struts goin bad

[thecrash91]

so my strut is going bad, im at 120k with original struts, and only the front passenger side is going bad. i really wanted to get BC coilovers but dont have the cash now, should i just get the 88$ oem replacement for now? will it damage other things if i leave it be for now? and how simple a job is it to replace strut?

edit:
whoops wrong section, can someone move it to the general p5 section? thanks

 

[ivsito]

I wouldn't get a replacement strut for that much, you can get a brand new Monroe, from rockauto.com for $51. I would also try, car-parts.com and see if you can get a used one for cheep, since its on temporary till you get your coilovers.
Also its fairly easy to replace a strut on your own, as long as you have access to a spring compressor, or you usually can rent them from autozone. and some basic tools

 

[thecrash91]

would it be ok to replace only one wiht a mismatched strut? and would need an alignment afterwards?

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Sux, I got a set with about 8 k on them sittin in the garage. If you were local they'd be cheap cheap but shipping from TX to NY pretty much kills that. Probably be better to do at least 2 & yes do alignment after, especially if it hasn't been done in a while.

 

[thecrash91]

would i need to buy anything other then a strut for the fix? i think im just gonna take it to my mechanic, hes a family friend so hopefuly hell do i for cheaper. and how long before i start messing up the rest of the suspension? i took it about 3k miles ago and the guy said it was just started to go bad, that it wasnt bad at all. all i have is clunking and when i press down it only bounces once, the other sides dont bounce at all

 

[sethro_GT]

you may need an alignment after the strut replacement, depends on how well the top cap gets re-aligned with its original position.

 

[thecrash91]

anything else? strut mount or anything?

 

[sethro_GT]

Strut mounts can usually be cleaned up. If the front mount bearings (that allow the suspension to turn with steering) are poor I would get new mounts (can't just buy the bearings). Also, if the rubber is cracked or separating in the mount they will need replaced but I only see that on old cars, like 10+ years old.

Often the rubber insulator that sits between the spring and the mount is hammered but reusable. This keeps the wear and noise down between the two.

I would recommend KYB brand struts. I tried gabriel once and they sucked, not sure about monroe. Used Tokico blues on my 88 mx6 turbo and I don't think they are any different than the KYB's I put on a 88 626. Many OEM's use tokico's. In my opinion the stock P5 suspension is adequate for weekend autocross as long as you have decent rubber (which I didn't).

 

[thecrash91]

im just gonna go with the cheap 55$ monroes for now, i have plans for coilovers once i get the money

 

[michael79]

strut replacement

I'm looking for some advice. I want to replace the rear struts on my 2005 mazda rx8 and can't find a mechanic manual and or pictures on or about a replacement procedure. I would like to find some pictures or diagrams on the whole procedure before I start any work of course though. I picked up "monroe" struts and would like to know if anyone out there knows a better brand? Thanks for any time you can put into these answers.

Michael D.L.