What,if any,additional maintenance items should be addressed at the time my mechanic installs my new struts?I want to maximize the money spent,so am only wanting cost effective items.Whadda ya think?Thanks,Steve

Strut bearings are the only thing up there. If the rubber is severely cracked, or the bearing is not smooth or there is a hitch or spring noise on tight turns or when backing up, get new bearings in there. Tie rod ends and ball joints maybe, somewhat labor related.

Where do you buy them?Are they a rubber bushing type part,or a real bearing?Thanks.Also,can you tell me if an alignment is neccessary after strut replacement?My mechanic strongly recommends it.Steve

Get the best strut bearings FCP sells. I think they are about $45 each side.

You may need strut boots (cheap) and maybe even strut bumpers (not as commonly needed.)

If your mechanic doesn't loosen the ball joint bolts and puts the top of the struts back in the exact same position they were in, and the old strut bearings were still centered in their bushings, it might not need an alignment. However, I would get it aligned anyway, unless you have old tires in front that you plan to replace soon. In that case, you could get it aligned when you buy your new tires.
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Thanks everyone for all the help, Doug C. 81 242 Brick Off Blocks, turbo bars and wheels, M46; 86 244, B230, 150k , auto; 81 242 Turbo, intercooled, M46, 122k.

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