GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Disassembly Procedure

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

  2. Object Number: 851625  Size: SH
  3. Remove the upper strut cap screws.
  4. Remove the strut cap from the strut assembly.

  5. Object Number: 851627  Size: SH
  6. Place the strut assembly into the J 45400 .
  7. Adjust the compressing arms to contact the coils farthest away from the center of the spring.
  8. Using the J 45400 , compress the spring to remove the spring tension from the upper strut mount.

  9. Object Number: 851628  Size: SH

    Important: Before removing the strut shaft nut, support the strut to prevent the strut from falling.

  10. Remove the strut shaft nut, while holding the strut shaft.
  11. Lower the strut from the spring and the J 45400 .

  12. Object Number: 851640  Size: SH
  13. Remove the dust shield and jounce bumper assembly from the strut shaft. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
  14. Remove the lower spring seat insulator. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

  15. Object Number: 851630  Size: SH
  16. Remove the upper strut mount assembly and mount bearing. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

  17. Object Number: 851632  Size: SH
  18. Remove the upper spring seat and insulator from the spring and the J 45400 . Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.
  19. Using the J 45400 , remove the spring tension in order to remove the spring. Inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

Assembly Procedure


    Object Number: 851646  Size: SH
  1. Install the spring into the J 45400 . Make sure the spring is level.
  2. Use the J 45400 to compress the spring evenly.

  3. Object Number: 851640  Size: SH
  4. Install the lower spring seat insulator.
  5. Extend the strut shaft to the upper limit of its travel.
  6. Insert the jounce bumper into the dust shield.
  7. Slide the dust shield assembly onto the strut shaft.
  8. Load the strut through the coil spring and the J 45400 .

  9. Object Number: 855305  Size: SH
  10. Firmly align the lower spring coil in the spring seat pocket.
  11. Place the upper spring insulator and spring seat onto the top of the coil spring.

  12. Object Number: 851630  Size: SH
  13. Place the bearing and strut mount on the top of the spring seat.
  14. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 851628  Size: SH
  15. Install the upper strut shaft nut.
  16. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  17. Using the J 45400 , remove the spring tension.
  18. Remove the strut assembly from the J 45400 .

  19. Object Number: 851625  Size: SH
  20. Install the upper strut cap.
  21. Tighten
    Tighten the cap screws to 14 N·m (124 lb in).

  22. Install the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .