Replacement or rear struts

what is the question, above is a noun/
1: who does this? any shop or dealer. (oops dealers gone here in USA)
2: where to buy them.?
3: who makes the best struts.?
4: what are the steps to do it, self,(the FSM covers that)?
5: do i need special tools to do it, (real shop tools sure)
6: how long does it take?
7: how much does it cost.? (post town you live)
ask a real question....

It is very unwise to replace these struts (front or back) with generic shocks!
For example, if you have the road sensing suspension (RSS) option, the struts are computer controlled, and when the computer detects no connection to the strut or a strut problem, you get errors. If this is the case, some folks have terminated the wiring that was removed from the strut with special resistors to fool the computer - check the Cadillac Owners forum for details.
Also, disconnecting the air pump is not wise - more computer errors.
Cadillacs do NOT like aftermarket equipment that does not meet GM specs - a lot less trouble to bite the bullet and just use OEM parts.

Ok first of all your car has shocks in the rear and they are not very hard to replace or terribly expensive. The front has what they call struts which in effect are shocks with a springs wrapped around them as an assembly. Replacing struts can be expensive and will probably need to be changed by a shop if you are not equipped to do it yourself. You will most likely need to get the wheels aligned as well. I recommend calling around to different shops for a price. My guess for new front struts installed plus the alignment is $300-$400.

Most people go to a repair shop or remove them
& take to a shop to swap out the springs

1992 Toyota Celica is not equipped with front "shocks". This vehicle is equipped with front wheel drive and independent MacPherson strut front suspension. Any repairs made to this system requires the removal of the entire strut assembly, which includes the strut, the coil spring and upper strut bearing assembly.

Replacement of any of the parts of the strut assembly requires the use of specialized equipment designed to compress and hold the coil spring to relieve the tension on the strut and upper bearing assembly.




Any attempt to disassemble the strut assembly without the proper equipment for compressing and securely holding the coil spring can result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.

You're better off having someone doing it for you (trust me) It's a strut assembly, it can be dangerous for a DIYer at home. It requires quite a few specialized and expensive tools like impact tools and a spring compressor to start with. Have a shop do it for you for the peace of mind and the safety & warranty factors.

no, this can be done at home or in a local shop

I have 161,000 on my 00 Runner. Have had the shocks/struts changed TWICE.... (thats cause I have FUN with mine over the years) Personally, I would go with what the dealership says, then just replicate that at a good shop for cheaper price.

As far as driving without having a front end alignment done AFTER the strut replacement, you should head to a shop and have a front end alignment done. You MAY notice some vibrating or tire wear if not taken care of.

Looking at your struts online, the boot comes with the struts. All you have to do is drop yours and replace with the new!

My answer is not going to help you because not only do you need specialized equipment, but you will need special experience to perform this job.

You would be required to completely remove the entire front strut assembly from the car. It has to be safety set up on jacks. Once you have the strut assembly out of the car, special spring clamps are needed to compress the heavy spring that is part of the strut. These require very special clamps that compress the springs. If this is not done right, it can conceivably kill a person.

Once the spring has been removed, the strut it self must be removed from the strut housing using an impact wrench.

Once both sides are changed, the car must be realigned in the front end, otherwise the car will not steer or track properly.

Over all, this is a major job. These are not shock absorbers, as you would know them, but are called McPherson struts.


If you would like to contact me again about this or other problems, feel free to do so.
Bill
ASE Master Technician