I was wondering how to check my suspension to know if I need new shocks and struts. And how hard or easy it might be to install new ones on a 1991 camaro rs, front has struts and the rear has springs. A friend told me to push down on the vehicle and if it bounces they need to be replaced, is this true? I am just starting to want to work on my own car, never really cared about this stuff when I was younger. Thanks everyone.
The boucing and poor ride quality is a good indication of worn struts but also look at the miliage of the vechile and look if they have been replaced before. chances are they have been. Struts are something that you do not want to mess around with if you are not famalier with them. You need a spring compressor to get the spring off the old strut and to get it onto the new one. Coil springs are under a tremendous amount of pressure. Genarally the car needs to be alinged when the parts have been replaced. There is no reason that you cannot do the rears yourself.
One of my first "projects" was lowering a strut suspensioned car. I didn't have a spring compressor, only a jack, few sockets, and a pry bar.
I would say, if you have any type of mechanical abilties, try it! I've done a few the same way I did the first with no problems (but it was a bit#$). You can also rent a spring compressor if prying it out is a little scary (not to mention pretty unsafe). Your biggest issue is going to be getting the nut off the top of the strut to take it apart. It comes of easy with air tools, but if you don't have access to one, you'll just have to get a little creative.
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