Bad Front N/S Strut

swinnie · 5 Jan 2017 at 22:49

The front n/s strut on my Skoda Rapid has become extremely noisy and after jacking it up today it's got a lot of oil around the strut.

So a couple of questions:

- recommendations for replacement parts - OEM or 3rd party (if so, who)
- do the other side even though that is not making noise and dry?
- is this considered a DIY with hand tools, or am I best off putting it into my Indy garage?

Cheers.

phil675 · 5 Jan 2017 at 23:13

I replaced a whole strut and spring last week on my old Avensis as the bottom of the spring had snapped off failing the MOT.

I got one from a scrappy for £30 although I had to drive 30 miles to Birmingham for it.

The job consisted of 2 big bolts holding the strut to the wheel hub, disconnecting the track rod and brake hose bracket, then three nuts under the bonnet. I didn't do the other side but actually I should have bought both struts from the scrapped donor car as the 'new' one is actually much nicer than the other side

For your car I have no idea, it might be a pain in the arse. I had to borrow a big long breaker bar and 22mm sockets for the large bolts.

Scania · 6 Jan 2017 at 01:29

OEM equivalent from somewhere like ECP / GSF.

Change both.

If you have to ask, I'd suggest getting it done professionally.

Gaygle · 6 Jan 2017 at 06:10

Get a Sachs/Bilstein replacement from ECP (with voucher code) and do both sides at the same time.

I personally wouldn't undertake suspension work with only hand tools. There's too high a chance of a bolt being seized and then sheared without impact tools. You'd also need spring compressors. Depending on the independents price - it'd probably better to let them handle it if you aren't confident.

dalin80 · 6 Jan 2017 at 06:39

It's good practice to fit shockers (and springs) in pairs, although for softer set-up non-sporty cars you can rarely feel much of a difference on the road. If memory serves the Rapid has an over convoluted suspension arrangement, with a considerable strip down and levering required, that on top of the fact that a coil spring is more then happy to kill you it's probably for the best to leave it unless you are confident with your DIY skills and have some good compressors and levers.

It's also a good idea to get a 4 wheel alignment check after doing suspension work.