Installing New Struts. Replace Any Other Related Parts?

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Protege5
Is it common practice to replace any other parts during this procedure? Bumpstops? Any hardware? Obviously, I will change something if it appears worn out, but I just wanted to hear some opinions. Also, has anyone had any luck with spring compressors or should I just take the assembly in and have a shop put the actual strut into the assembly?
 
Spring compressors are easy to use, and if you want you might as well change the rubber piece at the top between the spring and the cap piece. Are you also installing lowering springs or just changing out the struts? You might want to get some new endlinks as well if you have never removed them before because some people have ended up having to cut them off. I have a how to written up HERE on replacing the springs on the Protege, but the strut is the same procedure, it may be a little different on the P5 in the rear though.
 
get new sway bar endlinks ,you will have to cut the old ones off . I have done about 15 protege suspension and have used spring compressors that you buy and never have had a problem
 
take the car to a shop and ask to break the endlink bolts loose with an impact. it'll make your day easier.
 
I changed one of the endlinks about 6 months ago because one of the integrated bushings had failed. I also have a compressor/impact so I shouldn't have any trouble getting the other off right? The car is a Colorado car, so it has seen winter, which might make it a bit more difficult.

So you think I should replace the rubber bump stops between the strut and the top cap? I am not changing the springs. Just doing new struts since last winter left some massive potholes and totally destroyed my front set. Any personal recommendations on strut brand/model? Thanks for the help so far guys I appreciate it.
 
Tokico HP (blues) are the way to go. Better performance, and good price.

Put in the Mazdaspeed Protege's bumpstops while you're at it.
 
The Tokico HPs seem to be about $100 each. Is there anything less expensive that is of a decent quality? My Protege5 is just a daily driver so I am not too interested in performance parts. Are the Mazdaspeed bumpstops better than oem?
 
If you're not dropping the car don't bother with the HPs or the MSP bumpstops. They're great on stiffer, lower suspensions but may be too much for stock springs. The stock replacement struts will be fine.

Someone on here reported stock replacements were about 260USD for all four at the dealer, which is slightly more reasonable than 80USD/corner for HPs.
 
My local dealer wants about $95 each for the fronts and $85 for the rear, which is over $100 more than what you guys are saying your dealers charge you. Not very reassuring at all and I don't see how regional pricing can account for such a discrepancy. Definitely lame.

Are the Gabriel Ultras any good? Autozone quoted me at $83 front, $73 rear. I haven't found the HP Blues for the previously mentioned $80 otherwise I would just go with those.

Does anyone have any online stores or parts people they can recommend?
 

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