Is it Possible to replace struts and springs yourself?

both front spring have snapped on my 1995 ford windstar...Is it possible to replace these yourself? Or is this something that you must have a mechanic do?

both front spring have snapped on my 1995 ford windstar...Is it possible to replace these yourself? Or is this something that you must have a mechanic do?

Hi

Yes springs and struts are a do-able thing for a DIY'er although not an easy undertaking. You must disassemble a fair amount of suspension components, pull the entire spring/strut assembly out and then use special compression devices to handle the springs (I have changed struts out using the existing springs. I am making an assumption here that the spring compression tools can compress an "unloaded"/new spring enough to mount them onto the strut.) The compression tools are available at autozone as part of their loaner tools.

I would call it a moderately difficult job. Not one to tackle if you are relatively new to self maintenance or do not have an experienced helper.

Hope that helps

Several years back there was a safety recall on the front springs, etc. for this very problem on Windstars up through about '98 or '99. I don't believe there was a time limit on the recall. You may want to check with a dealer before you jump into it yourself.

Here Ya go:

http://auto-recalls.justia.com/content/01I007000-FORD-WINDSTAR-1995.html

hi, thanks but it seems that i have missed the recall by 2 years...:banghead: ...so it looks like i will be doing this one myself....but thanks anyway:)

i replaced the struts on my '96,which includes taking the springs off.you have to be careful when compressing the springs,i hear and i can see how they could really fly off and do damage if the compression tools aren't on firmly.i mean damage to your health if they hit you.be careful.

Advance Auto Parts (www.partsamerica.com) has a complete bolt-in strut unit from Monroe called a Quick Strut. This is a strut unit that is completely assembled with a new spring, strut, bearing plate, upper and lower spring isolators, upper spring seat, coil spring, and boot kit. All you have to do is unbolt the old unit, bolt in the new one and get the front end aligned. The unit for your Windstar is part # 171920 and retails for $228.88 each. I priced out all of the individual parts for the entire strut and it was very close to this price. Using this kit, you don't have to worry about getting the springs on and off since they're already assembled...

I think that you still need to compress the spring to remove / install the unit....but I could be wrong.
My concern in this particular case is the fact that both springs are broken.....so it would depend upon where the break is.....and the likelyhood of a spring breaking in another location when it is compressed....
The breakage is usually due to corrosion.

The Monroe Quick Strut looks like just the ticket....if it is good quality.
I have not read either way on this particular unit...but Monroe is a well respected name in shocks.....and the quick strut contains their Sensa-Trac strut....which is their "premium" level shock.......they list the Monroe Matic, then the Sensa-Trac, then the Monroe Reflex in the order of price for their struts.
So.....if I were doing this, I would go this route.

Hi All,

Regarding:

"I think that you still need to compress the spring to remove / install the unit....but I could be wrong."

Wiswind if you mean simply pulling the strut/spring assembly out of the vehicle, then no you don't need to compress the spring first. It comes out and goes in as an assembled unit, then one uses the compression tools "on the bench" to change over the spring to the new strut assembly.

If I mistook your meaning, I'm sorry.

With broken springs I agree the pre-assembled units look like a great way to go. I worked around those springs fearfully when I did the job.