Need a new left front strut

[zoomahh]

Hey Guys,
Well this is an area I know NOTHING about so I need your help.
Other day I started noticing a kind of "banging" noise from my front end. Most notable when I go over little bumps on the road.
Found out I need a new strut....called the "stealer" ahem....I mean dealer:chuckle only to find out a new strut will be $425....+ TAX!!!!!
K so I have a few questions so anyone with experience in this area please advise;
1. what EXACTLY is a strut (I know it has to do with suspension) and what does it do?
2. How crucial is this part re; handling, tire wear, etc. is it important to replace asap?
3. seeing as my car is only 4 years old, should I do aftermarket?
4. If I go aftermarket, any rec's on make? ie MacPherson struts?
5. How hard is it to install? ****not gonna attempt it, just would like to know how long of a job it is.
I do know that once a strut is replaced, a front end alignment must be done.
Could really use some advice on this as the banging noise is really annoying :flaming

[Shinglez]

I had the same thing happen to me a couple months ago and I replaced it QUICK!. A strut is what holds each side of your suspension in terms of the shock, spring, etc. So if you don't replace it, you'll start noticing things like your car pulling to one side, your alignment will become more and more ****ed up, which will also cause that one tire to wear a lot quicker than the remaining 3.

In terms of replacement, I went to Standard Auto Wreckers and bought a used strut...but ONLY because I am getting coilovers in the spring, so I didn't want to spend too much for something that will only tie me over for a few months..

In sum, replace it and get a front alignment done while you're at it.

Hope this helps.

[Mr Wilson]

For that kind of coin you can get a pretty good aftermarket setup and replace all 4 for not much more (and much better product to boot!). Talk to some of the sponsors (cough cough Alpha Motorsports) and ask what they can do for you.

This is the time to think forward as well, i.e if you're thinking of lowering the car in the future with lowering springs.....or buy coilovers/something cheap until you can get your coilovers like Shinglez.

[nuttygent]

I've done mine as well. You may want to go the e-bay route, got an excellent price on KYB's if you want the same ride as stock and a little better control. Alignment is not a big issue. I sympathize with you, had to live with the banging for the last half of last winter till it warmed up enough to do it on my driveway...drove me nuts!