GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2008 🢒 G8 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Strut Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Safety Glasses Caution in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Vehicle Lifting Caution in the Preface section.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack.

    4. Object Number: 1958977 Size: SH

    Important:  Prevailing torque nuts must be discarded after removal.

  4. Remove the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and nut (1).

    5. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1943695 Size: SH

    Important:  Prevailing torque nuts must be discarded after removal.

  5. Remove the lower control arm to rear strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and nut (1).

    6. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1958979 Size: SH

    Important: Do not apply pressure to the rear brake disc backing plate while levering.

  6. Detach the lower control arm (1) using a suitable pry bar.

    7. Reposition the jack as necessary.

    Caution: Refer to General Repair Instructions in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1943706 Size: SH
  7. Remove the rear strut assembly to body retaining bolts (1).

    8. Object Number: 1959113 Size: SH
  8. Remove the rear strut assembly (1) from the vehicle.
  9. Inspect all parts for wear and damage.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1959113 Size: SH
  1. Install the rear strut assembly (1) into the vehicle.

    2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1943706 Size: SH
  2. Install the rear strut assembly to body retaining bolts (1).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1943680 Size: SH
  3. Connect the rear strut assembly (4) to the lower control arm (3).

    4. Important: Do not fully tighten the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and nut (1) at this stage.

  4. Install the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1).

    5. Do not fully tighten at this stage.


    Object Number: 1959106 Size: SH
  5. Connect the lower control arm (3) to the knuckle (4) using a suitable jack.

    6. Important: Do not fully tighten the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and nut (1) at this stage.

  6. Install the lower control arm to the knuckle retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1).

    7. Do not fully tighten at this stage.

  7. Install the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  8. Remove the safety stands.
  9. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
  10. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.

    11. Object Number: 1958982 Size: SH

    Important: The weight of the vehicle must be on a level surface and on all four wheels before fully tightening the nuts and bolts.

  11. Tighten the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1).

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and nut a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Tighten the bolt and nut a final pass 120 Degrees.


    Object Number: 1943699 Size: SH
  12. Tighten the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1).

    13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and nut a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    Tighten the bolt and nut a final pass 120 Degrees.

  13. Check the wheel alignment of the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.
  14. Correct the wheel alignment of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to Rear Camber Adjustment and Rear Toe Adjustment.