🔧 WRX - Strut Replacement

Replacing struts on your WRX means removing the strut assemblies, transferring (or replacing) the springs/top mounts, then reinstalling everything and getting an alignment. The exact steps and all torque specs depend on whether you’re doing the front, rear, or all four, and whether you’re using complete “quick-strut” assemblies or reusing your original springs.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-8 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Use jack stands and wheel chocks; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Coil springs store a lot of energy—if you’re reusing springs, a spring compressor must be used correctly, or it can cause severe injury.
• ⚠️ Do not let the brake caliper hose or ABS wire get stretched or pinched while the knuckle is hanging.
• ⚠️ After strut replacement, you need a 4-wheel alignment; driving without it can cause unsafe handling and rapid tire wear.
• ⚠️ If any bolt/nut feels seized, stop and use penetrating oil; forcing it can snap hardware.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug nut socket (19mm)
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (20–250 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (10mm–19mm, 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set (10mm–19mm)
• Allen key set (metric)
• Pry bar (24")
• Needle-nose pliers
• Trim clip tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear strut assemblies - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/top hat - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear strut mount/top hat - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop and dust boot kit - Qty: 2
• Rear bump stop and dust boot kit - Qty: 2
• Self-locking strut-to-knuckle nuts/bolts - Qty: 4-8
• Anti-seize compound - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the transmission in 1st gear, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels if lifting the front; chock the front wheels if lifting the rear.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn using a 19mm lug nut socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on the strut-to-knuckle bolts and sway bar end link hardware and let it soak 10–15 minutes.
• If you’re reusing springs: inspect the spring seats and mounts; plan to replace worn mounts to prevent clunks.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Before I list the exact WRX procedure and all torque specs, answer these two quick questions so I give you the correct steps:

• Are you replacing front, rear, or all four struts?
• Are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies (pre-assembled), or reusing your springs with a spring compressor?

Reply with: “front quick-struts” or “all four reuse springs”.

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✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment immediately after the job.
• Test drive slowly first; listen for clunks over bumps and verify the steering wheel is centered.
• Recheck lug nut torque after 25–50 miles.
• If you reused springs, recheck for any mount noise (top mount nuts can loosen if not torqued correctly).

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$1,400 (parts only)

You Save: $550-$800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.