Front Strut Assembly Replacement Tutorial (Saturn Vue)

[Tools/Parts] (Saturn Vue 2002-2007)
ORIGINAL RIDE QUALITY - LEFT - Monroe Shocks & Struts Quick-Strut 272218: https://amzn.to/3vhoJU6
ORIGINAL RIDE QUALITY - RIGHT - Monroe Shocks & Struts Quick-Strut 272217: https://amzn.to/2RDQdEJ
CHEAPEST - LEFT+RIGHT: https://amzn.to/3oFLqPb

(Saturn Vue 2008-2010)
https://amzn.to/2Sh3jb4

[Strut Compressors - Optional]
CHEAP - Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor Tool, 3/4in Socket: https://amzn.to/3wp8ZhO
HEAVY DUTY - 3 Ton Capacity Auto Strut Coil Spring Compressor Tool 6600LB: https://amzn.to/3yvQREQ

[Optional Parts]
Optional: Strut Mount and Bushing Set: https://amzn.to/3tPujg9
Optional: Boot/Dust Cover: https://amzn.to/37bidUD
Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker, 0.2 oz, Blue 242, Single: https://amzn.to/3cAUjon

[Misc Tools]
Metric Wrench Set 8mm - 22mm: https://amzn.to/2xQn3ot
Socket Set 123pc Metric and Imperial - Good Quality: https://amzn.to/2NhqhL9
Socket Set Metric/SAE 23pc - Good Quality: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IFSX9M4?ie=UTF8
TEKTON 4966 3/8-Inch Drive Impact Extension Bar Set, Cr-V, 3-Piece: https://amzn.to/3byEkEo

Part Numbers:
ULTRA-POWER 272217, PRT 818688, PRT 818687, OSC Q272217, MONROE 282218, MONROE 282217, FCS 1331778R, FCS 1331778L, MONROE 272218 Quick-Strut , MONROE 272217 Quick-Strut, ACDELCO 903062RS , ACDELCO 903061RS, GABRIEL G57311 , GABRIEL G57312

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:15 Replace the Strut Assembly or Just the Strut?
1:31 Strut Replacement Part 1
2:48 Are my Struts Bad? and Why They Fail
4:33 Strut Replacement Part 2
7:52 Reassembly Part 1
10:22 The Camber Bolt for Alignment
10:53 Reassembly Part 2 with Torque Specs

If you want to learn more about struts, covered in more detail, check out my ultimate guide here:
Front Strut Replacement - Ultimate Guide (Ford Mustang 1999-2004): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aroVUZSnwV0

[VIDEOTITLE]
The car in the video is a Saturn Vue AWD 3.5L 2007. However, the procedures shown in the video will apply to most vehicles and applications.

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#SaturnVue #Struts #Shocks

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[Struts 101]
Keeps the vehicle stable with good handling. It dampens suspension movement and maintains good contact with the road. Unlike a shock, a strut is an integral component of the suspension system. You cannot practically drive your vehicle without struts. However, with a shock, you can still drive the car, although, not recommended. (See Shocks vs Struts below for more info)

[Sign of a bad strut]
1. Car is overly bouncy (Do a bounce test to confirm)
2. Uneven tire wear (Usually around the edges). Components such as tie rods can also contribute to uneven tire wear also.
3. Strut is leaking oil / evidence of dried oil / bent assembly (Internal piston and oil inside)
4. Bottoming out/lower clearance. So hitting bumps with the car itself on lower vehicles.
5. Steering wheel can jerk/move/wobble when going over bumps
6. When Accelerating, the front of car goes up OR when braking, front of the car goes down.
TIP: Check the bushings, as it could be worn bushings also!

[Sign of a bad strut - Cautionary things]
Poor handling
body roll
Poor steering
Poor traction with longer stopping distance (Result of (6) above)

Tips:
- Replace in pairs!
- Good to get an alignment afterwards
- Check at 50,000 miles or so.

[Bounce Test]
It's hard to tell with a bounce test, despite the manual stating this, but it does work really well when the struts are really bad.
Push down on the car, it should bounce back up and settle almost immediately. If it carries on bouncing, then they are worn.

[Torque Specs]
TOP nuts/bolts
Tighten the strut to body nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

Stabilizer link
Tighten the nut to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

Brake hose bracket
Tighten the brake bracket bolt to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).

Tighten 2 strut bottom bolts
Tighten the nuts and bolts to 180 N·m (133 lb ft).