[BikerKeeda]

"Noorie" (My 2013 Alto K10 Type1) was due for front Shockers change and I was delaying it for long for which I did damage the body :(
Decided to go with "Go Mechanic". Booked appointment through app, quote was 4040 for 2 struts.
Went to the Service center myself as I like to get all the work done in person.
To my surprise they said 2550 each plus installation charges to which I refused and decided to replace do it myyself. Picked up Monroe struts on my way back to Home:

Price: 2350/- each

Tools used:



Spanner size: 17 & 12

Note: Process is same for both side struts.

Step 1: Access top nuts:

Open hood. Locate the top nuts of strut and spray some antirust over them. It will help loosen them faster. I was changing front shockers after 79.4K on ODO, antirust spray helped me open the nuts easily.






Step 2: Access bottom nuts

Get the car on Jack, open wheel to get access to lower part of the strut.



For safer side, keep the opened wheel under the car body, just incase if the Jack fails, the body will rest on the wheel rim.

Spray some anti rust on bottom nuts to loosen them.



Step 3: Replace old strut with new.

Remove top nuts and bottom nuts and bolts.
Remove the clip which holds bake line with the help of a screw driver.


Separate the line from strut.


Once done just remove the strut.

Once removed, compare the new strut and old one for making sure the dimensions are correct.



Insert the strut in position and put back all the nuts and bolts in place. Tighten them well.

Put back the line in its position and put on the clip too.

If you don't have a helping hand to hold the spanner while loosening or tightening the nuts and bolds, try putting spanner against something which will stop it from rotating.



Step 5: Make sure all the nuts and bolts are properly tightened. I personally touch each of them like a checklist.


Step 6 : Put back the wheel



Step 7: Feel good



Time taken: 1.5 Hours
Satisfaction : Unlimited

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by BikerKeeda

Time taken: 1.5 Hours
Satisfaction : Unlimited

Kudos for your effort in DIY and documenting the same.

Few more points to add,
- Check service manual for torque instructions and single-use fasteners (some are self locking nuts, which has to be replaced with new one every time we open them)
- Recommended to use Jack stands
- Wheel alignment to be checked

[norhog]

This is great work.
Are you considering changing the rear shocks as well??

[howler]

Get a torque wrench if you’re gng to be doing such work a regular basis, following the service manual torque specs is important. Also do read up on torquing bolts sitting in rubber bushes while the car is suspended vs. with a loaded suspension.

[batish]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Few more points to add,
- Check service manual for torque instructions

Originally Posted by howler

Get a torque wrench if you’re gng to be doing such work a regular basis, following the service manual torque specs is important.

Guys does your service centre use torque wrenches for tightening these bolts? From my experience in almost a decade, I have never seen any workshop equipped with torque wrench. Even if they have one, never seen them using.

Which ASC uses torque wrench?

[Mr.Boss]

Originally Posted by batish

Guys does your service centre use torque wrenches for tightening these bolts? From my experience in almost a decade, I have never seen any workshop equipped with torque wrench. Even if they have one, never seen them using.

Which ASC uses torque wrench?

Almost nil, but this majority doesn't justify skipping the process.

Reason for insisting our fellow members to follow such process is,
- At least a fraction of ASC technicians are skilled and able to achieve the torque without the wrench by their experience or muscle memory by doing this repetitive job day in day our. But in case of DIY, we do it once in a blue moon and may not be experienced / expertise like ASC technicians
- Start cultivating the habit of following the process, start from our self
- To ASC it is Someone's car & Life vs to us it is our car & life

[howler]

Originally Posted by batish

Guys does your service centre use torque wrenches for tightening these bolts? From my experience in almost a decade, I have never seen any workshop equipped with torque wrench. Even if they have one, never seen them using.

Which ASC uses torque wrench?

Ford , right down to the lug nuts on the wheels. In my opinion, the whole point of being a DIY guy is to do a better job than what’s available outside , most critical component have torque ratings.

[BikerKeeda]

Originally Posted by Mr.Boss

Kudos for your effort in DIY and documenting the same.

Few more points to add,
- Check service manual for torque instructions and single-use fasteners (some are self locking nuts, which has to be replaced with new one every time we open them)
- Recommended to use Jack stands
- Wheel alignment to be checked

Originally Posted by howler

Get a torque wrench if you’re gng to be doing such work a regular basis, following the service manual torque specs is important. Also do read up on torquing bolts sitting in rubber bushes while the car is suspended vs. with a loaded suspension.

Torque wrench is long due. Please suggest if you have used any good one.

I have been doing DIY since long never felt the need, on my Alto as well as Himalayan. Bothe my babies have been very good girls and never did any Nakharas after my DIYs :P however, now XL6 is on it's way and I do not intend to continue with the current process.

Frankly I have never used user/service manuals till date however, I want to do all upcoming DIYs keeping all the technicalities in mind.

So, please do suggest me a good torque wrench.

Originally Posted by norhog

This is great work.
Are you considering changing the rear shocks as well??

I changed rear once 2-3 month back.

[VijayAnand1]

Ah, the satisfaction of getting one's hands dirty I can totally hear you. Being a first time, you did it well for the most part, though I am sure the struggles behind camera would a real deal. I use Mac Master torque wrenches, been using since ages. It's a good calibrated affordable torque wrench. The other brand called JAI which some mechanics here use, though for which I don't have any reports. Mac Master, which I use perfectly suits my home made DIYs.

Good luck.

Cheers!
VJ