spring/strut assemblies

[White95Max]

I have a clunking sound from my front left wheel area, particularly when driving over bumps, and I'm pretty sure it's a bad strut. I was told that I should look for a spring/strut assembly (sold as one piece - strut/bearing/spring), and that way I could do the replacement myself. Apparently everything is one unit so there's no spring compression necessary, and I was told that I could do the replacement of both front struts/springs by myself in a couple hours.

But I searched the websites at Autozone and Advance Auto Parts, and couldn't find any assemblies. They only sell the separate parts (spring + strut). My brother said he got a whole assembly for his car from a junkyard and installed it himself in about an hour.

Is this a new thing, being able to buy the entire assembly as one pre-assembled piece? It would be terrific if I could just pick up a couple assemblies and install them myself. The best part would be saving the cost of labor to assemble/install the parts.

[Setec Astronomy]

I don't see how you can take out the old strut or put a new one in without compressing the spring. Your brother is a mechanic, right? Did he do the job at work on the lift using a strut compressor? That's the only way I can see doing that job in an hour.

[White95Max]

No he did it himself at home. This was after he quit his mechanic job. He agreed that I could do both of mine in a couple hours.

And it's not putting in a new strut. According to the mechanic that told me about this, and my brother, the strut and spring are bought as one pre-assembled unit.

[Accumulator]

Noting that I know *squat* about a Protege's suspension...It's still what holds the car up. It's under compression or it wouldn't hold it up..it'd all fall apart if not for the pressure. Not the toughest thing to swap out, but not something you want getting away from you either Heh heh, maybe you could get your brother to do it. I'd make sure it's the strut first anyhow. Could be a bad bushing or a number of other things instead. Did I mention that I know squat about a Protege's suspension

IMO the *first* thing to do is buy a Factory Service Manual ("FSM"). Loads of info even if you don't do the work yourself, and they're pretty cheap used.

[White95Max]

I've got a FSM...just bought it on Ebay for $80 or something shipped. Call me lazy, but I haven't looked at the struts in the FSM yet., because it's in the garage at the moment and I'm cozy sitting on the couch with my blanket and lemonade.

[White95Max]

OK here's an update...

I've decided that it's a good time to upgrade the suspension, so I'm going to get 4 new struts ($354 shipped) and 4 springs from a Mazdaspeed Protege with 15K on them ($50 shipped), plus two new front strut mounts since the noise could be coming from there. I got a quote for installation, and I'm looking at ~$300, including alignment. So when all is said and done, I'll be down about $750.

Since you should always replace struts in pairs, I'd have to replace both front struts anyway. And if they're taking the spring/strut out anyway, why not replace the springs while I'm at it? Especially if I can get 4 springs for $50 shipped. That's my rationale.

[Accumulator]

Now *that* sounds like a good plan

I'd check out the FSM to familiarize yourself with what they're gonna be doing. And I'd inspect the parts to see if they might need any cosmetic attention.

[White95Max]

I'm glad you approve Accumulator!

I can't wait to hit the twisties with my new springs/struts!

[Accumulator]

Between this upgrade and your wheels/tires you're getting the Protege set up pretty well. I guess the next thing'll be different anti-sway bars (it never ends ).

[White95Max]

Shhh...don't give me any more ideas!

[Accumulator]

Heh heh, I'm just jealous because I can't upgrade the MPV

[White95Max]

Maybe a Mazdaspeed Protege needs a home in your garage?