GM 88965467
Strut

The following tools must be used for suspension strut service and repair: two main tools are essential for suspension strut work: strut rod nut socket (J 42991) and strut spring compressor (J 45400). Strut rod nut socket (J 42991) and strut spring compressor (J 45400). The vehicle's strut goes first into the strut spring compressor device (J 45400). Use the spring compressor's forcing screw to compress the coil spring until the strut shows unrestricted movement. Hold the strut shaft with a 45 torx(R) socket while the strut rod nut socket (J 42991) removes the upper strut mount nut. Lifting the strut out of the strut spring compressor (J 45400) allows for releasing the compressor forcing screw until the upper strut mount and coil spring can be detached. First put the coil spring together with the upper strut mount inside the strut spring compressor (J 45400) then compress the coil spring once again for assembly. Install the strut next to both the coil spring and upper strut mount and then insert the strut retaining nut. The strut rod nut socket (J 42991) with a 45 torx(R) socket enables the correct installation of the strut mount nut which should be tightened to 85 n.m (63 lb ft). Finish the install procedure by removing the strut from the strut spring compressor (J 45400) and reinstalling it into the vehicle.

Begin the strut assembly replacement process by taking off the upper nuts of the struts first. A frame-contact vehicle lift should be used instead of a suspension-contact lift to perform the lifting process. After supporting the vehicle with stands follow by tire and wheel removal. Start by making a mark on the knuckle before removing the lower bolts and nuts from the strut so you can take out the strut. Install the strut first before performing any additional work according to the Fastener Notice in Service Precautions. After that, install both upper strut nuts, applying a torque of 33 Nm (24 ft. lbs.). The installation of strut lower bolts and nuts requires attention to their prevalent torque attribute allowing reuse under certain conditions of clean fasteners with rust-free counterpieces that reach 3 Nm (27 inch lbs.) torque vs. their counterparts before completion. otherwise, replace the fastener. Disc the strut to line up with the knuckle mark then torque the lower nuts to 122 Nm (90 ft. lbs.). Install the tire with the wheel and then lower the vehicle while performing front wheel alignment.

Service and repair of suspension struts requires these essential tools: service technicians need two essential tools for strut work: strut rod nut socket (J 42991) and strut spring compressor (J 45400). Strut rod nut socket (J 42991) and strut spring compressor (J 45400). Installation starts with removing the strut from the vehicle and placing it inside the strut spring compressor (J 45400). Use the spring compressor friction screw to compress the coil spring until the strut gains unrestricted movement. The strut rod nut socket (J 42991) works with a 45 torx(R) socket to maintain the strut shaft position while removing the upper strut mount retaining nut. The strut spring compressor (J 45400) allows removal of the strut while the compressor forcing screw must be loosened to separate the upper strut mount and coil spring. Place the coil spring and upper strut mount into the strut spring compressor (J 45400) before compressing the spring again for assembly. Start with strut installation to the coil spring and upper strut mount before applying the 45 torx(R) socket with the strut rod nut socket (J 42991) to tighten the strut mount nut to 85 n.m (63 lb ft). After releasing the strut from the strut spring compressor (J 45400) you should reinstall it into the vehicle.

Gas charged shock absorbers are gas filled, therefore do not remove the snap ring from the top of the tube inside, there are high pressure and in such a case it may cause personal injury due to the release of extreme pressure in the contents. To avoid an injury, use safety glasses for centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber, being cautious not to punch a hole in the shock absorber tube. Start by indenting 10 mm (0.4 inch) at the bottom of the tube with a centerpunch. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the rod of the shock absorber being in a fully extended state. Drill hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch with a 5mm (3/16") drill using a gas or gas/oil mixture to blow out the hole. mop up the escaping oil using shop towels. Then, indent in the middle of the tube with a center punch, drill another hole in the circle of center punch using a 5mm(3/16 in drill bit), which will also release oil. once more, use shop towels to hold back the escaping oil. Finally, take the shock absorber out of vise, place it over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down, and slide the rod up and down in the tube to empty all the oil out of the shock absorber.

Safety glasses must be worn for center punching and drilling a shock absorber tube because gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas that can result in serious injury when the snap ring is removed from their top section due to extreme gas expulsion force. Safety glasses need to be worn throughout the process of center punching as well as drilling the shock absorber while you avoid any risks of puncturing the tube. Use a center punch to create a 10 mm (0.4 inch) indentation directly underneath the bottom of the tube. Secure the shock absorber horizontally in the vise while it is in its maximum extended position. After using a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to make holes at the center punch location, allow the gas or gas/oil mixture to escape through the holes while containing the oil with shop towels. A second indentation using a center punch should be placed in the middle of the tube before using the 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to create a second hole while continuing to contain the escaping oil with shop towels. When ready to remove the shock absorber from the vise users should first drain the oil by holding it horizontally with the hole pointed downwards before performing rod movements in and out of the tube for full drainage completion.

Gas or a gas/oil mixture may exhaust as the drill penetrates the strut.

Raise and support the vehicle using only a frame-contact vehicle lift, avoiding any suspension-contact lift.

Remove the strut from the vehicle.

Begin by removing the strut from the vehicle and securing it to the Strut Spring Compressor (J 34013-B) using wing nuts, ensuring the wide end of the adapter is positioned outboard.

Clamp the strut horizontally in a vise with the rod fully extended.

A 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit.

Caution against over-compressing the spring to avoid tool failure.

Remove the bolt from the brake hose bracket and the strut assembly, and scribe the strut to the knuckle.

Remove the tire and wheel, and disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the strut.

Align the strut to the mark on the knuckle.

Carefully turn the screw on the Strut Spring Compressor (J 34013-B) counterclockwise to raise the strut and compress the spring approximately 13 mm (0.50 in) or 3-4 complete turns.

This is a prevailing torque type fastener which may be reused only if both the fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust, and if the fastener develops 3 Nm (27 inch lbs.) of torque/drag against its counterpart before seating; otherwise, replace the fastener.

Remove the strut from the vise and hold it vertically over a drain pan with the hole facing down.

Position the strut and install the strut upper nuts, tightening them to 33 Nm (24 ft. lbs.).

Use shop towels to contain the oil.

Align the Lower Strut Adapter (J 34013-971) and Upper Strut Adapter (J 34013-125) for proper operation.

Install the tire and wheel, lower the vehicle, and align the front wheels.

Remove the shock absorber upper bolt and nut, followed by the lower bolt and nut, and then take out the shock absorber.

Wear safety glasses.

Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod fully extended.

Reconnect the air tube connector, if applicable.

Remove the shock absorber upper bolt and nut, followed by the lower bolt and nut, then take out the shock absorber.

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

Remove the shock absorber upper bolt and nut, followed by the shock absorber lower nut, and then take out the shock absorber.