Front Suspension Refresh - Parts List?

[jggonzalez]

Hi,

I've got a 1996 Sport model with the original suspension. I'm going to replace the front struts and wanted to know what other parts I need. My mechanic said that he would order the Sachs OEM struts and match any online price I can find. What other parts should I replace while he's doing the work? I looked at ************** and they listed:

Left/Right Strut Assembly
Strut Bearing Seat (upper spring plate)
Strut Mount
Strut Mount Stop (covering cap)
Strut Bellows
Strut Bump Stop
Strut Dust Sleeve (dust protection collar under mount)
Strut Dust Sleeve (dust protection tube for bump stop)

I know I want new mounts and bump stops. Should I replace all of the other stuff too, or just reuse them? It adds up to an extra $200 or so. Is anything missing from the list?

I'm also going to add the strut reinforcement plates and gaskets (OEM #31.31.2.489.795 and 31.33.1.094.288). They are the loose plates and parts shown bagged in the first pic, right? When assembled, they go on top of the strut assembly as shown in the other pic, correct? I just want to make sure this is done right.

Thanks everyone! I tried doing searches, but I was trying to find out if this term was the same as that term and just sort of piecing things together. I figured I'd put it all together and make sure I understand it correctly.

Joe

[J!m]

I suggest new upper and lower spring pads as they are probably shot.

These go in the strut spring mount location as well as the upper spring mount plate so you don't have metal-to-metal contact.
They come in differing thickness as well, if you wanted to make MINOR ride height adjustments.

[jggonzalez]

So does that mean I replace everything in my list above and add the upper and lower spring pads, or can I reuse some parts?

Pardon my questions, but I'm a novice at cars with an almost empty wallet. But I really want to get my 'ti in shape. She's a very special car.

[J!m]

#9 and #13 in this diagram are the spring pads.

[tiFreak]

the strut tower reinforcements go under the strut tower

[jggonzalez]

Thanks for the help! I've got my list together now and I'm starting to put them together.

[jggonzalez]

Do I even need to replace my springs?

I measured the ride height and I got about 58cm for the front and 55.5cm at the rear. These measurements are from the lower edge of the rim (stock 16") to the edge of the fender. I saw another post that listed 57.4cm for the front and 52.2cm for the rear as the stock sport ride height specifications. My usual parking spot is slightly elevated toward the front and I was using a wooden yardstick, so I would guess that I'm close to the original ride height.

Should I just change my struts/shocks and add the reinforcement plates? The stock sport ride was fine for me when the car was new.

[J!m]

Yes, those springs are most likley perfectly fine.

Unless they have rust all over them which might compromise them, there is never enough weight in the car long enough to kill a set of coils.

And, you would probaby see one side lower than the other before the entire car was 'sagging'.

[jggonzalez]

I'll need to look closely to see if they are rusted. The car has spent most of its sixteen years in California, but it also spent a year or two in Hawaii and I'm wondering if the salt air affected it.

[J!m]

A couple years (assuming it was right on the water) and it is still most likely fine. A visual inspection is a good idea. How are the other bolts under the car? Really rusty, or just surface rust?

That original paint is pretty tough stuff...


*tip* to all spring installers:

I always wrap my spring compressor jaws with duct tape to preserve the spring paint during installation and removal.

[jggonzalez]

Originally Posted by J!m

...there is never enough weight in the car long enough to kill a set of coils.

You haven't met my wife....


I just finished buying the first batch of parts from Pelican Parts. I tried PartsGeek because they were cheaper, but it wouldn't take my CC online and I couldn't get anyone to answer the phone after three days of calling and waiting on hold. Pelican picked up on the first call and was very helpful, so I bought all of the parts listed above, plus the Sachs sport struts.

My next step is to buy the control arms and tie rods. I already have a set of M3 solid control arm bushings that were installed about 13K miles ago. I also put new tires on her. These cars are addictive!

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll post an update in a few months once I have all the parts installed.

[Shellback]

Let the slippery slope begin...
Interesting point about the spring pads. Although probably minimal, does a "thinner" pad drop the ride?

[jggonzalez]

I'm also planning to do the lower control arms at the same time. I found a set of Dorman control arms at www.thinkgeek.com. If I order these, are there any other parts I need? I replaced the control arm bushings with solids about 13K miles ago, so I'll just have them reuse those. Do I need the ball joints too, or do those come with the control arm?