Leaking front strutt

rashmore · Unread post by **rashmore** » 05 Jan 2005, 15:26

Brothers ZX just failed mot on ball joint and weeping front strutt.
When i last looked the strutt was just covered in grease and cack from split cv boot/knocking cv joint, so will get 2nd opinion.
However if it is failing, is it best to replace both front strutts, or does that only apply to springs, seeing as it a pressurised sealed unit ?
Cheers

NiSk · Unread post by **NiSk** » 05 Jan 2005, 15:38

Always replace both damper struts at the same time - otherwise you will negatively effect the car's handling. The figs. on the following links show you what you need:
http://citroeny.cz/servis/zxser/predni_naprava.jpg (item 4)
http://citroeny.cz/servis/zxser/predni_stabilizator.jpg (the strut)
//NiSk

rashmore · Unread post by **rashmore** » 05 Jan 2005, 15:47

Thought as much, but figured had better check.
Changed ball joints b4 so not a problem, haven't got any spring compressors - perfect opportunity to get some now maybe as looking at changing my soggy fronts anyway.
Can't be that dificult to swap (assuming everything comes undone). surely don't need to undo everything, just top and bottom of strutt once spring compresed ? Will check with Mr Haynes

NiSk · Unread post by **NiSk** » 05 Jan 2005, 16:04

Try cleaning the crud off first, you may discover that its just grease from the CV joint. If the damper is really shot, you should be able to notice it by bouncing the front corners of the car. They (or just one side) will either be very bouncy - empty strut - or rock hard - corroded piston rod.
Oh, and if you decide to replace them - you should have a great deal of respect for the forces in the springs! They can do nasty things if handled incorrectly!
//NiSk
//NiSk

rashmore · Unread post by **rashmore** » 05 Jan 2005, 16:19

Cheers Nisk,
Will have a better look at strutt (clean off and see if still weeping over next few days) as not best time of year to be outside for long periods (tho exploding handbrake issue on mine needs resolving....) might take to another garage for 2nd opinion as bro is a youngster so could be trying it on...(tho been good with me in the past)
1st Quote for work :
£86.73 for strutt
£20.12 for ball joint (around £4 less if not pas)
£75 for labour
all + vat
They said usually only change failed strutt ?

NiSk · Unread post by **NiSk** » 05 Jan 2005, 20:46

Why not try our host (GSF)?
N45552 SHOCK STRUT BQ FR LH ZX 1.9TD VOLCANE 29.50
Bit of a difference, pricewise?
//NiSk

rashmore · Unread post by **rashmore** » 05 Jan 2005, 21:02

Will have a search, as his is a 1.4i 5dr reflex. Guess will be a similar price. 2 4 les than the price of 1. Always check with local motoquip supplier anyway as he usually quite good, cheers