Front Strut: Installation

CAUTION: Use a new nut. Torque retention of old nut may not be sufficient.

Attach strut to vehicle body with strut stop and strut-to-body attachment nut. Tighten front strut-to-body upper nut to 55 N.m (40 ft-lbs).

Fig 1: Attaching Strut To Vehicle Body
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: New nuts and bolts must be used. Torque retention of old nuts and bolts may not be sufficient.
Attach strut to steering knuckle with fasteners.
- Tighten front strut-to-knuckle (initial torque) to 50 N.m (37 ft-lbs).
- Tighten front strut-to-knuckle (final torque) to 100 N.m (73 ft-lbs).
Fig 2: Attaching Strut To Steering Knuckle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Hold ball stud from turning when removing nut. The boot can become torn and damaged if the ball stud turns.
Install stabilizer bar link to strut assembly. Tighten stabilizer bar link-to-strut to 65 N.m (48 ft-lbs).

Fig 3: Installing Stabilizer Bar Link To Strut Assembly

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Inspect boots for damage and replace if damaged.
Reattach brake hose, and ABS wiring to strut, if vehicle is equipped.

Fig 4: Reattaching Brake Hose & ABS Wiring To Strut
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

CAUTION: Before installing wheels, remove rust or corrosion from wheel mounting surfaces and brake rotors. Failure to do so can cause wheel bolts to loosen in service.
Position wheel onto hub.
Install wheel bolts and tighten in a crisscross pattern.
1. Hand tighten all five wheel bolts.
2. Use a torque wrench to tighten wheel bolts using a crisscross pattern. Tighten wheel bolt (initial torque) to 63 N.m (46 ft-lbs).
3. Use a torque wrench to final tighten wheel bolts using a crisscross pattern. Tighten wheel bolts (final torque) to 125 N.m (92 ft-lbs).
Lower vehicle from hoist.
Perform vehicle wheel alignment (refer to ALIGNMENT, WHEELS & TIRES ).