Are hood struts easy to replace?
Yes, replacing hood struts is generally a straightforward task that most vehicle owners can handle with basic tools and a bit of patience. Hood struts, also known as gas struts or lift supports, are the mechanisms that help raise and hold up the hood of a vehicle when opened. Over time, these struts can wear out and lose their ability to properly support the hood, making it difficult to open and close.
What Are Hood Struts?
Hood struts are spring-loaded, pneumatic cylinders that are attached to the underside of the vehicle's hood and the frame or body. When the hood is closed, the struts are compressed, storing energy. When the hood is opened, the stored energy is released, causing the struts to extend and lift the hood. This makes it easier to access the engine compartment.
Why Replace Hood Struts?
There are a few common reasons why you may need to replace your vehicle's hood struts:
- Wear and Tear: Over time, the seals and internal components of the struts can wear out, causing them to lose their ability to hold the hood up.
- Leaks: The struts may develop leaks, allowing the gas or air inside to escape, reducing their lifting power.
- Broken or Damaged: The struts can become physically damaged, such as from an impact or corrosion, rendering them ineffective.
If your hood is sagging or difficult to open and close, it's a good indication that the struts need to be replaced.
How to Replace Hood Struts
Replacing hood struts is generally a straightforward process that most DIY mechanics can handle. Here are the typical steps:
- Gather the Necessary Tools: You'll need basic tools like a socket wrench set, pliers, and a pry bar.
- Locate the Strut Mounting Points: The struts are typically attached to the underside of the hood and the vehicle's frame or body.
- Disconnect the Old Struts: Carefully remove the fasteners or clips holding the struts in place, then detach the struts.
- Install the New Struts: Align the new struts with the mounting points and secure them in place with the appropriate fasteners.
- Test the New Struts: Open and close the hood to ensure the new struts are working properly and providing adequate support.
The entire process can usually be completed in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your level of experience and the specific vehicle.
Conclusion
Replacing worn-out or damaged hood struts is generally a straightforward task that most vehicle owners can handle with basic tools and a bit of patience. By following the proper steps and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can restore the proper function of your vehicle's hood and make it easier to access the engine compartment.
Is it easy to replace struts yourself?
Shock replacement is relatively simple, but strut replacement can be challenging and not the best DIY project for a novice who is limited with tool selection (especially air tools), who lives in the rust belt or does not have a service manual.
How much does it cost to replace hood struts?
The average cost for a Hood Support Strut Replacement is between $136 and $145. Labor costs are estimated between $32 and $40 while parts are priced between $104 and $105. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
How long does it take a mechanic to replace struts?
How Long Does Shock and Strut Replacement Take? The time it takes to replace shocks and struts depends on your vehicle's type and the mechanic's experience level. Generally, it takes about two to four hours to replace four shock absorbers, with struts usually taking about an hour longer.
Can you refill hood struts?
Recharging gas struts is a potential solution to restore their functionality. Please note that regassing gas struts requires special equipment and training. We advise you not to try and recharge the gas strut yourself but instead seek professional assistance to regas your gas struts safely.
How much will a shop charge to replace front struts?
Shocks and struts replacement costs somewhere between $450 and $1,100. It's possible to remove just the shocks or the struts, but it may produce mixed results performance-wise. Common symptoms of failing shocks and struts include knocking sounds, bumpy rides, cupped tire wear pattern, and more.
Are front struts hard to replace?
Installing the new strut is the reverse of the removal, but it's very tricky and sometimes impossible to get it into place and hold it there while you get the nuts started. So enlist the help of a friend for the actual installation.
Can I drive with bad struts?
Once the wear starts hampering your vehicle's performance, your service provider will likely recommend replacing the worn part to restore your car's ride and handling. If you choose to wait to inspect worn shocks and struts, you jeopardize your ability to stop, steer and maintain stability.
Do I need an alignment after replacing struts?
It depends on the vehicle design. A strut by design is also a component that supports the wheel & tire. Some models aren't affected when the struts are replaced while others do change the wheel alignment. Strut removal & installation potentially changes the position of the tire alignment.
How long does it take to replace hood struts?
How to Replace a Hood Strut. For most vehicles, this is a five-minute job. A few take a little longer and require more tools due to the type of retainer on the strut and vehicle. Most support lift struts use these spring steel clamps to secure the strut to a ball stud.
What causes hood struts to go bad?
Some common issues struts face include leaks, failure to hold the hood open, or difficulty closing the hood. For the leaks, it's usually due to the seals wearing out and gas finding a place to escape. Needless to say, leaks result in struts not functioning well and a dwindling lifespan.
