I’m back again, seeking advice for keeping my creaky, but still breathing, 1991 Ford Tempo on the road. In the past you guys and gals have been very helpful with various repair advice, so I figured I’d go to the well one more time.
I just had my annual legally-required inspection and got handed a unexpectedly long list of repairs that needed to be done to pass. I swallowed hard and gave the shop my okay to proceed (and my credit card).
When it was over, the shop owner – who knew I was looking to to have done only the most basic repairs needed for the inspection and the car’s safe functioning – told me, “One of these days you really should have the struts and strut holders [or mounts?] replaced. They’re shot.” I totally believe the guy, but my budget wouldn’t allow me to spend the amount he quoted to fix it.
Now, I’m a handy guy. I’ve done some basic repairs on the car and on my motorcycle. But I’ve never dealt with car struts. Is this a relatively simple job I could do myself in an afternoon without specialized equipment (like a lift or a wheel allignment device)? Or should I just leave it to the pros when I can afford it?
Thanks in advance.