Removal Procedure

Fig 1: View Of Strut Assembly To Body Nuts & Bolts

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the nuts (1) and bolt (2) attaching the top of the strut assembly (5) to the body (3).
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
Place jack stands under the front crossmember.
Lower the vehicle slightly so that the weight of vehicle rests on the jack stands and not on the control arms.

NOTE: Care must be exercised to prevent the drive axle joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of the internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint boot protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or boot damage and possible joint failure.

Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the brake line bracket.

Fig 2: View of Steering Knuckle & Strut

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Scribe the strut flange. Refer to Strut and Knuckle Scribing .

IMPORTANT: The steering knuckle must be supported in order to prevent axle joint over-extension.

Remove the bolts (6) and the nuts (2) attaching the strut (1) to the steering knuckle (3).

NOTE: Care should be taken to avoid scratching or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage can cause premature failure.

Remove the strut (1) from the vehicle.