Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement for Pontiac Vibe - FWD 2003

Tools Required

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

1. Remove the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .



2. Use the J 45400 , or equivalent, in order to compress the spring (8).
3. Remove the strut mount cover (2).
4. Remove the strut mount nut (3).
5. Remove the strut mount (4).
6. Remove the seal (5).
7. Remove the spring seat (6).
8. Remove the strut shield (7).
9. Remove the spring (8).
10. Remove the strut bumper (1).
11. Remove the spring lower insulator (10).
12. Remove the absorber portion of the strut (9).

1. Install the spring lower insulator (10) to the absorber portion of the strut (9).
2. Install the strut bumper (1).
3. Use the J 45400 , or equivalent, in order to compress the spring (8).



4. Install the spring. Position the lower tip of the coil on the gap in the lower insulator (3).
5. Install the strut shield. Position the large upper portion of the shield toward the outer side of the strut (1).



6. Install the spring seat (1). Position the mark (2) on the spring seat toward the outer side of the strut.
7. Install the seal.
8. Install the strut mount.
9. Install the nut.

Tighten
Tighten the nut to 47 N·m (34.7 lb ft).

10. Remove the strut from the J 45400 , or equivalent.



11. Apply Special Lubricant, GM P/N 12345879 (Canadian P/N 10953511), or the equivalent multi-purpose lubricant, to the crevice around the nut.
12. Install the strut mount cover (1).
13. Install the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .