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

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the rear lower seat cushion. Refer to Rear Seat Cushion Replacement in Seats.
  2. Remove the rear seat back cushion.
    3. •  If the vehicle is equipped with a fixed rear seat back, refer to Rear Seat Back Replacement in Seats.
    •  If the vehicle is equipped with a split folding rear seat back, refer to Rear Split Folding Seat Back Replacement in Seats.
    • If the vehicle is equipped with a child restraint seat, refer to Child Seat Replacement in Seats.
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Place jack stands under the rear suspension support.
  5. Lower the vehicle slightly. Support the weight on the jack stands and not on the suspension arms.
  6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    7. Object Number: 238046 Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the ABS speed sensor wire harness clamp from the strut assembly.
  8. Remove the flexible hose (4) from the strut assembly (2).
  9. Remove the clip from the brake hose bracket.
  10. Remove the brake hose (4) from the brake hose bracket.
  11. Reconnect the brake pipe (1) to the brake hose (4) in order to prevent the master cylinder reservoir from draining.

    12. Object Number: 238047 Size: SH
  12. Remove one nut and the stabilizer shaft joint (4) (if equipped) from the strut assembly (1).

    13. Object Number: 238048 Size: SH
  13. Loosen the 2 strut assembly mounting bolts and the 2 nuts from the rear suspension knuckle.
  14. Lower the jack stands and the vehicle enough to reach both the top of the strut assembly and the rear suspension knuckle.
  15. Remove the cap covering the strut assembly support.

    16. Object Number: 238043 Size: SH
  16. Remove the 3 strut assembly mounting nuts (2) holding the top of the strut support.
  17. Lower the rear suspension knuckle and remove the 2 strut assembly mounting bolts and the 2 nuts.
  18. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle enough to reach both the top of the strut assembly and the rear suspension knuckle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    2. Object Number: 238048 Size: SH
  2. Install the strut assembly to the rear suspension knuckle. Secure the strut assembly using the 2 mounting bolts and the 2 nuts. Do not tighten the nuts fully.

    3. Object Number: 238043 Size: SH

    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.

  3. Install the strut assembly to the vehicle. Secure the strut assembly to the strut support using 3 mounting nuts (2).

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

  4. Secure the strut assembly to the rear suspension knuckle with 2 mounting bolts and 2 nuts.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the mounting bolts and the nuts to 142 N·m (105 lb ft).

  5. Install the cap covering the strut assembly support.

    6. Object Number: 238047 Size: SH
  6. Raise the vehicle and the jack stands in order to reach the stabilizer shaft joint (4). Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  7. Install the stabilizer shaft joint (if equipped) (4) to the strut assembly (1). Secure the stabilizer shaft joint (4) using one nut.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 44 N·m (33 lb ft).

  8. Connect the wheel speed sensor wire harness (if equipped) to the strut.

    9. Object Number: 238046 Size: SH
  9. Remove the brake pipe (1) from the brake hose (4).
  10. Install the brake hose (4) to the brake hose bracket. Secure the brake hose using the clip.
  11. Install the brake pipe (1) to the brake hose (4).
  12. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  13. Remove the jack stands.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Install the rear seat back cushion.
    16. •  If the vehicle has a fixed rear seat back, refer to Rear Seat Back Replacement in Seats.
    •  If the vehicle has a split folding rear seat back, refer to Rear Split Folding Seat Back Replacement in Seats.
    • If the vehicle is equipped with a child restraint seat, refer to Child Seat Replacement in Seats.
  16. Install the rear lower seat cushion. Refer to Rear Seat Cushion Replacement in Seats.
  17. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  18. Inspect the rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.