Rear Struts

J

JohnO

I recently had a ball joint replaced, and the guys at the shop tell me
the real struts and mounts need replaced. Better than $600, mostly
parts.

This seems possible, as once in a while the rear end is a bit clunky.
But struts are easy to replace, aren't they? Is this a home job?

Are mounts an automatic replacement?

'99 Outback

-John O
 
JohnO said:
I recently had a ball joint replaced, and the guys at the shop tell me
the real struts and mounts need replaced. Better than $600, mostly
parts.

This seems possible, as once in a while the rear end is a bit clunky.
But struts are easy to replace, aren't they? Is this a home job?

I have to ask this: why do you want to bother replacing the struts in
the first place?
Did the rear seat occupants complain?
Are mounts an automatic replacement?

I don't think so.
 
Body said:
I have to ask this: why do you want to bother replacing the struts in
the first place?
Did the rear seat occupants complain?

No, my rear seat occupants start that and I make them ride their bikes.
;-) If they are truly worn out, (the struts, not the occupants) is
there a reason I should *not* replace them myself?
I don't think so.

Just checking, and I was thinking the same thing.

-John O
 
$600 for just the rear struts, holy crap! I got a full set of KYB AGX
adjustables for my 2.5RS for $350.

Th strut job is pretty easy, you just need a spring compressor, some
extra brake fluid, and some basic tools. Just disconnect the brake
line, unbolt two bolts at the bottom and three at the top, take out the
strut, swap the spring and mounds from old to new, and put the new one
in... bleed the brakes after you're done. Since you have a wagon you
don't need to take the rear seat out or anything.
 
Dmitriy said:
$600 for just the rear struts, holy crap! I got a full set of KYB AGX
adjustables for my 2.5RS for $350.

I knew there were better prices out there, my "no" to them was
automatic.
Th strut job is pretty easy, you just need a spring compressor, some
extra brake fluid, and some basic tools. Just disconnect the brake
line, unbolt two bolts at the bottom and three at the top, take out the
strut, swap the spring and mounds from old to new, and put the new one
in... bleed the brakes after you're done. Since you have a wagon you
don't need to take the rear seat out or anything.

Thanks, that does sound simple enough. I can get a pair of struts for
$220 at autozone, and they have the spring compressor for a free
loaner. I'll probably get new tires first.

-John O
 
JohnO said:
No, my rear seat occupants start that and I make them ride their bikes.
;-) If they are truly worn out, (the struts, not the occupants) is
there a reason I should *not* replace them myself?

Yes. The jarry ride in the back is good for their bone density.
Saves you money on the milk. Not to mention $200 saved on the struts.
 
Hi John!

I recently had a ball joint replaced, and the guys at the shop tell me
the real struts and mounts need replaced. Better than $600, mostly
parts.

This seems possible, as once in a while the rear end is a bit clunky.
But struts are easy to replace, aren't they? Is this a home job?

Are mounts an automatic replacement?

On the 99 OB, the rear strut is a "coilover" design. I'm assuming that
what you are calling the "mount" is the strut top, which does not come
with a replacement strut. This is probably the source of your "clunk".
While this is not a terribly technical job, it does require at least a
spring compressor, and a heavy duty impact wrench. The lower fasteners
can be very tight, and you may need to remove the rear brake calipers
as well. Also be careful with the ABS wiring.
I'd suggest that $600 isn't too unreasonable, assuming that the price
includes both strut cartridges, strut tops, and labor; I'd imagine
that it is at least a 3 hour job, and the components aren't
inexpensive. The KYB replacement cartridges are popular.
Another good option (especially if you elect to DIY) would be to find
a good set at a salvage yard; then you won't have to disassemble the
strut, just bolt on the replacement.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101
 
Thanks Steve. This isn't a high-priority job, so I haven't even looked
under there to see what's going on. I will, and I have a friend with
the right wrench.

-John O
 
Hi JohnO,

I had a similar job done on my 1997 OBW on decmber 20th, 2005. I bought
right and left strut assembly KYB ( OEM ) in USA from Autoparts Warehouse
in Hamilton NJ delivered UPS free of charge in Fargo ND. My sister brought
them back to me in Canada. Paid 141.64$ USD = 169.15$ CND and paid 1.8 hour
labor 122.06$ CND including a 15% tax at my Subaru dealer for a grand total
of 292.21$ CND

At 600$, you are being robbed...
 
cgilb said:
Hi JohnO,

I had a similar job done on my 1997 OBW on decmber 20th, 2005. I bought
right and left strut assembly KYB ( OEM ) in USA from Autoparts Warehouse
in Hamilton NJ delivered UPS free of charge in Fargo ND. My sister brought
them back to me in Canada. Paid 141.64$ USD = 169.15$ CND and paid 1.8 hour
labor 122.06$ CND including a 15% tax at my Subaru dealer for a grand total
of 292.21$ CND

At 600$, you are being robbed...

Well, $600 is probably a decent price for the shop's parts and labor.
Buying just the struts on the web and then having my neighborhood
mechanic do the work would be the same deal you got. But I do
appreciate the lead on the parts dealer, and I was contemplating doing
it just this way. Thanks!

-John O
 

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