Replacing Struts soon, what else to look at?

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Nov 26, 2011 | 03:10 PM
  #1  
So I'm going to be replacing my stock struts and pads/rotors soon and since I will have it torn apart, what other things should I look for that will probably be "getting there" at 62,000 miles? Everything is pretty easy right, save for maybe the rack/pinion? Thanks in advance guys.
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Nov 26, 2011 | 03:47 PM
  #2  
tie rod ends, sway bar end links, ball joints, cv boots....
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Nov 26, 2011 | 05:48 PM
  #3  
Are the control arm bushings also prone to failure on our trucks like all the rest of the front end or should I only worry about them if I have to change a balljoint/control arm? Also, what should I check for when I look at the rack/pinion? 'Scuse my game of 20 questions, I just want to be thorough.
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Nov 26, 2011 | 07:16 PM
  #4  
dont think I've ever heard of issues with the control arm bushings. Would not worry about the rack either unless you have reason to suspect something is wrong. I have 75k on mine. I've replaced the struts and one tie rod end. (because I destroyed it when I removed it to install my leveling kit). Otherwise, no major issues.
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Nov 28, 2011 | 12:38 PM
  #5  
I'd definately buy new sway bar end links ahead of time, whether yours are broken or not. You need to disconnect them during the process of changing struts, and chances are they'll snap when to try to take them off...that's what mine did, and I only have 56k miles. Luckily I had already purchased Moog replacements before I started. They're beefier than the stock ones, and greasable as well.

But like other said, tie rods ends, ball joints, etc...check them before you start and see what you want to replace. I already replaced my lower balljoints several thousand miles ago, and I changed my upper control arms with Moogs even though they weren't bad when I did the struts. They came out for the strut change anyway, so I just figured I'd put new ones in. Only thing I haven't replaced is tie rod ends, and I might just do that in a couple weeks just because. I like replacing things I know are an issue before they actually break.
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Nov 29, 2011 | 11:28 AM
  #6  
Quote: I like replacing things I know are an issue before they actually break.
How the heck do you expect to be on the side of the road waiting for a tow with an attitude like that?

|>)

I have a creak (not a crick) coming from my control-arm bushing on the driver's side. I was just going to hit it with some spray lithium? Thoughts?
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Nov 30, 2011 | 12:18 PM
  #7  
Quote: How the heck do you expect to be on the side of the road waiting for a tow with an attitude like that?
I have AAA, but I don't plan on using it.

Quote: I have a creak (not a crick) coming from my control-arm bushing on the driver's side. I was just going to hit it with some spray lithium? Thoughts?
If you're sure that's what it is it might work, lithium is kinda thick though isn't it? I doubt it'd get inside. Maybe a silicon spray would be better suited.

Are you sure that's what it is? I had that problem last year, I was spraying random suspension parts trying to find it. It ended up being a seized balljoint.
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Nov 30, 2011 | 12:26 PM
  #8  
Quote: If you're sure that's what it is it might work, lithium is kinda thick though isn't it? I doubt it'd get inside. Maybe a silicon spray would be better suited.

Are you sure that's what it is? I had that problem last year, I was spraying random suspension parts trying to find it. It ended up being a seized balljoint.
I'm pretty sure, bounced it up and down and the ears led me there. I don't think the silicone will stay around long enough. I'll giver her a go and let you know.
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