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

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 864979 Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
  2. Remove the wheel and tire.

    3. Important: Do not remove fasteners at this time.

  3. Loosen the 2 steering knuckle-to-strut fasteners.
  4. Remove and discard the 3 strut assembly-to-body attachment nuts.

    5. Object Number: 859351 Size: SH
  5. Remove the 2 steering knuckle-to-strut fasteners.

    6. Notice: Before removing strut assembly, place a rag over the CV joint boot to protect it from damage.

  6. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 864979 Size: SH

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

  1. Attach the strut to the vehicle body with the three strut mount-to-body attachment nuts.

    2. Tighten
    Tighten the Front Strut Assembly-to-Body Attachment Nuts to 29 N·m (21 lb ft).


    Object Number: 859351 Size: SH

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

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

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the Front Strut-to-Steering 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 wheel onto hub.
  4. Install wheel nuts and tighten in a crisscross pattern. Repeat tightening pattern to make sure torque is correct.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the Wheel Nuts to 140 N·m (103 lb ft).

  5. Lower vehicle from hoist.
  6. Perform vehicle wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications