Strut replacement time?

[YnotVW]

Hey guys,

When has everyone decided to replace their struts? The front has been squeaking when it gets cooler out since the end of winter and I had the car in the air today for an oil change so I checked everything out. It seems that the struts are still holding oil and are not leaking yet, so I'm guessing the squeaking is from the mounts. Also, are the struts rebuildable like the older VW units? They look very similar.

On a completely different note, I noticed the Dr side ball joint is shot. Guess I'll be doing those soon, along with a TB since its @ 130K mi.

[petrified.rabbit]

the squeaking is most likely the sway bar bushings. But the upper mounts could do it too.

The struts are not rebuildable, or at least rebuild kits are not out there, but i think you should cut the cap off, put a pipe threader on it and see if mk1 strut inserts fit.

[YnotVW]

I may be tempted to see if the MK1 inserts fit. Do you think they will handle the weight difference? I'd assume so.

The squeak comes usually while turning, thats why I figured it was the mounts. However, with the added tension on the swaybar links I could see them making noise more while the car is turned.

[petrified.rabbit]

the aveo isn't that much heavier. Bilstein sport inserts would definitely handle it.

not just the links, but the sway bushing along the steering rack on the k frame. when you turn and the endlinks turn with the strut, the sway bar moves up and down..

[YnotVW]

So any suggestions on when to replace? I know most aftermarket places say 50-75K but that seems a little short these days and the car already has almost 130K. Some of my fellow mechanic friends say that they are good until they are leaking.

[petrified.rabbit]

the could be good until leaning depending on the type of valving..

i would say bounce the car and see how many bounces it has to stop. 1-2 bounces is good, 3-4 is ok. 5+ is bad. Thing is with how light the aveo is, even with blown shocks it will raise and stay.

i remember my geo storm recommended replacing rear struts like 30k miles?