New struts and shocks are WORTH IT. Autozone gave me the same racket about the spring compressor. It really is no big deal. Just use the safety pins. Its FINE. Not sure why folks freak about those springs. I know there are only so many things you can work on with your cars but I enjoyed seeing you back!
I did my front struts last spring. Went to Honda for the shocks, kept my springs, strut mounts, etc, as they were all still good. Went to Harbor Freight for the spring compressors. It's like you said in one of your previous videos, "Don't be 12 beers into the weekend, to do this job, pay attention and you'll be fine." First time doing it, it's definitely one you want to do stone cold sober, but like you said, pay attention and it'll be fine. I watch a minimum of 4-6 RU-vid videos before I attempt any new procedure on my Element.
I think that reusing your own springs is the way to go as long as they are not broken or sagging. The parts stores make more profit off the Quick Struts so use every excuse they can to upsell them.
@@clintsearcy3252 RA only has *rear* springs and Mevotech only. It seems odd that front springs are not available at all on the aftermarket, as in OEM-style replacements, not lowering/raising or performance.
I had to throw on front Quickstruts on my AWD 2007. After about 6 months I got terrible banging when rolling over bumps. Tie Rod ends were replaced about a year earlier. It drives straight, but it feels like strut assembly is loose and banging. But its completely tight. Any ideas on what I need to fix?