in the next week I'll be replacing my struts, its long over due, just curious at what else I should be looking at or replacing while im replacing them. I also know I'll most likely smack my alignment out of whack which will need realignment. Would it be better to just bring it to a garage and have them do it and the alignment? Thanks for any answers, I value this site and its members opinions before going to any garage and asking them.

 

Id check the strut bushings and mounts while you are in there. When you get it realigned (which is a must when replacing struts) they should be able to let you know if there are any other suspension and steering components that are bad.

 

Have you ever changed out MacPhersion struts before? If so, then you can handle these too.

But i would ck out the front end suspension thoroughly first; replace everything that needs replacing at once. Otherwise you may be doing the alignment more than once...

When doing front struts i would also do the spring seats (unless they are fairly new) and if over 140K mls or so would also do the frnt upper strut mount bearings as well. Go with OEM or better on both these items or you'll regret it soon after.. same advice with ball joints, tie rod ends, etc.

 

All of it, rip it apart once and do it once. Spring seats, strut mounts, don't forget dust boots, control arms and sway bar links. If your struts are long overdue to be changed, I'm guessing everything else is too.

 

...and the bump stop.

 

A good idea is to get XC90 Spring Seats. They fit fine and are much tougher which means they will last longer. Bilstein Touring are good struts. I have them on both my cars.

 

+1. I made the mistake of putting on aftermarket spring seats and strut mounts and control arms when I did my suspension last spring........they're all already in need of replacing. Suspension is one thing you want to either go OEM or better.

 

thanks for the responces, I'll go with oem or better and replace all of it

 

It's not that I'm asking you to bash anyone. If yours bit the dust that fast would you mind posting what brands you purchased ? That way the rest of us can make a more informed choice by learning from your misfortune or know to keep an eye on something we may already have replaced and felt would last a good long time?
I've been using a lot of Moog parts simply because I can get a good price on them and I do see a difference in them from "economy" ones. I've also had good luck with Mcquay-Norris.