FAQ

LEACREE strut assembly comes with top strut mount, top mount bushing, bearing, bump stop, shock dust boot, coil spring, spring seat, lower isolator and a new strut.

STRUT MOUNT- Engineered to reduce noise and vibration

BUMP STOP-Helps control the rebound motion

DUST BOOT-Protects the piston rod and oil seal from damage

COIL SPRING-OE matched, powder coated for longer life

PISTON ROD- Polished and chrome finish improves durability

PRECISION VALVING-Provides outstanding ride control

HYDRAULIC OIL- Stands a vast range of temperatures for consistent ride

LEACREE STRUT-Vehicle specific design restores like-new handling

LEACREE strut assembly is quick and easy to install. No spring compressor is required. Here are some general guidelines to replacing a complete strut assembly:

1. Removing the wheel
Lift the car up using a jack and position a jack stand exactly where it ought to be according to the vehicle owner manual. Then remove the bolts and separate the wheel/tire from the car.

2. Removing the old strut
Remove the nuts from the knuckle, sway bar link, separated the strut from the knuckle and finally removed the holder bolts from the bumper. Now bring the strut out of the car.

3. Comparing the new strut and old strut
Before installing the new strut, don’t forget to compare the parts of your old and new one. Compare the strut mount holes, spring seat insulator, sway bar link line holes and its position. This is very important because any dissimilarity will prevent you from installing your new strut perfectly.

4. Installing new strut
Insert the new strut. Make sure you have aligned every single portion perfectly without applying any force. Now jack up the knuckle to have your strut positioned inside the knuckle. Just like the previous one, now place every nut in its position. Tighten the nuts.

Now you are all done. If you want to DIY change the strut assembly, just follow the instructions step by step. Installation video https://youtu.be/XjO8vnfYLwU

There is a piston inside each shock absorber which forces oil through tiny holes as the piston moves. Because the holes only allow a small amount of fluid through, the piston is slowed which in turn slows down or 'damps' spring and suspension movement.

A. Struts and shocks are very similar in function, but very different in design. The job of both is to control excessive spring motion; however, struts are also a structural component of the suspension. Struts can take the place of two or three conventional suspension components and are often used as a pivot point for steering and to adjust the position of the wheels for alignment purposes.

A. Experts recommend replacement of automotive shocks and struts at 50,000 miles. Testing has shown that original equipment gas-charged shocks and struts degrade measurably by 50,000 miles*. For many popular-selling vehicles, replacing these worn shocks and struts can improve the vehicle's handling characteristics and comfort. Unlike a tire, which rotates a specific number of times per mile, a shock absorber or strut may compress and extend several times per mile on a smooth road, or several hundred times per mile on a very rough road. There are other factors that affect the life of a shock or strut, such as, regional weather conditions, amount and type of road contaminates, driving habits, loading of the vehicle, tire / wheel modifications, and the general mechanical condition of the suspension and tires. Have your shocks and struts inspected by your local dealer or any ASE Certified Technician once a year, or every 12,000 miles.

*Actual mileage may vary, depending upon driver ability, vehicle type, and the type of driving and road conditions.

A. It's relatively easy for most vehicle owners to determine when their tires, brakes and windshield wipers are worn out. Shocks and struts, on the other hand, aren't nearly as simple to inspect, in spite of the fact that these safety-critical components are high susceptible to everyday wear and tear. Shocks and struts should be inspected by your local dealer or any ASE Certified Technician every time it is brought in for tire, brake or alignment services. During a road test, a technician may notice an unusual noise originating from the suspension system. The technician may also notice that the vehicle exhibits excessive bounce, sway, or dive during braking. This could warrant additional inspection. If the shock or strut has lost a large amount of fluid, if it is bent or broken, or if it has damaged brackets or worn bushings, it should be repaired or replaced. Generally, replacement of parts will be required if a part no longer performs the intended purpose, if the part does not meet a design specification (regardless of performance), or if a part is missing. Replacement shocks may also be installed in order to improve the ride, for preventative reasons, or to meet a special requirement; for example, load-assisting shock absorbers can be installed for leveling a vehicle that is often used to carry additional weight.

A. If the shocks or struts are functioning correctly, a light film of oil covering the top half of the working chamber does not warrant replacement. This light film of oil results when oil used to lubricate the rod gets wiped from the rod as it travels into the painted part of the shock or strut. (The rod is lubricated as it cycles in and out of the working chamber). When the shock / strut is manufactured, an extra amount of oil is added to the shock / strut to compensate for this slight loss. On the other hand, fluid leaking down the side of the shock / strut indicates a worn or damaged seal, and the unit should be replaced.

A. The main cause of oil leakage is seal damage. The cause of the damage should be identified and corrected prior to replacing shocks or struts. Most suspensions incorporate some type of rubber suspension stops called "jounce" and "rebound" bumpers. These bumpers protect the shock or strut from damage due to topping or bottoming. Most struts also utilize replaceable dust boots to keep contaminants from damaging the oil seals. To prolong the life of the replacement shocks or struts, these components should be replaced if they are worn, cracked, damaged or missing.

A. Shocks and struts are an integral part of your suspension system. They work to prevent suspension parts and tires from wearing out prematurely. If worn, they could jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability. They also work to maintain tire contact with the road and reduce the rate at which vehicle weight transfers among the wheels when negotiating corners or during braking.

A. Five factors that directly affect tire wear:

1. Driving habits
2. Alignment settings
3. Tire pressure settings
4. Worn suspension or steering components
5. Worn shocks or struts
Note: A "cupped" wear pattern is typically caused by worn steering / suspension components or by worn shocks / struts. Typically, worn suspension components (i.e. ball joints, control arm bushings, wheel bearings) will result in sporadic cupping patterns, whereas worn shocks / struts will generally leave a repeating cupping pattern. To prevent replacement of good components, all parts should be inspected for damage or excessive wear prior to replacement.

A. Yes, gas charged shocks / struts contain the same amount of oil as standard hydraulic units do. Gas pressure is added to the unit in order to control a condition referred to as "shock fade," which occurs when the oil in a shock or strut foams due to agitation, excessive heat, and low pressure areas which develop behind the piston (aeration). The gas pressure compresses air bubbles trapped within the oil until they are so small that they do not affect the shock's performance. This allows the unit to ride better and to perform more consistently.

A. There is most likely nothing wrong with the replacement units, but a metallic "clunking noise" typically indicates loose or worn mounting hardware. If the noise is present with a replacement shock absorber, check that the mountings are tightened securely, and look for other worn suspension parts. Some shock absorbers utilize a "clevis" type mount, which must squeeze the sides of the shock's "mounting sleeve" very securely (like a vise would) in order to prevent noise. If the noise is present with a strut, then the upper bearing plate should be inspected and replaced if necessary. Old mounting bolts can stretch if over-torqued or if they have been loosened and retightened multiple times, resulting in a noise. If mounting bolts no longer hold their original torque, or if they have been stretched, they should be replaced.

A. Yes, we recommend you perform an alignment when you replace struts or do any major work to the front suspension.  Because strut removal and installation has a direct effect on camber and caster settings, which potentially changes the position of the tire alignment.