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Home › Pontiac › 2004 › GTO Automatic › Repair and Diagnosis › Suspension › Front Suspension › Front Suspension System › Repair Instructions › Strut Assembly Replacement › Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

    Fig 1: Locating Strut Mount Nut
    GM1386831Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
    NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  1. Tighten the strut mount nut (1).

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 78 N.m (58 lb ft).

  2. Install the top of the stabilizer shaft link to the bracket on the strut assembly.
  3. Install the strut assembly to the strut tower.
    4. Fig 2: Exploded View Of Strut Assembly
    GM1386824Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  4. Install the strut bumper stop (3).
    5. IMPORTANT: Do not tighten the strut nut yet.
  5. Install a NEW strut nut (2).
  6. Install the 2 NEW bolts in order to retain the strut to the knuckle.
  7. Install the 2 washers to the bolts.
  8. Install the 2 NEW nuts to the bolts.

    Tighten:  Tighten the 2 nuts to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).

  9. Use a wrench in order to hold the end of the strut rod shaft (4).
  10. Tighten the nut that retains the strut to the strut tower.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 55 N.m (41 lb ft).

  11. Install the strut nut cap (1).
  12. Remove the jack and the block of wood.
  13. Align the flats on the brake hose sleeve with the strut bracket opening.
  14. Install the brake hose to the strut bracket.
  15. Turn the sleeve that retains the brake hose to the strut bracket.
    16. Fig 3: View Of Strut-To-Knuckle Bolts, Knuckle Allen Bolts, & Wheel Speed Sensor Connector
    GM1353809Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  16. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector (4).
  17. Verify the locking tab on the connector is secure.
  18. Install the wheel speed sensor harness and the insulator to the strut bracket.
    19. Fig 4: Exploded View Of Stabilizer Shaft Link
    GM1383151Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  19. Install the retainer (4).
  20. Install the upper insulator (3).
  21. Install the upper washer (2).
  22. Use a wrench in order to hold the stabilizer shaft link upper stud (7).
    23. IMPORTANT: Do not use power tools on the upper nut (1).
  23. Install the upper nut.

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 16 N.m (12 lb ft).

  24. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  25. Lower the vehicle onto an alignment rack in order to place the weight of the vehicle onto the tires.
  26. Push down on the front bumper 3 times in order to stabilize the suspension.
  27. Measure the wheel alignment. Refer to Measuring Wheel Alignment in Wheel Alignment.
    28. IMPORTANT: The camber adjustment screw has thread sealant in the form of micro-encapsulation.
  28. Adjust the alignment to the specifications if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.

    Rotate the camber adjustment screw in order to adjust the front camber.

  29. Tighten the 2 nuts that retain the strut to the knuckle.

    Tighten: 

    1. Tighten the nuts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).
    2. Use the J 45059  in order to tighten the nuts an additional 90 degrees.

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