Chevrolet 20909157 Front Suspension Strut Assembly

To remove the strut assembly, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the vehicle securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and support the control arm with a floor jack. Then, unbolt the brake hose bracket from the strut and disconnect the upper end of the stabilizer bar link. Mark the exact position of the strut to the steering knuckle and remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts. Support the strut and spring assembly and remove the three strut upper mounting fasteners. Once removed, inspect the strut body for any leaking fluid, dents, cracks, or other damage that may require repair or replacement. Check the coil spring for chips or cracks in the spring coating and 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 assembly, guide it into position and secure the fasteners to prevent the strut from falling back through. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts, matching the previously marked position of the strut to the steering knuckle. Tighten the nuts to the specified torque. Reattach the brake hose bracket and stabilizer bar link. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the upper mounting fasteners to the specified torque. It is recommended to have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary after completing this job.

Slightly raise the outer end of the lower control arm with a floor jack.

Signs of wear in struts and coil springs include leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging, or cracked coil springs. If any of these issues are observed, it is essential to explore all options before starting any work.

Park the vehicle on level ground, turn the engine off and set the parking brake. Check the tire pressures. Push down at one corner of the vehicle, then release it while noting the movement of the body. It should stop moving and come to rest in a level position within one or two bounces. If the vehicle continues to move up-and-down or if it fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak shock absorber is probably the reason. Repeat the above check at each of the three remaining corners of the vehicle.