you just buy them and return them. They call it rental, but it is free. I think they hope some people will decide not to return it once they use it. We did that with a brake cylinder compression tool - magnificent device. Huge time saver. Previously we used a 2x4 and a pry bar.
Be very careful with those spring compressors. People have been killed when they let go. It is rare, but it is dangerous. Someone suggested putting a second set on the springs as a safety measure. They said you can get them cheap at Harbor freight. The Harbor freight ones were recommended as a back up, not as the primary compressor. Do not go cheap where your life and limbs may be at stake. Having said that, when I have doen strut replacements, I used only a good quality rented spring compressor (and no torque wrench - sorry).
Like CJ, I've only ever used a torque wrench where gaskets were involved. I've replaced front and rear suspension and many other suspension parts. I used a torque wrench on my lug nuts once I got after market lugs and rims. I forget why, but I think my friend just wanted to use it more than anything.
Meanwhile, over here in "I'm Actually a professional mechanic" land, I get paid, very well, to fix the damage from all the yahoos who think they can get away without using a torque wrench all the time. I use one of mine Frequently (daily).
So, feel free to not use one... what's the Worst that could happen? Oh, yeah, right... you could crash and die when that nut/fastener loosens up or shears off. It's worth it for $50 though, right? Will the worst happen... probably not, but you have better odds of that happening than you do winning a lottery. The point I'm trying to make is that you really need to asses the risk. It's not a problem of money (most auto parts places have loaner and rental programs), there is Substantial risk involved in having a suspension related failure, so why accept that risk?
For those of you who home mechanic and don't use the right tools... THANK YOU for continuing to provide me with a rather significant source of income. It's very much appreciated by mechanics the world over.
Meanwhile, over here in "I'm Actually a professional mechanic" land, I get paid, very well, to fix the damage from all the yahoos who think they can get away without using a torque wrench all the time. I use one of mine Frequently (daily).
So, feel free to not use one... what's the Worst that could happen? Oh, yeah, right... you could crash and die when that nut/fastener loosens up or shears off. It's worth it for $50 though, right? Will the worst happen... probably not, but you have better odds of that happening than you do winning a lottery. The point I'm trying to make is that you really need to asses the risk. It's not a problem of money (most auto parts places have loaner and rental programs), there is Substantial risk involved in having a suspension related failure, so why accept that risk?
For those of you who home mechanic and don't use the right tools... THANK YOU for continuing to provide me with a rather significant source of income. It's very much appreciated by mechanics the world over.
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.
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
How big a ratchet do you have? Some suspension parts are torqued pretty tight and tend to be stuck on, as well. A a 1/2" inch torque wrench is BIG. I'd just go to Autozone and rent the 1/2 torque wrench and the 1/2 breaker bar. You'll do the job right, you'll know you are safe, and you'll save yourself a lot of aggravation doing the work.
Also, compressing springs by hand will be quite a bit slower than using power tools. When I changed my struts, I bought a small cordless impact driver from Sears for $60. Not too much power, about 60 ft lbs, but that's plenty for the spring compressors. I felt I got my money's worth from that one job.
A lot of people also recommend just having a mechanic do the compression because compressing the springs can be dangerous and the job is a pain. Those springs have a mind of their own.
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.
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It's very much appreciated by mechanics the world over.
