GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Partially raise and support the vehicle in order to allow the suspension to hang. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

  2. Object Number: 464626  Size: SH
  3. Remove the front suspension support brace (2), if equipped. Refer to Front Suspension Support Brace Replacement .
  4. Raise the vehicle in order to allow access to the front brake hose.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  6. Object Number: 464598  Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the brake hose clip (5).

  8. Object Number: 464642  Size: SH
  9. If the vehicle has ABS, remove the bolt (1) from the harness clamp of the front wheel speed sensor.
  10. Support the lower control arm with a jack.

  11. Object Number: 464651  Size: SH
  12. Remove the 2 strut bracket nuts (2) and the 2 strut bracket bolts (1).
  13. Hold the lower portion of the strut.

  14. Object Number: 464658  Size: SH
  15. Remove the 3 strut support nuts (1).
  16. Remove the strut from the vehicle.
  17. Important: If you are replacing a strut component, continue with this procedure.

  18. Use tongue and groove pliers in order to hold the upper strut mount retainer.
  19. Remove and discard the nut from the top of the strut.
  20. Remove and discard the lock washer, if equipped.
  21. Remove the upper strut mount retainer.
  22. Remove the strut mount.
  23. Remove the strut shield.
  24. Remove the lower retainer.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the lower retainer to the strut.
  2. Install the shield to the strut.
  3. Install the strut mount to the strut.
  4. Install the upper strut mount retainer to the strut.
  5. Use tongue and groove pliers in order to hold the upper strut mount retainer.
  6. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  7. Install a NEW nut to the strut.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 90 N·m (66.4 lb ft)


    Object Number: 464658  Size: SH
  9. Install the strut to the vehicle. Holding the strut in place, install the 3 strut support nuts (1).
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the strut support nuts to 55 N·m (40.6 lb ft).


    Object Number: 464651  Size: SH
  11. Install the 2 strut bracket bolts (1) and the 2 nuts (2) in order to retain the strut bracket to the knuckle.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the strut bracket nuts to 95 N·m (70.1 lb ft).


    Object Number: 464642  Size: SH
  13. If the vehicles has ABS, install the bolt (1) to the harness clamp of the front wheel speed sensor.

  14. Object Number: 464598  Size: SH

    Important: DO NOT twist the hose during installation.

  15. Install the brake hose (3) to the strut bracket (2).
  16. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  17. Object Number: 464626  Size: SH
  18. Install the front suspension support brace (2), if equipped. Refer to Front Suspension Support Brace Replacement .
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.