killerboots

how hard is it to install new struts? i just purchased new kyb agx gas struts for my 92 hb. i can either pay $60 to get them all installed, or else do it myself.

all i've ever done is oil changes, filter changes, air intake, power locks..

i know a spring compressor, and jacks are required, what else is needed? i have the 92 - 95 civic service manual, so it should be a help.

should i install them myself, or go to my mechanic?
also, im really willing to learn stuff, so i hope it is something that i can do @ home, while drunk, with my friends.

adrian1281

its easy, just follow your manual and you'll be alright. it should take you around 2 or 3 hours tops to do it. id recommend an alignment when you're done...

killerboots

yea, i would need an alingment for sure
but i dunno if it is a waste of time
because ill be getting H&R lowering springs like 4 weeks down the road anyways..

killerboots

oh, and what tools do i need?
10mm, 12mm, 14mm sockets? deep?
breaker bar? torque wrencch?

B18C1EKhb

hey man its really easy, and something u should learn how to do cuz if your gettin springs downt the road ur gonna have to do it again, if u need help just ask and ill walk u through step by step, later...

also where do u live?

vaskater

You'll need a breaker bar (or an impact wrench, if you can get your hands on one)in addition to the other stuff. Putting in new springs and struts was one of the first major things I ever did on a car on my own, and I got it done without any hangups. The first time I did it, it took about four hours altogether. That comes down to $15/hour that you'll be saving. The removal and installation is simple. Just make extra sure that you put everything back in the right order and be careful with the spring compressors and you'll be fine. And as far as getting drunk while working on your car (especially the first time doing something).... that's when I find I start ******* stuff up. Maybe if you start drinking beer at the same time you start working on your car... but don't get primed up for it or anything. Anyway, go for it. It'll make you feel good.

killerboots

thanks for the help guys, i really appreciate it

i live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada... wanna stop by and help? lol

SuperMan19

tools you'll need are.. Breaker wrench, ratchet with extension, 14mm&17mm sockets, I think 12 mm also for the brake lines in the front; spring compressor, alley wrench set, 14mm/17mm wrenches and some grease/rust breaker fluid. Good luck with the back two struts.. Does it snow where you live? The back two bolts may be ceased up if it does seeing it's a 11 year old car.If they do, well that's a different story, try the standard method first. Don't force any of the bolts to come off if they won't budge or else you're gonna regret it. Else, you can just pay $60 bucks and have the shop do it. Ohh BTW, if you've got air tools, that'll be much much easier.

Take it to a shop, it'll be much more worth it.

killerboots

they arent seized, cause i just had my stock springs put in like 2 weeks ago
and they went in fine

killerboots

to get to the damper assembly, do i have to remove is the wheel? and not the wheel hub?

all i do is remove the brake hose clamp, the damper fork, and the damper mounting bolts on the top?

BagelW

I would wait for your springs to come in before you install the shocks. I wouldn't want to have to do the job twice. But that's just me.

killerboots

well, my left rear shock is bent
right rear shock is leaking,
same with the front right,

oo, the front left is good though!
lol, i need to put these on asap

SloCivicHMM

Should be easy......or I'm hoping so, thanks for the info too guys, I'm putting in my TEINS as soon as they come in....ordering today!! WOO HOO!!

FifthGearOnline

you will also need LOTS OF WD-40!!!!!!!!

soak those bolts for an entire day, and then when you go to take them off give them another shot. it will make you life MUCH easier!

Tony Starks

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BagelW &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would wait for your springs to come in before you install the shocks. I wouldn't want to have to do the job twice. But that's just me.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No doubt.

Doing the install yourself will teach you something about your car, but for $60, I'd think about getting it done by a shop. If I could of got it done for $60 I would have. I promise you'll break at least one bolt and cuss a million times trying to get the others free. Even with air tools. Not to mention you'll need a spring compressor to change the springs. Again, wait for the new ones. I'm not trying to pursuade you either way. It should only take 2-4 hours if you do it by yourself, but for $60 I'd get it done.

killerboots

ya, but i know for sure the bolts are seized.. and spring compressor is free ($100 deposit) around here