Kia Rio front strut orientation

[TorqueEffect]

Yeah, you HAVE to cut the Rio springs if you plan to use them. I made the mistake of running uncut ones for a while, and it threw the steering geometry out of whack, to where I went through nearly new tires to bald tires in under a year. But I also had shot balljoints so I think that had something to do with the extreme tire wear as well. But I DID have toe-out, and positive camber caused by the springs being to tall under load.

You can use the Festy springs on the Rio struts too.

[TominMO]

Just bought this $70 "Single-action strut spring compressor" from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

Tried it out on a spare Festy front spring I had laying around. Much easier to use than the old system of two separate compressors! It grabbed 5 coils, and I could compress the spring most of the way with my bare hand, using a 24mm or 15/16" deep socket, and only needed to use my ratchet for the last quarter of compression. It seems a lot safer too.

[Bert]

Thanks, Bert. Since I didn't notice a difference in noise with the Rio struts I'd put the originals back on if I keep the car. A mechanic who knows local suppliers with old stock is looking for Festiva struts. He still suspects struts rather than transmission. Apparently the Rios are weak with age and use. Someone did find Festiva struts out of town but the price was $115 each. Also thanks for the offer of the Festiva. I'll definitely keep it in mind if I can't keep the exsisting one on the road. Shame because I've kept it in such good shape and have become quite attached to it over the 25 years we've been together.

Didn't require much effort for me to get hold of Aspire struts and shocks a few years ago. A&C Autoparts is on Baseline near Greenbank. Spring perch is 3/8" higher in case you ever decide to jettison the primitive Festy front brake arrangement.