Fix It

The 2003 BMW 330 is a rear wheel drive sedan that uses independent suspension setups on all four wheels. The independent suspension relies on struts to absorb bumps in the road. However, these struts wear out like any other automotive components, and the stock OEM struts need to be replaced every 60,000 miles. Replacing the struts yourself can save you a lot of money and should only take a day for most people to do.

Instructions

1

Park the 2003 BMW 330 somewhere flat with a lot of room to the sides. Also make sure that you are not blocking anyone in as the car will be stuck in place until the struts are all changed out. Put it in "Park" and then turn the sedan off. Jack up the car by sliding a car jack under the jack points at each corner. When a corner is elevated, slide in a jack stand to keep the car up. Once the car is fully elevated, remove the wheels from the 330 with your tire iron.

2

Unbolt the sway bar linkages from both the front and the rear wheels. The sway bars help keep the car from wallowing in the corners by connecting opposite side control arms. The bars are held to the bottom of the car by bushing mounts, but all you need to do is unbolt the ends of the bars from the bottom control arms. Rotate the ends of the sway bars down so that they are out of the way.

3

Unbolt the single bottom retaining bolt on the front right strut. Use a breaker bar to wedge the bolt out as it will be firmly stuck in. Then unbolt the top three bolts at the top of the strut and use the breaker bar to wedge the entire strut out. Be caul to support the strut so that it does not fall. Then bolt in the top of the new strut into the 330s frame. Once it is supported, raise the steering knuckle up and bolt in the bottom of the strut. Repeat this process on the left front wheel as well.

4

Fold down the rear seat of the 300 and pull off the plastic tab over the top of the struts. Unbolt the bolt underneath for the right rear, and then go to the right rear wheel well and unbolt the bottom of the bolt from the hub assembly. Pry the strut out with the breaker bar and place it to the side. Bolt in the new strut and then repeat the process on the left side. Replace the plastic tabs and then fold the back seat back up.

5

Bolt the sway bars back into place and then put the wheels back on the 330. Lower the 330 off the stands and then look at the corners to make sure the struts are supporting the cars weight.

Struts are designed to maintain a cars balance on the road, especially when driving over rough or uneven surfaces. A car typically has front and rear struts.

Current Prices of Rear Struts

As of 2010, the price of rear struts for most vehicles ranges between $100 to $700. For luxury cars, prices can even exceed $1,000. Price ultimately depends on the make and model of your vehicle.

Extra Costs

In addition to the price of the struts, you will probably pay labor costs for their installation. Those charges vary.

Price Stability

The price of rear struts has remained stable over the last few years.

If you have a car that has front-wheel drive, chances are you have struts on the front-end suspension. Struts are a combination of various front-end components that includes shock absorbers, coil spring, steering knuckles, spring seats and strut bearings.

Struts Identified

Struts are the connecting link between the upper strut bearing and the lower ball joint. Struts are usually gas charged, and they absorb the wear and tear of over-the-road travel. Over time struts wear out and need to be replaced. The front end of a vehicle should be examined by a professional mechanic before making a final decision.

Signs of Wear

Signs that your car might need new struts include bottoming out on bumps, cupped tire wear, swaying and obsessive bouncing. If you believe your struts are bad, you should have the vehicle checked by an experienced front-end or suspension mechanic. After struts are changed a new front wheel alignment is usually necessary.

Actual Cost

According to Cost Helper, replacing struts cost between $300 and $700, including the price of labor. If you have a luxury car the price goes up to between $700 and $1,000; and if that luxury car is a Lexus the cost can still rise even more.

Struts are combination devices that perform three important tasks: they suspend the car with a spring, control body roll with shock absorbers and act as the upper suspension control arm. Replacement can be a do-it-yourself procedure provided you have some basic mechanical skills.

Tools

Struts generally come out with a few basic hand tools: sockets, ratchets, wrenches and pliers among them. Youll also need a tire lug wrench and a floor jack. The ball-joint removal tool (sometimes, a "pickle fork") is the only remotely specialized tool you might need to replace the strut, but most applications dont require one.

Basic Procedure

First youll need to lift the applicable corner of the car off of the ground until the wheel dangles in the air. Remove the wheel, then slip the jack under the lower control arm or brake rotor to help lift the arm back into place. Remove the bolt(s) securing the strut to the steering pivot, then remove the three or four bolts under the hood that hold the top of the strut to the cars chassis.

Complications

Youll probably need to remove the brake line from the caliper and any clips that secure it to the strut, which will necessitate a brake-bleeding job afterward. You may also need to remove the brake rotor, brake caliper, steering end links and/or anti-roll bar end-links.