Help with Strut Replacement

1020 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by MotoGuy, 3 mo ago

redhotholdenss

Discussion Starter · 3 mo ago

Well, I watched alot of videos, but apparently not enough. I pulled apart my driver side strut today to replace with Pedders but kept seeing weird alignment issue with strut bearing. The top mount always seemed to be skewed and not wanting to lineup parallel to the bearing/bushing.

I thought I had it pretty good but when I rotated the bushing/bearing, I saw the bearing slide out of the pocket and then bearings came out. I searched for an article but was not able to find one, so if I can get some advice I will sure take it.

FYI, this is 2009 G8 GT with Eibach lowering springs and new Pedders Struts.

Thanks,
John

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PONY MAN

· #2 · 3 mo ago

kevtheo1191

· #3 · 3 mo ago

Its definitely a pain to get it put on right, took me a few times to get things lined up and here is what it will look like when you're done.

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redhotholdenss

Discussion Starter · #4 · 3 mo ago

Thanks guys....I'm pretty mad at myself but should have her back on the ground by end of next week. Could not locate a strut bearing locally so have to wait for Pedders to ship another. (well 2 because I want a backup)

kevtheo1191

· #5 · 3 mo ago

One thing to triple check is make sure the top hat is rotated to the correct spot. That could also cause it to not sit right and pop that bearing out.

GT Drew

· #6 · 3 mo ago

You have to adjust your spring compressor so the mount sits flat, or they break.

redhotholdenss

Discussion Starter · #7 · 3 mo ago

So today I confirmed that I had the "w" notch 180deg out of place, so this is probably my issue. Tomorrow I am going to reinstall everything with my last good bearing and try to at least get the driver side back together.

redhotholdenss

Discussion Starter · #8 · 3 mo ago

Update: I am pretty sure I Have now watched every video on the internet about G8 struts.

When I saw bearing separate, I thought I cracked it, but it seems just the yellow "dust shield" opened, so today I reseated the yellow dust cap and reinstalled top mount (correctly oriented) and everything looks like it is good. I wanted to ask the group if anyone sees an issue with reseating the bearing dust cap or when this opens, should you trash the bearing?

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yutzybrian

· #9 · 3 mo ago

Should be fine, I completely reassembled a bearing once when it fell apart in my hands and the balls went scattering all over the garage. Worked fine for the couple of months I ran it while waiting on all of my new stuff to come in.

kevtheo1191

· #10 · 3 mo ago

redhotholdenss said:
Update: I am pretty sure I Have now watched every video on the internet about G8 struts. When I saw bearing separate, I thought I cracked it, but it seems just the yellow "dust shield" opened, so today I reseated the yellow dust cap and reinstalled top mount (correctly oriented) and everything looks like it is good. I wanted to ask the group if anyone sees an issue with reseating the bearing dust cap or when this opens, should you trash the bearing?
View attachment 190620

Mine popped open as well when I was trying to get things lined up and I just pushed it back together. No issues over the last 24k miles.

PONY MAN

· #11 · 3 mo ago

Capturing and reusing the bearings should be fine.

redhotholdenss

Discussion Starter · #12 · 3 mo ago

Thanks all. I finished the front struts yesterday and started on the back. I thought the rears would be easier, but while no bearings to deal with, manhandling that strut assembly in/out resulted in some choice words.

Good news only one rear left, which will be done today, and then I can get the car off jackstands. Really appreciate those of you that chimed in.

redhotholdenss

Discussion Starter · #13 · 3 mo ago

Cars all done. No weird noises and still have all my fingers and toes. Thanks all for your help.

Reactions: 3

Richo VE SS wagon

· #14 · 3 mo ago

I have struts and springs in Australia if anyone needs hard to get parts and happy to ship at the shipping cost only if anyone is interested.

Reactions: 1

MotoGuy

· #15 · 3 mo ago

It's that notch and alignment to the strut bolts that got me. The one install video the guy has on YouTube is great and all but it gives an incorrect point of reference for alignment. I ended up doing one side three times to get it right. On the bright side, I can switch out the spring from a strut in about thirty-minutes now. LOL And I went with a similar setup, just used H&R Springs instead of Eibachs. They sponsored three of my builds back in my twenties, so I'm dedicated for life. That and the ride is perfect for me.

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