Most Common Strut Installation Mistakes!
For More Info visit us at: 1aau.to/h/cAm/
Len shows you some common strut installation mistakes! Are you planning on installing new struts on your car, but have never done it before? Check out this video, and learn some tips from Len on how NOT to do it! Len shows you the most common mistakes, and what can happen if you aren't paying attention!
Check out this playlist for more great tips from Len and the 1A Auto team!
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/cAm/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.
√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*
Hi Sir . How much does it cost to replace 4 Struts for 2012 Honda Accord? Thank you
P.
This might be the most REAL video I've seen on car maintenance. Not only did you talk about the things that could go wrong, you demonstrated what wrong looks like. And all of these things can happen to the newby and the experienced weekend warrior. A++ video. I'd give it two thumbs up if I could.
for those of us who tend to learn the hard way, it’s nice to see what not to do as well as how to do it
This was hilarious, but the best part, is I actually learned a few things, which is scary lol
Same here! Lol!
Same but my intuition told me not to or to do most of this. But I definitely didn't realize how annoying it'd actually be
I have done struts before.... now I realized all the could have gone wrong! excellent video
Well done, unfortunately many shops are over-tightening everything with an impact wrench.
+cardo Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
A cross threaded bolt is a tight bolt
Had new tires put on my truck last year at a shop and they over tightened the lug nuts. My impact wrench would not loosen them, broke the lug wrench and a breaker bar before it was all done.
@@aaronshirk746 I had that same problem with my old Grand Am, and I too, broke a breaker bar on it.
@summs S Me too. Its just sheer lazy not to get the torque wrench out. I redo all nuts when I get home from tyre change to the proper setting.
We need to add this video to every shop for legal reasons and automotive technician school. There are some careless people out there
That's gotta be one of the best how not to get hurt vids I've ever seen 😆 I've been mechanic for 35+ years and have actually made a couple of these mistakes myself.
+Chuck Miskel Thanks for watching, we're glad you liked it!
Scotty would yell praises about how that Toyota held up to your torture
😂😂 facts
These things can take a serious abuse and stil be fine
Facts lol
My favorite mechanic at 1A Auto lol so fun to watch!
💯🤣🤣🤣🤣
this dude is so relatable. he should be making more videos. really enjoyed watching him
Excellent job on this video, both concept and content. Really appreciate the way you included the safety aspects using humor while keeping focus on the potential hazards of doing the task improperly without being "preachy". Len, outstanding job of letting your personality come through, really helps in maintaining viewer interest in the subject matter. As a former US Navy F-14 maintenance instructor, I appreciate your method of delivering the information in a clear, concise, and memorable method without being too clinical. Bravo Zulu to you!!
The best comedic content by far but with safety in mind while learning how to and what no to do.
Len and the older lady are the best at 1A auto! Len is in a league of his own my man is a OG
This was a real treat to watch! I just recently rebuilt my whole front end suspension with struts, axles, wheel bearings, ball joints and tie rod ends. took me 3 days of work but it was well worth it! Definitely recommend doing the alignment afterwards for sure! The car drives so well down roads now!
Lmao took me 3 days too. Felt discouraged at some points but man was it a good feeling finishing it all by myself!!
I have just replaced my coil spring part and it still makes brief clunk noise when going over bumps and when turning .
@@bloved8121 That sounds like a ball joint issue.
I've gone to "mechanics" like this and that's why I started learning how to fix my own stuff. I've come to realize that ASE certified doesn't necessarily carry much weight.
this is why most of the auto services suck (in the whole world nowadays)
Well done with very real scenarios. Just enough information for amateurs to understand the value of a good mechanic.
Great video, great concept. Too many repair vids make everything look easy and smooth. Some of those guys almost seem like they're more interested in showing off their repair skills than teaching people.
yes
Great video! I'm going to do this job for the first time on my '81 VW pickup. I've never even seen it done anywhere. I think you saved me a lot of grief here, since I didn't even know a lot of what you mentioned ... like that you can buy strut cylinders like I did, but you can also buy the whole assembly with a spring. Or what a spring compressor is for, and how you use it, and how not to wreck up the rest of your car. And that's why I watch lots of videos before starting something new. I think that's definitely the best part of the internet, is all the how-to videos.
Excellent video. Exact advice on what does and can happen. The entire video describes how each driveway repair goes. KZhead videos make it seem simple until u do it and wind up with every trouble described. Last mess up for me was rear strut removal on a 98 Camry. Thru frustration, I accidentally ripped abs wire. I should of unbolted simple 10mm bolt to add slack and I didn't. I figured hey, it's only a $40 replacement part so no a big deal until I tried removing abs magnet from rear hub. What a monumental huge headache I created..
Len loved your video!! Great humor and great instruction, and tips on how to avoid these serious costly and/or harmful mistakes. The actual examples of what can happen and how it looks are awesome! I have learned a lot from your video. Thank you for taking the time to put together a greatly quality video!
Your teaching technique is great - showing real examples that happen if you do stuff wrong will definitely stay in the viewer's mind. 👍
I started as a KZhead mechanic, now I use both KZhead and haynes manuals, so I learned A LOT from this one lol
Talks a little quick for me personally but sooooo darn helpful and detailed. Thank you
This channel has saved me so much money
This is the most lovable guy y’all have ever had making videos.
This is incredibly informative. I only see videos of people doing things right so I never know what to expect when things go wrong. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. Makes this channel stand out. Subscribed.
+Jim Bowden Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Your technical content, mixed with the humor, does a great job of delivering the intended information. I'm still smiling after watching, especially the flopping tire. That poor car sure went through a lot!
+Jeffry Blackmon Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
This really is an excellent video! Very educational to those that may have little experience fixing cars. OUTSTANDING JOB!!
These are great tips!!! Most other vids show what to do but these videos from 1A show what NOT to do. Great job guys!!!!👍
Probably one of the best funniest educkational yet serious 1aAuto videos out there. Luv it and it may save a life or 2
Excellent video, first time I've ever seen demonstrated a sequence of [potential] mistakes for a specific job. It's a great teaching method for all of us and for any manual tasks, so effective. And of course some of these errors resonated personally - for obvious reasons - and I have the scars to prove. Kit [England]
I love the humor you add, makes it so much easier to relate to!
Regarding bolt placement; I'm just a backyard mechanic. I take pictures of everything before I start taking things apart. They also have some great hydraulic spring compressors for the money this day and age. Also, I don't know it all. I've learned a lot from watching your videos. In demonstrating the do nots you did a great job of trying to look unprofessional. 😂 Thx
Thanks! I was wondering how they aligned the camber on my 1998 CRV, but that comment about the bolt answered the question. Great vid.
This has to be the best video yet! Over the years, Ive made many of these mistakes, thanks 1A for another great video!
One of the most needed videos ever posted. Keep up the good work, and stay safe.
Great video, I just recently replaced my wife’s car front strut and sway bar link. I should have watch you first before doing the job. I learned a lot from your video. Great job.
I can see how these videos are necessary for those that don't like to watch the correct how-to video before doing the work. After watching the vehicle specific video first, i saw all of your mistakes before you pointed them out. Thanks for showing what a frustrated diyer looks like doing a rush job repair.
Outstanding video. Excellent presentation. I wish all instructional videos were 1/2 this good.
This is why you always go slow with any job and use common sense
Engaging and educational and you cover safety for you and the car really well. Well done. Worth watching for everyone
On some models, especially with torn CV boots. If you allow the rotor assembly to fall, or tip , away from the car at the top...some people do this to get more working space, it will pull the CV joint / drive axle out of the trans. coupler. This can be a bit of work to re-install. On some models the CV joint will come apart inside of the boot, which creates even more work to be sure that none of the components are out of place before re-installing it into the coupler. Best bet it to support the entire rotor axle assembly so it cannot fall down. If it is in the way of strut removal...try turning the steering left or right to gain clearance. If it absolutely must be lowered, then dont go any farther than is needed, and never let it drop unsuspended.
Very informative video; I like the idea of not only telling people what NOT to do; but showing them how it would affect the surrounding parts IF it were done that way. Great job!
That was an awesome video! You covered every base, I feel like you left no questions unanswered. Thanks.
This is a little off topic but has everything to do with safety and springs looking for a home. I work in a semi tractor fleet shop where everything is big. I caught a newbie trying to take the clamp off of a brake chamber one time without caging it. Glad I stopped him because he was in front of it. If you are not sure what you're doing set pride aside and ask for help. It doesn't take away any man cards. It's not worth your life. I appreciated this video!
Great video. Best example of the pitfalls that shade tree mechanics encounter. Glad to see you were working on a wrecker.
That was no wrecker, that was my car! 1A told me he just going to wash and polish it. 🚘🤷🏻♂️🖕🏾☹️😭
I've been watching 1A Auto for close to a decade but these new views are great!
Love the video. I think the impact wrench is the wrench of choice at most places. I like this format. I usually see a formal do it right only video. This was a great surprise. Thank you for the great work you do.
Definitely a video every backyard-alley mechanic should watch!
Locking pliers, or just non-wrench/socket solutions in general are terrible for fasteners and will end in failure. You would hope someone would wear correct footwear, having dropped brake assembly from a 20 ton aircraft on my foot at one point I can tell you it's memorable and I was fortunate I was wearing steel toed boots. Great info as always 1A!
I just dug mine out of a dumpster,l. I didn't realize how much tension they were under. Thank you for your creative and informative video.
A how-to video that is as important to R&R of automotive parts to illustrate what NOT to do! For someone attempting to tackle a new to them repair, this video is just what the doctor (get it) ordered. I've replaced strut assemblies before, but this was very enlightening, notably when I've myself have done some of these mistakes in the past. I can see how valuable this is for the first timers. Nice if there were more of these 'NOT TO DO' video along with the 'HOW TOOs'. Well done and entertaining.
I love watching Len! I was rolling on the laugh laughing because I have made some of these mistakes before I learned the proper way and acted just like him too 😆🤣😂
+iSteven180 Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
I've wrenched in many shops across the country. Believe it or not, some "pros" treat your car exactly like this. Learn how to fix your own car. NO ONE is going to take care of your car as well as YOU. Excellent video. Thanks! 👍
Best automotive videos on you tube ,helping people keep their hoopties running strong
Great Video. Very informative with humor. Thanks. With the way prices and inflation are these days, I've purchased some quality tools and have been doing my car repairs and maintenance myself. I do know when something is probably over my head and when to surrender but you guys are a blessing.
Love the video. Great to see you actually followed through with the mistake. Make more sense to me at least. Really helped me watch for these mistakes. Thank you!!
Absolutely great tips in this video. Plus the comedic stuff keeps one watching (which is the point too). 🇨🇦👍🏼
Changing my back struts in a bit, been watching so many videos and if anything my dad will be making the final exam. Whew! My front struts will be tommorow!
This guy's my favorite from 1A. With regards to replacing the whole strut or just the shocks. By only doing the shocks I saved at least $100. I have more time than money. All my hardware looked good though & if time is a issue, I of course recommend replacing the unit as a whole.
I would have done the bearings if you were over a certain mileage
I reviewed your video once again I can tell that I misunderstanding the point here but it seemed like you deliberately doing all those things teaching us something your videos is excellent you're a great teacher
I was searching struts for my truck, on google and your video was recommended, enjoyed every bit. Great video for new automotive techs, safety glass, steel toe and Gloves, Only way to go
+Cesar Abraham Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Thanks, I'm waiting on my new struts to be here for my 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV. This will be my first time ever attempting to change the struts myself on a vehicle, watched a bunch of KZhead videos on the process and believe I can do it. Wish me good luck :)
The best of luck and God bless the work. Len has serious issues and be better in the Hollywood westerns with the likes of John Wayne or Ronnie regan. Would not advise loaning him a six shooter.
I just ordered shocks springs and mounts for my civic god please help me I wont mess up. I just done rear wheel hubs recently. I bought a torque wrench but the old one with a scale so I rather always go over the scale (basically for the max) on everything.
Oh Man? Love your videos brother. i not only learn new things and methods every time I watch but I get to laugh while I'm at it. Thanks man! Stay safe!😁😁👍👍🙏🙏🙏
The sway link part hilarious. Never seen or heard of sway link coming off without violence
Thank You. Safety tips like this are excellent - not only for amateurs, but for people who are so experienced that they can get tempted to cut corners - BAD idea.
+Phillip Kapler Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
One of the most useful videos I've ever seen. Thank you. Love the vibes
I did not know about the strut knuckle bolts possibly being different. Learned something new today.
Great teaching video using mistake tactics 101. Thank you for the information
Whenever I buy new tyres I ALWAYS take the car home and undo the wheel nuts. 9 times out of 10 the dipshits at the tyre place have gunned the wheel nuts on and they need a bit of persuasion to get them off. Saved me a couple of times when I've had to change a tyre on the side of the road
It warps your brake rotors.
I’ve seen this comment many times. Why don’t we insist that the shops install and torque the lug nuts properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s specs? I no longer will bring my car to any shop that gives me a hard time or refuses to do so. Think about it, we pay them way more per hour than what the majority of us make, why can’t we expect and even demand professional service?
One of the most common complaints from females too. Makes it real hard to get it off on the side of the road for them. If they are torqued properly, they usually can get it loose with body weight on the lever if they are lighter weight.
@@scooterp7009 in Australia this is how all tyres and wheels are to be installed. Nuts are rattled on lightly with a calibrated impact driver that slip after right tension is achieved but they are expensive so not always used, and toqued to spec and double checked by A 2nd person to make sure your wheels don't fall off.
I once attempted to do all four struts on my mom's 2003 ford explorer with struts I bought from 1AAuto. The new struts were fantastic, but getting the old ones off was a pain in the ace. The front passenger strut came out and the new one went in no problem, but that's as far as i got before i called it quits. The bottom through bolt on the front driver's side strut was rust welded to the inner bushing sleeve and the top nuts on the rear struts were so rusted they didn't even look like nuts anymore. So I gave up and had her take it to a shop. With the special tools they had, they were able to replace the rears with little difficulty, but the front driver's side strut required two hours of heating with a torch before it finally came loose.
Hey man, you've helped me so much. I appreciate all the help
I really hope I don't forget your advice in the future, and if I do that it will be a really minor thingie. I am looking forward to completing a near-perfect suspension job on my own vehicle. Thank u for the reminders, which I need because sumone stole my class notes (who else takes notes in autoshop?). 🤔
Great video! About to tackle this on my 15 charger this week. That KZhead algo does wonders soemtimes
+Mario Juarez Thanks for checking us out. Shop for high quality auto parts on 1AAuto.com: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c
Great video with such insight and what an illustration, thank you so much from South Africa
Thank you so much. A lot of not to dos. Great video.
Very valuable Video!Thanx so much for making it and taking the time to cover all the details,I learned some important things,that were not covered in other videos I watched before yours!
Nice video. The young lady doing the shocks and struts install video used what looked like an oxyacetelian torch to remove the rear shocks nuts but you say not to do that - makes sense. Strangely enough the upper bolts on my 22 year old Tundra were rusted shut. I sprayed liquid wrench all over the nuts, tapped them with a hammer for about 30 seconds and came back the next day. A box wrench and a hammer broke the nut and bolt open without damaging anything else.
Fixed my CV axle a month ago and put the axle nut on with an air gun. Wheel bearing went exactly like you said. Wish I watched this before. Great tips for amateurs thanks guys👍
This guy did a good job here. I wish more people doing this could be a succinct, as him.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST VIDEOS I'VE EVER SEEN! LOL! I would have DEFINITELY made a BUNCH of those mistakes!
This was great info! Thanks. I have used complete strut assemblies from Monroe that had the top nut torqued down too much, resulting in that crunching/knocking sound during turns. I avoid Monroe as much as possible these days, until their production quality improves. Great safety lessons, now to go put this info to use this afternoon.
This is the best instructional video I've ever seen great job
Great, Great,Master Mechanic, Very Professional and very Discipline Mechanic, very hard to find mechanics like that. Very Explicable, more Professional than many aircraft mechanics. I know because did work in the field for years. GOD Bless you and Never Change. 👨💻🙋♂️🤷♂️
Nice vid...even with the humor, it's better than most since they normally are over professional of doing things, but when seeing realistic mistakes and shortcuts it makes your awareness and methods better!!
I am reporting you for Toyota abuse. Getting ready to do front and rear struts on my 96 corolla. Appreciate the tips!
Love your work! I learn a lot from you. Please keep up the good work. We need you!
+Robert Flores Thanks for the feedback!
Yeah i never had the benefit of someone to teach me automotive mechanic stuff so I end up diving on YT. The military taught me what I needed to know about non-automotive stuff but there's a wide gap in between those two categories as far as what I need to know.
I had a mechanic jack up my 1985 300ZX using the driver's side floor pan. This was for a simple front brake caliper inspection. Then they tried to sledge hammer the bulge flat. They ended up paying for the floor pan replacement.
Wow... that's no real mechanic I'll tell you that
Excellent advice and demonstration. The first example is the biggest.....DISTRACTIONS! I often do some troubleshooting and repairs for a friend who is "mechanically declined". Only problem is, if he's there with me he just won't shut up. Very distracting. Not to mention he could hand me my tools, if he would only shut up.
Very practical. Good Video and informed for the clueless.
You do exactly I do. So...Im not the only one. Thanks for the video!
This just saved me a lot of first timer mistakes. Don’t have an axel socket so I won’t be doing that but good to know to be careful
Awesome video and much to learn from it. Thanks for the time spent on doing this video with helpful tips. Thumbs up sir
Thanks for reminding us about safety... 😁
Great Video! Wish I’d seen this before I changed my struts!
I am about to replace the struts, swaybar links and bushings. Thank you for this video. I would not have removed the axle nut and just let it hang on the halfshaft. I will also replace the rear shocks because it is logical that if the struts are leaking the rears are probably worn out too.
Best 1A video I've seen. Hilarious I crushed the abs wire and probably pulled the CV axle out seems like a rough ride for new struts... Lol
Love the thumbnail 😂
OMG!!! dude, you are so funny!!! Adding comedy to the serious video is genius... thanks for sharing
This was painful to watch, but hopefully saves people time and heartache.
It's like watching a TV infomercial. Love it.