Tool & Safety Guides

Will installing my own shocks and struts require specialized tools and safety precautions?

Depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, shock and strut installation may require specialized tools and safety precautions. Never work under a car supported only by a tire-change jack; use high-quality jack stands positioned properly for your vehicle. 

To install shocks or struts, you will need:

• Floor jack 
• Jack stands
• Socket wrench set
• Breaker Bar (for breaking loose rusted bolts)
• Torque wrench (absolutely required for tightening the mounting stud nut)

Other tools you may need:

• A coil spring compressor. This is not required for all installations and is not required when installing a complete assembly such as the KYB Strut-Plus, Truck-Plus, or Truck-Plus Leveling Assembly. Always use extreme caution with the high-tension springs to avoid severe injury or death.
• Pass-through socket set. Designed to remove strut retaining nuts without damaging the rod.
• Ball Joint Separator/Tie rod puller. For disconnecting steering components.
• Strut spreader tool. Primarily used on European vehicles (VW, Audi, BMW) to spread the steering knuckle and release the lower part of the strut.

Safety precautions:

• Use Jack Stands: Never rely solely on a tire-change jack or a hydraulic jack. Always use high-quality jack stands. Consult the owner’s manual for where they should be positioned on your vehicle.
• Support the suspension arms: Use a floor jack to support the lower control arm or axle when removing the lower strut bolts to prevent the suspension from suddenly dropping and damaging brake lines or CV axles.
• Compress springs with extreme care: Coil springs are under high tension and can cause severe injury if they release unexpectedly.
• Do not overtighten the mounting stud nut (also known as the ‘top nut’) or strut retaining nut. Never use an impact wrench or electric wrench on these nuts. This can damage the nut or the unit, rendering it unusable. Always use a torque wrench to tighten the mounting stud nut or strut retaining nut.
• Wear Safety Gear: Use safety glasses and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
• Replace in pairs: Always replace shocks and struts in pairs to maintain safe handling.
• Test drive the vehicle: Test the installation in a safe, low-traffic area before taking it out on a busy road.
• Have the vehicle aligned: An alignment is always required after replacing struts to ensure proper handling and tire wear.