GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2007 🢒 SKY 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Shock, Shock Component, and/or Spring Replacement

Shock, Shock Component, and/or Spring Replacement Base Suspension

Tools Required

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure

    Notice: Use care when handling the coil springs in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the coil springs.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the shock module from the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement .

    4. Object Number: 803178 Size: SH
  4. Install the shock module into the spring compressor J 45400 .
  5. Mark the upper control arm assembly and insulator for proper installation.

    6. Object Number: 743241 Size: SH

    Important: The spring is compressed when the shock absorber moves freely.

  6. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.

    7. Object Number: 803179 Size: SH
  7. Remove the shock absorber upper retaining nut.
  8. Remove the shock absorber from the shock module.
  9. Loosen the compressor forcing screw until the upper mounting plate and the coil spring may be removed.
  10. Remove the upper control arm bracket assembly, the insulator, and the coil spring from the spring compressor J 45400 .

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 743241 Size: SH

    Important: Ensure the alignment pins in the upper control arm bracket are orientated 90 degrees with the shock absorber lower mounting holes.

  1. Install the coil spring, the insulator, the upper control arm bracket assembly, and the shock absorber to the spring compressor J 45400 , aligning all marks made in disassembly procedure.
  2. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.

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


    Object Number: 803179 Size: SH
  3. Install the shock absorber retaining nut.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 42 N·m (31 lb ft).


    Object Number: 803178 Size: SH
  4. Remove the shock module from the spring compressor J 45400 .
  5. Install the shock module to the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement .
  6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  7. Lower the vehicle.

Shock, Shock Component, and/or Spring Replacement Sport Suspension


Object Number: 1824574 Size: MF

Callout

Component Name

Preliminary Procedure

Notice: Use care when handling the coil springs in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the coil springs.

Remove the shock module. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly Replacement .

1

Nut

Notice: Do not allow the absorber rod to rotate during disassembly/reassembly. Use hand tools to keep the absorber rod from rotating. If air tools are used, and the rod is allowed to rotate, damage to the absorber may occur.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

Tip

    • Mark the alignment for the shock module assembly prior to disassembly. The marks will aid in alignment during installation.
    • The use of J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor or equivalent, is required before removing the nut.
    • The spring is compressed when the shock absorber moves freely.

Tighten
42 N·m (31 lb ft)

2

Top Mount Washer

3

Mount Assembly

4

Jounce Bumper Retainer

5

Spring

6

Dust Shield

7

Jounce Bumper

8

Striker Cap

Tip
The striker cap must be removed to transfer the spacer from the old shock absorber to the new shock absorber. Use care not to scratch or damage the shock absorber shaft while removing or installing the striker cap.

9

Spacer

Tip
Either the old spacer needs to be transferred from the old shock absorber or a new spacer must be used during installation.

10

Shock Absorber Assembly

Important: Ensure the alignment pins in the upper control arm bracket are orientated 90 degrees with the shock absorber lower mounting holes.