Rep Power: 308

Hey guys!

Long time, no see... Why you ask? Becuase my civic friggin rocks and I haven't needed to chat about repairs.

Okay on to the goods. It's tune up time. In need to do the typical spark plugs, wires, fluids, etc. But I also need a new front Driverside Shock / strut.

I've changed them on my old Chevy S-10 before, but just wanted to know if there are any surprises with the Civic? So here are my direct questions.

1) Do I have to remove the rotors and calipers?
2) Any problems compressing the strut to get it in place?
3) Any specs on tightening to a certain torque?
4) Should I change both front struts if only one is bad?
5) Do I really need an alignment if I change them?
6) Anything else you can think of that I need to know?

 
Rep Power: 270

there are a ton of tutorials on the step by step removal of the struts for our cars, search is a good function to use on this topic since it has been covered very well..

1. no.
2. nope.
3. yes, not sure what they are.
4. would be a good idea, depending on how wore out the other one is.
5. would be a good idea, things can move, but on a minor change like that you would probably be fine, and it only change a small degree
6. get that stupid tool for your parts tool to make removing the tie rod, thats the worst part about removing the front assembly.