GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Front Suspension 🢒 Strut Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Place the jack stands under the front suspension crossmember.
  3. Lower the vehicle slightly in order to rest the weight of the vehicle on the front suspension crossmember and not on the control arms.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  5. If the vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Brake System (ABS), disconnect the wheel speed sensor.
  6. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, remove the one bolt and the ABS wheel speed sensor from the strut.
  7. Remove the 1 bolt connecting the flexible hose to the strut assembly.

    8. Object Number: 327884 Size: SH
  8. Loosen the nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly. Do not remove the bolts.
  9. Partially lower the vehicle.

    10. Object Number: 238043 Size: SH
  10. Remove 3 strut assembly mounting nuts from the strut tower (2).

    11. Object Number: 327884 Size: SH
  11. Remove the following from the lower side of the strut assembly:
    12. • The 2 bolts
    • The 2 nuts
  12. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Care should be taken to avoid scratching or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage can cause premature failure.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


    Object Number: 327884 Size: SH
  1. Use engine oil to coat the threads of the 2 nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly.
  2. Install the following components to the lower side of the strut assembly:
    3. • The 2 bolts
    • The 2 nuts
    • Do not tighten the nuts and bolts.

    Object Number: 238043 Size: SH
  3. Install the strut assembly to the strut tower. Secure the strut assembly using the 3 mounting nuts (2).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the strut assembly mounting nuts to 39 N·m (29 lb ft).

  4. Raise the vehicle.

    5. Object Number: 327884 Size: SH
  5. Torque the 2 bolts and the 2 nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and the nuts to 274 N·m (203 lb ft).

  6. Install the following components to the strut assembly:
    7. • The flexible hose
    • The 1 bolt

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 29 N·m (22 lb ft).

  7. Connect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector to the strut. Ensure the harness is connected to the strut.
  8. Install the ABS speed sensor. Secure with 1 bolt.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Raise the vehicle slightly in order to allow for removal of the jack stands.
  11. Remove the jack stands.
  12. Lower the vehicle.