Question about installing stock struts

[ILoveHotDogz]

My front struts were bad according to dealership. I picked up some new struts, and wanted to install them myself, the shop said it was easy if i had a "strut pressurizer". Now im no auto mechanic but i have never heard of this? I feel this was a lie to get me to have them install them for 300, i bought the struts for 65 a piece.

Im curious to know, i did a google search on strut pressurizer and came up with nothing, what that is and if it is needed. With regular tools can i install new struts...?

thanks for any help i recieve

 

[Shi-Fu JaY]

dealer wasn't jerking you around, Spring compressor is the term, You can rent the tool at Autozone. Leave them a deposit, after you return them back, you get your money back.

 

[fotomoto]

I just did this to my 03 P5. As said, you rent the spring compressor from a local auto parts store for "free" if returned clean, undamaged, and within the rental time frame. I believe I put down a $50 deposit. It's best used with an air gun but a ratchet will get the job done too; just takes a lot longer.

The biggest PITA in the whole process had nothing to do with the struts. It was the original sway bar end links. The were completely corroded and couldn't be unbolted from the lower strut assembly so I had to cut them off. Unless yours are somewhat new, I'd count on buying those too. I also installed new upper strut mounts ($30/piece) as I had a terrible loud clunking. Originally hoped it was just the cheaper sway bar end links. Replacing all these parts got rid of about 90% of the noise. I suspect the last remaining bit is the sway bar bushings.

Good luck!