The rear strut is held on to the strut tower with three nuts, same as the front ones that you can see in the engine compartment.

A strut is a good DIY, probably 1-1.5 hours for each, after you have the rear interior panel out. Assuming you have the tools for the job, a couple of spring compressors and a 1/2" drive socket to get the two nut/bolts off that joint the strut to the axle knuckel.

You should look at the boots and insulators, you might have to replace those too.

 

thanks for the reply.

if i were to do it myself, besides the struts and boots, what else would I need?

I know I'll have to rent a spring compressor. Since my strut literally broke off the mount, does that mean I need a new strut-mount and bolts as well? Is there even such a thing as a "strut mount" or does the strut bolt directly to the chassis of the car? I guess I'm looking for the "hidden charges." I don't like surprises.

 

The strut nut just attaches to the strut mount. Newer ones are a type that use a nylon locking insert. If the nut came off the strut could move around.