First time strut replacement: do I have the right parts?

[element533]

Replacing a strut...

Here's what I'm planning on ordering. Am I missing anything? In particular, do I need to replace any other self-locking nuts when I reinstall the strut assembly?

Parts:

• strut $91.40
• 2 self locking nuts to secure strut to wheel housing $5.31 ea.
• 1 self locking nut to secure top strut mount to piston rod $1.50

Tools:

• strut mount socket $22.56
• spring compressor (Sears) $40

Here are the self locking nuts I'm ordering:



Thanks very much!!

(Edit: Image link... I can't figure out how to include it in the post)

[dark_rex]

what kind of struts are you getting?

[element533]

I'm just replacing the front-left strut with a stock strut from SubaruParts.com.

[Retro]

Unless the car is very new I suggest replacing both struts. You should always replace tires and struts in pairs because of the slight performance differences.

[element533]

I only have 7300 mi. Do you still think that's an issue?

[is2scooby]

What happened to the l/f strut?

[element533]

I ran over a parking curb. It was parked against it, forgot about it and went forward, over it, and came down BANG! right on the control arm.

I forgot about it until a few months later...

I took it in for some strange alignment problems. They told me the caster was off on the front left side. They put it up on the frame rack and determined that the frame was not damaged (whew!) but the control arm was bent. They replaced the control arm and still my caster is off and my alignment is funny.

According to one of the mechanics, the strut is probably also bent. He said it's impossible to tell without disassembling it. So I am just going to have them replace it and redo the alignment. Hopefully the caster problem will disappear and my car will be back to new...