GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

  3. Object Number: 1383151  Size: SH
  4. Use a wrench in order to hold the stabilizer shaft link upper stud (7).
  5. Remove the upper nut (1).
  6. Remove the upper washer (2).
  7. Remove the upper insulator (3).
  8. Remove the retainer (4).
  9. Separate the wheel speed sensor harness and the insulator from the strut bracket.
  10. Turn the sleeve that retains the brake hose to the strut bracket.
  11. Align the flats on the sleeve with the strut bracket opening.
  12. Separate the brake hose from the strut bracket.
  13. Position a jack and a block of wood below the control arm ball joint.
  14. Raise the jack in order to support the control arm.

  15. Object Number: 1408374  Size: SH
  16. Remove and discard the 2 nuts (5,6).
  17. If equipped, remove the 2 washers (4,7).
  18. Remove and discard and the 2 bolts (2,3).

  19. Object Number: 1353809  Size: SH
  20. Lift the locking tab on the wheel speed sensor connector (4).
  21. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector from the knuckle.
  22. Separate the knuckle from the strut.

  23. Object Number: 1386824  Size: SH
  24. Remove the strut nut cap (1).
  25. Use a wrench in order to hold the end of the strut rod shaft (4).
  26. Remove and discard the strut nut (2).
  27. Remove the strut bumper stop (3).
  28. Lower the strut assembly.
  29. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the strut bracket.
  30. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1386831  Size: SH
  1. Tighten the strut mount nut (1).
  2. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 78 N·m (58 lb ft).

  3. Install the top of the stabilizer shaft link to the bracket on the strut assembly.
  4. Install the strut assembly to the strut tower.

  5. Object Number: 1386824  Size: SH
  6. Install the strut bumper stop (3).
  7. Important: Do not tighten the strut nut yet.

  8. Install a NEW strut nut (2).
  9. Install the 2 NEW bolts in order to retain the strut to the knuckle.
  10. Install the 2 washers to the bolts.
  11. Install the 2 NEW nuts to the bolts.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the 2 nuts to 85 N·m (63 lb ft).

  13. Use a wrench in order to hold the end of the strut rod shaft (4).
  14. Tighten the nut that retains the strut to the strut tower.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

  16. Install the strut nut cap (1).
  17. Remove the jack and the block of wood.
  18. Align the flats on the brake hose sleeve with the strut bracket opening.
  19. Install the brake hose to the strut bracket.
  20. Turn the sleeve that retains the brake hose to the strut bracket.

  21. Object Number: 1353809  Size: SH
  22. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector (4).
  23. Verify the locking tab on the connector is secure.
  24. Install the wheel speed sensor harness and the insulator to the strut bracket.

  25. Object Number: 1383151  Size: SH
  26. Install the retainer (4).
  27. Install the upper insulator (3).
  28. Install the upper washer (2).
  29. Use a wrench in order to hold the stabilizer shaft link upper stud (7).
  30. Important: Do not use power tools on the upper nut (1).

  31. Install the upper nut.
  32. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  33. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  34. Lower the vehicle onto an alignment rack in order to place the weight of the vehicle onto the tires.
  35. Push down on the front bumper 3 times in order to stabilize the suspension.
  36. Measure the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  37. Important: The camber adjustment screw has thread sealant in the form of micro-encapsulation.

  38. Adjust the alignment to the specifications if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.
  39. Rotate the camber adjustment screw in order to adjust the front camber.

  40. Tighten the 2 nuts that retain the strut to the knuckle.
  41. Tighten

    1. Tighten the nuts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft).
    2. Use the J 45059 in order to tighten the nuts an additional 90 degrees.