GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2002 🢒 SL1/SC1 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Strut Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the rear window trim finish panel. Refer to Rear Window Trim Finish Panel in Interior Trim.

    2. Object Number: 861148 Size: SH

    Caution: Ensure that the vehicle is properly supported and squarely positioned. To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle on the opposite end from which the components are being removed.

  2. Raise vehicle on hoist.
  3. Remove the wheels corresponding to strut being replaced.
  4. Loosen the 2 strut-to-knuckle fasteners. Leave the fasteners in place.
  5. Lower the vehicle to a level that a floor jack can be placed under the rear knuckle. Raise the floor jack high enough to support the knuckle.

    6. Object Number: 861154 Size: SH
  6. Remove and discard the 3 strut assembly-to-body attachment nuts.
  7. Slowly raise the hoist, lowering the strut assembly from the body.

    8. Object Number: 862502 Size: SH
  8. Remove the 2 strut-to-knuckle fasteners.
  9. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 862474 Size: SH

    Important: Use new nuts. Torque retention of the old nuts may not be sufficient.

    Important: Install the strut to the vehicle body and hold the strut in place with strut-to-knuckle bolts. This will facilitate installing the 3 upper support-to-body attachment fasteners.

  1. Attach the strut to the vehicle body with the 3 upper support-to-body attachment nuts.

    2. Tighten
    Tighten the rear strut assembly-to-body attachment nut to 29 N·m (21 lb ft).

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Use new nuts. Torque retention of the old nuts may not be sufficient.

    Important: With the strut-to-knuckle fasteners installed but not tightened, push the bottom of the strut inward while tightening the fasteners.

  2. Attach the strut-to-knuckle with the fasteners.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the rear strut-to-knuckle fasteners to 170 N·m (126 lb ft).

    Notice: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors/drums. Failure to do so can cause wheel nuts to loosen in service.

  3. Position the wheel onto hub.
  4. Install the wheel nuts and tighten the wheel nuts in a crisscross pattern. Repeat the tightening pattern to ensure the torque is correct.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

  5. Lower the vehicle from the hoist.
  6. Install the rear window trim finish panel. Refer to Rear Window Trim Finish Panel in Interior Trim.
  7. Perform the vehicle wheel alignment. Refer to "Wheel Alignment" in the Alignment, Wheels and Tires section of this service manual.