GM 91174726
Strut

The snap ring inside the gas charged shock absorber top tube holds high pressure gas therefore directly removing it presents a danger of violent gas expulsion that can cause injuries to yourself. Safe vision protection through safety glasses becomes essential before hitting the shock absorber with a centerpunch tool and before drilling the shock absorber while avoiding damage to the tube. Begin your indentation 10 mm (0.4 inch) from the tube base using the centerpunch tool. Place the shock absorber in a vise while securing it in a horizontal position with its shock absorber rod in its extended state. Make a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill opening at the centerpunch mark while enabling gas or gas/oil blend escape through shop towels used for oil containment. Create a marked hole in the tube's center using a centerpunch then drill another hole there using a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit while containing oil output by shop towels. The complete draining of oil will be achieved by placing the shock absorber rod into the drain pan while positioned horizontally with holes down. Move the rod in and out of the tube to fully drain the oil.

Raise and support the vehicle.

Install the brake hose to the strut bracket, followed by the tire and wheel assembly. If equipped, reinstall the front suspension support brace, lower the vehicle, and inspect the wheel alignment.

Raise and support the vehicle, then support the rear axle housing using a floor jack.

Remove the shock absorber from the vise, hold it over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down, and move the rod in and out of the tube to completely drain the oil.