☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: I need new struts but do not know if I need specific struts because my car is on lowering springs.

asked by on August 06, 2016

So, I bought my car used from a guy in westfield. It was great and all, but the first week, the ride got really rough. And weird sounds when I hit bumpy road. Im thinking it's the struts. So i want to replace the struts, but the guy before me replace the springs with Meghan Lowering Springs that dropped the car a couple inches. Sour, the problem is, I don't know if there is a specific type of strut I should get or just get any. And also, im new to buying car parts online, and by myself, so I need help knowing what to look for. And too see what the part looks like, because I have a general image, but I want specifics.

My car has 174000 miles.
My car has a manual transmission.

Recommended Services

Strut Assembly Replacement $292.45 - $2376.59 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Shocks and struts are vehicle specific. They’re designed to operate within a certain range of travel. When you mix lowering springs - especially those that lower the car a couple of inches - with stock shocks and struts, the ride can be really rough and their life can be shortened. If you plan on keeping the lowering springs but replacing the struts only, you may want to check with vendors that sell the brand springs on the car as to their recommended struts to be paired with them.

If you decide to enlist some help for getting this fixed, I’d suggest having the car looked at by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic. They will be able to assess you car in person and assist you with the proper replacement of your strut assembly. Best of luck.

Saturn
Struts
2006
Ion
L4-2.2L
suspension
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I check the transmission fluid?
Your transmission needs fluid just like your engine needs oil and for the same reasons. It lubricates and reduces heat, while providing the pressure needed for the transmission to operate. Keeping an eye on your fluid level is important to...
Read more
Engine clanking when starting
Hello. Most of the lights will flash or come on when the car is started. It is the manufacturers way of allowing the owner to easily determine if the bulbs are working properly. If the lights remain on after a...
Read more
Something dragging on ground
Hi. You should have this inspected soon as there could be costly damage as a result. Over time the mounts that hold the exhaust system and muffler can become loose allowing them to swing around or drop lower than intended....
Read more
Battery died, now radio and lights won't work
When your battery died, so did the power to your radio. This activated an anti-theft feature built into your radio, which puts the radio into a "safe mode" every time power is removed from the radio. This could also be...
Read more
Battery saver light on but diagnostic check by mechanic shows no issues and the warning started appearing after new battery instal
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are parts of the charging system, like the alternator output, that are monitored directly by the computer with sensors. However, there are enough sensors in the system, the aspects that are not directly...
Read more
Service engine light is on
Hi There, Generally when the check engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) is on, it will register a code in the computer indicating which oxygen sensor is bad. i would suggest starting with replacing oxygen sensors first as this is much more common...
Read more
I have a 2005 trailblazer
Your vehicle can use up to 15% ethanol with no ill effects and such use (of E-15 for example) does NOT require regular use of any particular fuel system "cleaner". Most gasoline vended these days already contains a sufficient additive...
Read more
Wheel is free but the key won't turn
You should try a different key if you have a spare one to try. If the spare key turns the ignition now then the original key is worn and needs replaced.If you do not have an extra key then look...
Read more
hybrid system error warning light
Hi There, This system warning light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/warning-light-is-on-inspection) may come on for many different reasons, all of which are fairly serious in nature. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle....
Read more

Related articles

Symptoms of Bad or Failing Spring Insulators
Common signs include the vehicle bottoming out, excessive road noise, grinding noises while turning, and damage to front tires and brakes.
Read more
How Long Do Spring Insulators Last?
Most Most cars use a shock/strut suspension system with coiled springs to provide comfort and improve handling on the road. It’s reliable, lasts a relatively long time, and performs pretty well. It also doesn’t have some of the problems found...
Read more
Why Replacing a Strut Can Be Tricky
When fixing a car strut, the proper tools should be used. The whole unit should be replaced, including the shock absorber, spring, and camber block.
Read more

Browse other content

Maintenance
Estimates
Cars
Cities