GM 22064781
Strut, Front

The safety risk of personal injury from high pressure gas can be avoided by not removing the snap ring from inside the shock absorber tube because gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. For safety reasons put on protective eyewear when performing centerpunching and drilling on the shock absorber and maintain the shock tube from puncture during the process. Drill a 0.4 inch indentation at the tube bottom section through centerpunching 10 mm beyond the starting point. Set the shock absorber rod at its full extension before putting the absorber in a vise horizontal position. Drill holes into the centerpunch using a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to let either gas or gas/oil mixture escape while using shop towels to collect the oil in both operations. The second hole will be drilled at the centerpunch position within the tube using the 5 mm drill bit while shop towels function to collect the oil during this process. The vise-released shock absorber needs to be positioned horizontally over the drain pan with its holes oriented downwards for emptying all oil from the tube by moving the rod back and forth.

The snap ring inside the shock absorber tube must not be removed because high-pressure gas within it poses serious injury risks through explosive expansion. Wear safety glasses during centerpunching and drilling of shock absorbers while ensuring the tube remains unharmed. Start the procedure by punching a 10 mm (0.4 inch) indentation from the bottom edge of the tube with the provided centerpunch. Set the shock absorber inside a vise with the extended rod position at the top of the device. Drill a hole at the centerpunch by using a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit which will release gas or gas/oil mixture through the opening; shop towels should be placed below to catch the escaping oil. The middle of the tube receives an indentation with a centerpunch before a second hole gets drilled there at 5 mm (3/16 inch) using the same drill bit while shop towels cover the escaping oil. Holding the shock absorber horizontally over a drain pan while keeping the holes facing down you should move the rod in and out of the tube to accomplish complete oil drainage from the shock absorber.

Remove the brake line bracket from the strut on the left side, followed by the strut to knuckle bolts and the nuts, then take the strut out of the vehicle.

Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to drill a hole at the centerpunch.

Avoid using paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors, as these can affect torque and clamping force.

Remove the two bolts securing the shock to the control arm.

Take out the trunk trim to access the upper mounting nuts of the shock absorber.

Remove the lower shock absorber retaining bolts.

Use shop towels to contain the oil.

Install the wheel speed sensor bracket to the dust shield and connect the wheel speed sensor connector.

Remove the 2 bolts securing the shock to the control arm, pull back the trunk trim to access the upper shock, take off the upper shock dust cover, remove the 2 nuts and the reinforcement from the shock, and then take the shock out of the vehicle.

Support the lower control arm with a jack and disconnect the Electronic Level Control air tube from the shock.

Connect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness to the bracket, install the wheel and tire, and finally lower the vehicle.

Support the lower control arm with a jack, disconnect the Electronic Level Control air tube and the shock electrical connector, and remove the wiring from the control arm.

Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with it completely extended.