GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
  2. Use the J 45400 , or equivalent, in order to compress the spring.

  3. Object Number: 1386832  Size: SH

    Important: Do not grip the strut rod with any tools below the hex shaped portion.

  4. Use a wrench in order to hold the end of the strut rod shaft (1).
  5. Remove the strut mount nut (2).
  6. Remove the strut mount and the 2 washers (3).
  7. Remove the 2 washers from the strut mount.
  8. Important: Note the orientation of the strut bearing on the upper spring seat. The orientation of the strut bearing is important in the installation procedure.

  9. Remove the strut bearing (4) from the upper spring seat.

  10. Object Number: 1386834  Size: SH
  11. Remove and discard the strut shield strap (8).
  12. Remove the upper spring seat (6).
  13. Remove the spring upper insulator (14).
  14. Remove the strut bumper (7).
  15. Use the J 45400 , or equivalent, in order to release the compression on the spring.
  16. Remove the spring (13).
  17. Remove and discard the strut shield clamp (11).
  18. Remove the strut dust shield (9) and filter (10) assembly from the strut.

Installation Procedure

    Important: Do not grip the strut rod with any tools below the hex shaped portion.

  1. Hold the strut rod and the strut housing.
  2. Pull the strut rod to the maximum length.

  3. Object Number: 1386835  Size: SH
  4. Install the strut dust shield (1) assembly.
  5. Ensure the filter (2) remains seated inside the boot portion of the strut dust shield.

  6. Object Number: 1386886  Size: SH
  7. Position the strut dust shield on the strut housing tube.
  8. Specification
    The distance (a) between the bottom of the strut dust shield and the bottom of the lower spring seat is 30 mm to 35 mm.

  9. Install a NEW clamp in order to retain the strut dust shield to the strut housing tube.

  10. Object Number: 1386834  Size: SH
  11. Install the spring (13) to the strut housing (12).
  12. Install the straight projecting lower end of the spring to the lower spring seat.

  13. Use the J 45400 , or equivalent, in order to compress the spring.
  14. Install the strut bumper (7).
  15. Install the spring upper insulator (14).
  16. Install the step on the upper insulator to the straight projecting upper end of the spring.

  17. Install the upper spring seat (6).
  18. Ensure the double notch in the upper flange of the upper spring seat is on the inboard side of the strut assembly.

  19. Pull the strut rod to the maximum length.
  20. If the strut rod nut is on the strut rod, remove the strut rod nut.

  21. Object Number: 1386832  Size: SH
  22. Install the strut bearing (4) to the upper spring seat in the same orientation as in the removal procedure.
  23. Ensure the narrow outer section faces towards the upper spring seat collar.

  24. Install the lower washer.
  25. Ensure the dish shape side of the lower washer faces downward.

  26. Install the strut mount.
  27. Ensure the lower washer does not bind with the lower edge of the mount.

  28. Install the upper washer.
  29. Ensure the dish shape side of the upper washer faces upward.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  30. Install the strut mount nut (2).
  31. Use a wrench in order to hold the end of the strut rod shaft (1).

    Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 78 N·m (58 lb ft).

  32. Install the strut dust shield to the upper spring seat.
  33. Fit the upper end of the strut dust shield over the lower flange of the spring seat collar.

  34. Install a NEW strap in order to retain the strut dust shield to the upper spring seat.
  35. Remove the strut assembly from the J 45400 , or equivalent.
  36. Install the strut assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .