GM 88965467 Front Suspension Strut Assembly

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To remove the strut, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the front of the vehicle on jackstands. Mark the relationship of the strut to the knuckle for installation reference. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts, being careful not to damage the brake hose or overextend the inner CV joint. Support the strut and spring assembly while removing the upper mounting nuts, then remove the assembly from the fender well. To inspect the strut, check for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage. Inspect the coil spring for chips or cracks in the coating and the spring seat for cuts or deterioration. If any issues are found, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. For installation, guide the strut assembly back into the fender well, aligning the index mark made earlier. Insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the strut tower and secure with nuts. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and install the bolts and nuts, aligning the marks. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Finally, tighten the upper mounting nuts, have the front wheel alignment checked, and make any necessary adjustments.

To remove the strut, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the front of the vehicle on jackstands. Mark the relationship of the strut to the knuckle for installation reference. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts, being careful not to damage the brake hose or overextend the inner CV joint. Support the strut and spring assembly while removing the upper mounting nuts, then remove the assembly from the fender well. To inspect the strut, check for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage. Inspect the coil spring for chips or cracks in the coating and the spring seat for cuts or deterioration. If any issues are found, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. For installation, guide the strut assembly back into the fender well, aligning the index mark made earlier. Insert the upper mounting studs through the holes in the strut tower and secure with nuts. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and install the bolts and nuts, aligning the marks. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Finally, tighten the upper mounting nuts, have the front wheel alignment checked, and make any necessary adjustments.

On 1996 and earlier models (and 1997 Olds), the strut cartridge can be replaced with the strut and spring assembly installed in the vehicle, eliminating the need to remove and disassemble the assembly unless there is damage to the spring, seats, or strut/knuckle components. For 1997 and later models (except Olds), the entire strut assembly must be removed and replaced if wear or damage occurs. To begin removal, loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands while applying the parking brake and blocking the rear wheels. Remove the wheel and mark the position of the strut mount cover to the strut tower before removing the nuts. On 1997 and later models, remove the strut to knuckle bolts and take out the strut, being careful not to overextend the CV joint or stretch the brake hose, and support the control arm if necessary. For 1996 and earlier models, separate the tie-rod end from the steering arm. Next, remove the brake caliper, bracket, and disc, hanging the caliper out of the way, and secure the ABS sensor if applicable. Remove the hub and wheel bearing bolts, then separate the balljoint from the lower control arm, taking care not to overextend the inner CV joint or stretch the brake hose. Remove the driveaxle, support the strut and spring assembly with one hand, and remove the three strut mounting nuts to take the assembly out through the fenderwell. Inspect the strut body for leaks, dents, cracks, and other damage, check the coil spring for chips and cracks, and inspect the knuckle/strut for corrosion or bending. If any wear or damage requires removing the coil spring, take the assembly to a dealer or equipped shop for repair. For installation, slide the strut assembly into the fenderwell, align the marks, and install the strut cover, then insert the three upper mounting studs through the shock tower holes. Once the studs protrude, install the strut cover to the marked position and secure it with nuts. On 1997 and later models, install the strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten all strut mounting bolts to the specified torque. For 1996 and earlier models, install the driveaxle, connect the lower balljoint to the control arm, and tighten the nut with a new cotter pin. Install the hub and brake components, then install the tie-rod end in the steering arm and tighten the castellated nut with a new cotter pin. Finally, install the wheel, lower the vehicle, tighten the lug nuts, and ensure the three upper mounting nuts are also tightened to the specified torque.

To install the strut, guide the knuckle into the strut range and position the upper part of the strut to mount it to the body.

Signs of wear may include leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging, or cracked coil springs.

Remove the strut shaft nut using a special tool that grips the nut while a Torx bit is inserted into the shaft to prevent it from turning.

The rubber portion of the upper mount should be checked for cracking and deterioration, and replaced if necessary.

To remove the strut, start by moving the side trim in the trunk compartment to expose the strut upper mounting fasteners. Loosen the mounting fasteners without removing them and pull off the rubber cap on top of the strut if it is equipped. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, block the front wheels, and raise the rear of the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the rear wheels and detach the stabilizer bar link from the strut. Mark the relationship of the strut to the knuckle for reference during installation. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts by holding the oval-shaped bolt heads with a wrench and striking the end with a hammer to push them out of the knuckle and strut. Separate the strut from the rear knuckle, remove the upper mounting nuts, and secure the rear knuckle to prevent damage.

Next, remove the jack pad and retention plates from the rear transverse spring, install a rear leaf spring compression tool, and compress the leaf spring without removing it.