According to the mechanic, my 05 caravan needs new strut mounts, bad rattle. Anyone know how much work this is? I have never done struts before so any suggestions or a difficulty rating before I give him $350 to do it.

rhutson

 

Strut mounts usually bind or make a popping or squeaking noise while turning when they fail.
Front sway bar links and bushings are way more common for clunking/rattling noise.

Strut mounts aren't too difficult to change, (say 2 out of 5 for difficulty) but you need some kind of strut compressor. When you remove the top retaining nut to remove the strut mount you will unleash the coil spring. VERY DANGEROUS!!!
The strut compressor keeps everything from flying apart.
You could remove the strut assembly then take it down to a shop. They could just swap over the mounts for you and shouldn't charge much if you bring your own parts.

 

yes much agreed on the sway bar links instead since i did both jobs on my 01 grand and only resolved the noise when i replaced the sway bar links, the links i would rank as a 1of 5 of difficulty, and if you look at the thread about noisey sway bar links her in the forum i explain how to make your own that are more reliable and cost less than stock and only makes the difficulty a 2.5 of 5

i would replace the links first since they are much easier and cost less than mounts to do and if you need to do the mounts its always a good idea to do the struts as well. good luck hope this has provided so insite on your problem

 

x3 for the sway bar endlinks. Although if they are extremely rusted tight like mine they get somewhat harder to do. I had to break out the acyletene torch to get mine off.

 

yes rusted nuts do increase the difficalty but nothing a nut cracker can't handle

 

I just replaced the struts on my 98 Grand Caravan. Not terribly difficult once you have the proper tools. I had to purchase a special star type bit to fit a 3/4 inch socket to loosen the control arm. You also have to have an impact wrench and compressor to loosen the top nut on the upper spring seat. No other way to loosen that one Im sorry to say. The impact wrench set me back $50 at Wal-Mart. My neighbor had a compressor. If you do the struts make sure you replace the upper spring seats as well. Thay do not come with the new struts. Dont know why. You will need to purchase them seperatly. (about $50 each) Im having to go back in and replace them since I did not do it when I did the struts. Live and learn. You will need to rent the spring compressor tool as well. Most parts stores will have one for rent. I got my directions for replacement from "Just Ask .com". It cost $9. Not a bad deal. The directions were very specific and came with diagrams as well. I saved myself $250 doing the job myself. It took me longer than a shop but I learned something along the way.

 

He's not replacing struts, just strut mounts. I also don't get loosening the control arm, you just have to undo the ball joints. But anyway, rhutson you should be able to get a spring compressor kit at harbor freight or where ever you get your tools from, for cheaper than a shop would probably charge to do it for you. An impact gun is nice, but it isn't necessary, just recommended.