Genuine Chevrolet Cobalt Shock Absorber

Chevrolet Cobalt Shock Absorber Parts Questions & Answers

• Rear Shock Absorber Assembly
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  Q: How to disassemble and reassemble a strut and coil spring assembly?

  A: If the struts or coil springs show signs of wear such as leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, or chipped, sagging, or cracked coil springs, it is important to explore all options before starting any work. These components are not serviceable and must be replaced. To disassemble, remove the strut and spring assembly and the upper strut cap cover should be unbolted to expose the strut shaft nut. Use a spring compressor to relieve pressure from the upper spring seat, and unscrew the damper shaft nut while holding the strut rod in place. The nut and upper mount and bearing should be removed and laid out in the order they were taken off. The rubber parts of the upper mount and spring seat should be checked for cracks or deterioration and replaced if necessary. The rubber bump stop should be slid off the damper shaft and checked for deterioration. The compressed spring should be carefully lifted and set aside. To reassemble, the damper rod should be extended and the rubber bump stop should be installed. The compressed coil spring should be placed onto the lower seat of the damper, with the end of the spring resting against the raised stop. The bearing and upper insulator/spring seat should be installed, followed by the upper mount and mounting nut, which should be tightened to the proper torque specifications. The spring compressor tool can then be removed, and the strut spring assembly should be installed.
• Rear Shock Absorber Assembly
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  Q: How to remove the rear Shock Absorber?

  A: To remove the rear wheels, start by loosening the lug nuts and securing the front wheels with chocks. Then, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it with jackstands. Once the vehicle is secure, remove the rear wheels. Next, use a floor jack to support the rear axle on the side you are working on, positioning the jack head under the coil spring pocket. Proceed to remove the shock absorber upper and lower mounting bolts. Take a close look at the shock for any signs of fluid leakage or damage to the shock body. Test the operation of the shock by moving the damper shaft through a full stroke and short strokes of 2 to 4 inches. The resistance should be smooth and continuous; if it is jerky or uneven, or if there is any visible wear or damage, the shock needs to be replaced. To install the shock, follow the reverse steps of removal, using new bolts and tightening them to the specified torque.
• Front Suspension Strut Kit
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  Q: How do you remove a front strut?

  A: To remove the strut, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the wheel and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, detach the ABS harness from the strut. Mark the relationship of the strut to the knuckle for reference during installation. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and knock the bolts out with a hammer and punch. Carefully separate the strut from the Steering Knuckle, being mindful of not overextending the inner driveaxle CV joint or damaging the brake hose. On certain models, such as Cobalt/G5 and HHR, remove the strut-to-body nuts in the engine compartment, while on ION models, remove the single upper mounting nut. Remove the strut assembly from the fender well. To inspect the strut, check for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, or any other obvious damage that would require repair or replacement. Examine the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating, as this can lead to premature spring failure. Inspect the spring seat for cuts, hardness, and general deterioration. If any undesirable conditions are found, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. To install the strut, guide the strut assembly up into the fender well and align the studs or locating pin through the holes in the shock tower. Install the mounting nut(s) to secure the strut in place. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts. Align the marks made during removal and tighten the nuts to the specified torque. Reattach the brake hose to the strut bracket and reconnect the stabilizer bar link. If applicable, install the ABS speed sensor wiring harness to the bracket. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque. Finally, tighten the upper mounting nut(s) to the specified torque. It is recommended to have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.