changing front struts, what else should i change/buy???

[admir87]

Hi everyone.

My VS calais is at about 250000km now running on its original struts. Wanting to change them, but wanted to ask what else should I change while im at it.

Do I keep the original springs?

I know I need new mounts and bearings, but is there anything else?

[soop]

Whats your budget and what do you want do?
Are you happy with stock replacements?

If the struts are stuffed the springs will be too.

[admir87]

well the struts are worn.. very bouncy.

I dont mind the standard bits, i get a good discount at holden, so was thinking of getting the standard struts $85 each

you think I should go for gas/aftermarket struts or use genuines?

[FstStig]

If you are changing you're struts you should change you're sway bar linkages as well, as no doubt the rubbers will be worn and cracked

[soop]

If you're happy with standard struts and they serve the purpose intended then that seems like a pretty good price to me.

I'm guessing the Calais has IRS?
If not:
Holden Commodore VR VS Pedders Lowered Suspension | eBay

[zapper-l67]

Whats your budget and what do you want do?
Are you happy with stock replacements?

If the struts are stuffed the springs will be too.

Why do you think the springs would be stuffed?

[soop]

They've done 250,000km.
From expirience they generally sag.

[admir87]

would it be a problem if they have sagged a little. I dont mind the height it sits at now

[VHRickster]

would it be a problem if they have sagged a little. I dont mind the height it sits at now

I am not over knollageable...but I would presume it would be low for the wrong reason....and not preforming the way it should, the front end would handle better with new springs at the hight you want,make sure you get the right shocks for your spring hieght or your tyres probably won't last too long

[Adds_05]

top mounts and bearings would be stuffed...

[spirto]

Items that would need replacement.
- Struts (simply because most vr/vs have the shock absorber as one piece with the strut)
- Sway bar bushes
- Strut Tops
Springs sag, but that doesn't warrant replacement. As standard struts fit both standard hieght springs and FE2 specs.
Optional, replace tie-rod ends.
If your just doing a maintanence repair then you won't need anything else.
hope that helps.

[admir87]

what does everyone think of genuine struts compared with aftermarkets?

[Adds_05]

from what ive been told,genuine struts are made by monroe...

[wortus]

If your going to pull the struts out I'd also check the steering rack especially the rack ends. I'd also check with Holden if you can buy an FE2 strut complete as from memory they are not that expensive. Remember though FE2 front sway bar is probably a bit smaller in diameter to match the springs. You could then put FE2 in the rear without having to change shocks as they don't need to be any shorter for FE2.
Also going to lower springs and modified struts in the front you ca run into troubles with the sway bar link pins, they become too long so I wouldn't go there. On my old VN the genuine struts and rear shocks were Monroe with a GM part number.

[admir87]

thanks for the replys so far....

Also do I need to replace the strut tops, or just the mount and bearing?

[Adds_05]

Strut Top Mount & Bearing Kit Holden Commodore VR VS VT | eBay
link is for reference but just these,they are strut top mounts and bearings

[VS 5.0]

You might want to check all the other front end bushes for wear. At 250,000 km they are probably stuffed if they are originals. I have a rattle in the front of mine at the momemnt. Turns out it is the sway bar link bushes (already been replaced once and thought this was the case again) but while having it checked out, noticed a bunch of other stuff is dead as well. Mines done 204,000 kms and the only front end stuff that's been replaced before is struts & the sway bar link rods/bushes. Interestingly, the bearing plates seem OK. Got a quote yesterday from an independent suspension shop here in Perth with the following :-

spf0756k (strut bar to lower control arm) $68
Spf0240k(strut bar to chassis mount kit) $56
Spf0842k(control arm lower-inner bushing) $56
Spf0987k(sway bar linc to stut kit) $79
Labour x 2hrs $240
Complete w/alignment $81

Parts are SuperPro