shock replacement on 09 yukon struts

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t.stimpson

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not sure if anyone on here has tried replacing just the shocks in their struts before but I'm here to tell you its not for your average home mechanic(I consider myself above average mechanic :)). The struts come out pretty easy. I rented a spring compressor and installed it(first time using a spring compressor or working on a strut). Then went about removing the shock top post nut. This was a PITA. It was rusted onto the threads something fierce. I did get the nut to turn very angrily though lol. After a few turns the thing exploded kinda and the shock came apart. It only popped apart a few inches from where I was working and the shock oil started oozing out everywhere. I was actually loosing the shock shaft and not the nut. I also didnt have enough compression on the spring. I was kinda nervous about the spring compressor to begin with but it just wouldnt tighten the spring anymore. Lesson learned here. I'm taking both struts to a mechanic on tues to have them finished. All of these macpherson strut spring compressors you see that attach to the outside of the springs are not capable for these springs. The safety pins will not work as the spring is too thick and the ability to compress is not there also IMO. So for future readers of this post, just take the struts out(if your so inclined) and take them to a shop to have the shocks replaced unless you have balls of steel and dont mind losing a hand or other vital body part.
 

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