OEM 2003 Chevrolet Malibu Coil Springs

2003 Chevrolet Malibu Coil Springs Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the front coil springs and shock absorber on 2003 Chevrolet Malibu?

  A: Service or repair of suspension struts requires a careful assembly removal sequence while preventing damage to spring coatings to avoid breaking the spring. The strut spring compressor (J 34013-B) requires placement into the holding fixture (J 3289-20) to allow the installation of the strut assembly through the lower strut spring compressor adapter (J 34013-88). This adapter will compress the coil spring. Next remove the dust cap and strut rod piston nut so you can let out pressure from the compressed spring. Separate the strut assembly from the strut spring compressor (J 34013-B) until you retrieve the strut mount and dust seal followed by the spring seat and upper insulator and coil spring and spring bumper and lower insulator. During installation position the spring seat "flat spot" toward the outboard direction while placing the strut mount "flat spot" toward the vehicle's inboard side. Begin by mounting the strut with its lower insulator , spring bumper , coil spring , upper insulator , spring seat , dust seal , and finally the strut mount . Place the strut assembly into the strut spring compressor (J 34013-B) with the lower strut spring compressor adapter (J 34013-88) in place. Identify the spring seat and strut mount position before compressor starts. When installing the assembly complete the following steps: tighten the strut rod piston nut to 75 nm (55 ft. Lbs.) then install the dust cap along with release the compressed coil spring , and finally, install the strut assembly.