So your car needs new shocks or struts. Before you commit to an at-home shock or strut replacement, check to make sure you have all the proper tools, space, and time. A DIY shock replacement usually takes around 60 minutes; replacing struts is a much longer and more involved process.
Tools needed for DIY Shocks & Struts:
- Car jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chock
- Torque wrench
- Shocks and/or struts *Note: replace in pairs only.
- Ratchet
- Backup wrench
- New rubber bushings (always install new shocks with new rubber bushings)
- Coil spring compressors
- New rubber mounts for struts (always install new struts with new rubber mounts)
- 6-inch C-clamp
- Allen wrench
- Pry bar
- Ratcheting box-end wrench
- Backing wrench
- Screwdriver