Has anybody here swapped their rear struts on a late 90's outback or legacy? What all is invloved? I have swapped struts on a 78 Hunda, so I somewhat know how to do the job.

 

Anybody have any pointers and tips to make the job go easier?

 

Thanks!

 

Mark

Wagon or Sedan? I swapped out struts all the way around on a '95 legacy sedan recently. If its a sedan you have to pull the back seat and window shelf to get to the top strut nuts. Pretty cramped work area. A 12mm ratcheting boxend wrench works well for the the one hard to reach nut, or you need to remove the seatbelt to be able to use a socket. I think the wagons are much simpler. Just pop the plastic panel and they are right there for you. Use side dikes to cut the mounting bracket on the strut for the brake lines, bend it up and slip the line out. (Definately true for front struts, rears might be a clip type affair? Can't recall.) Other than that get a breaker bar and a chunk of pipe for some leverage for the bottom bolts of the strut. They are tight. Good luck!

It's pretty easy, just crack off the knucke and strut mounts... get a spring compressor... the hardest part i had was the bolts on the knuckle.. soak those bad boys in PB Blaster for like.. a week before you do it. If you've got an impact wrench it'll work wonders for you, good luck!