Intrigue struts

[olds68]

1998 Intrigue with 108k miles looks like it needs rear struts. One side is visually leaking and the car just doesn't handle like it used to. Since I've only changed shocks on my older cars, what kind of work is this? Can I do it with standard hand tools? Will the car need a 4 wheel alignment afterward? What are the cost of struts? Or should I just bring it to my trusty mechanic and take out a 2nd mortgage
Thanks!

[68/70 Cutlass]

Originally Posted by olds68

1998 Intrigue with 108k miles looks like it needs rear struts. One side is visually leaking and the car just doesn't handle like it used to. Since I've only changed shocks on my older cars, what kind of work is this? Can I do it with standard hand tools? Will the car need a 4 wheel alignment afterward? What are the cost of struts? Or should I just bring it to my trusty mechanic and take out a 2nd mortgage
Thanks!

Not that hard to do. You will need a spring compressor. Some auto part stores will loan the tool you need. Harbor freight have some cheapies that will work (buy two sets so they don't strip on you though). You will have a oval hole with the main bolt or bolts are towards the bottom and take note their position and if the car was not alighned when the struts were shot your alighnment should be ok.

[Olds64]

Not that hard to do.

I agree. You can even sometimes buy quick struts so you don't have to take the spring off and move it to the new strut. Of course, these are more expensive. I suggest you buy the normal struts and rent a compressor to use the old springs. Don't forget to buy new strut bushings that go in between the strut and body of the car.

[mp71conv]

Not that bad to change them. I just did the back ones.
I had to go to the dealer for the spings.(mine broke)
But with the spring compressor it was pretty easy.
I do think you cam find the front one allready assembled.