msteel Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 I think I need new rear struts on my '92 Loyale wagon. But since it's not a job I've done before, I thought I'd ask some questions of the gurus here first: 1) Are my struts really the problem? My complaint is that over the last few years the handling has gotten gradually worse. As I get near highway speeds, or have more stuff in the back, or the wind is strong, the back of the car feels like it sways/fishtails. I could also describe it as feeling like the body is attached to the driveline by balloons. I replaced the tires and it improved somewhat, but still isn't great. I've checked the bolts and they all seem tight back there. The car springs back but doesn't bounce if I press down on the rear of the car and let go quickly. 2) Is there any reason not to get the Gabriel struts I see now and then on eBay? (like these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=270037434873&ih=017&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT) 3) What is the difference between 2WD and 4WD on the Loyale wagons? Gabriel has two different part numbers for 2WD/4WD, but the eBay guy says they are both the same, and apparently you can't be sure which one he'll sell you. Any advice would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kayakertom Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 Replacing the cartridges is fairly easy; when I did it recently on an xt, I found that I didn't need to use a spring compressor. I would check your local autoparts store prices to compare costs. The plastic dust shield and hard rubber bumper and spacers may need to be replaced, so I would look into the availability of those parts also. Not sure what are the differences between 2wd and 4wd, but my guess would be in the coil springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desertsubaru Posted October 14, 2006 Share Posted October 14, 2006 They dont look like rear struts they look like front struts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteel Posted October 15, 2006 Author Share Posted October 15, 2006 They dont look like rear struts they look like front struts. I think he uses the same picture for all struts, not necessarily the exact one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john in KY Posted October 15, 2006 Share Posted October 15, 2006 2WD rear struts are longer than the AWD struts. Gabriel made good stuff many years ago. Not true today. If you gave me a set of Gabriel struts, I would give them back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msteel Posted October 19, 2006 Author Share Posted October 19, 2006 So, does it sound like the struts are my problem? 2WD rear struts are longer than the AWD struts That is what I'd always heard, but I had never been in a position to compare the two myself. I think I'd better insist on the 4WD part number, and if I can't be sure I'll get them I'll go where I can. Gabriel made good stuff many years ago. Not true today. If you gave me a set of Gabriel struts, I would give them back. It is hard for me to decide where I need to be on the price/performance/longevity curve on this one. I do need safe handling at normal highway speeds. But it's an oldish car that has enough rust that it probably won't last too many more years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john in KY Posted October 19, 2006 Share Posted October 19, 2006 The last set of Gabriel struts I bought for a Subaru ended up in the trash. When I went to tighten that top nut the stud just twisted off. The nut wasn't even close to being tight. Maybe I just got a bad strut but I figured if the quality of the material used was that poor, the hell with ever using that brand again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyale 2.7 Turbo Posted October 20, 2006 Share Posted October 20, 2006 ... 3) What is the difference between 2WD and 4WD on the Loyale wagons? ... Well, they are the same, except for a simply but great thing: the Spring Base on the Struts. Let me Explain: 2WD models got struts with its spring base 2 inches down in the Strut´s Body than the 4WD Struts, since 4WD struts got its spring base more "UP" than the 2WD, you can make the rear end of a 2WD Loyale, to lift up around 2" just by changin´ its 2WD Struts for the 4WD Struts. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daeron Posted October 20, 2006 Share Posted October 20, 2006 Well, they are the same, except for a simply but great thing: the Spring Base on the Struts. Let me Explain: 2WD models got struts with its spring base 2 inches down in the Strut´s Body than the 4WD Struts, since 4WD struts got its spring base more "UP" than the 2WD, you can make the rear end of a 2WD Loyale, to lift up around 2" just by changin´ its 2WD Struts for the 4WD Struts. Good Luck! Read: changing STRUTS not just the cartridges.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now