GM 22008231 Front Suspension Strut

It should be repaired or replaced.

Raise the front of the car and support it on jackstands. Remove the wheel. Make a mark on the cam bolt to retain the same camber adjustment upon installation. Loosen, but do not yet remove the strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Loosen, but do not yet remove the 3 bolts that secure the top of the strut assembly to the shock well, underneath the hood. Disconnect the brake line clip from its mounting tab on the strut. Remove all of the loosened bolts and lift out the strut damper assembly. Be careful not to damage the rubber drive axle boot located below the assembly during removal. To install, position the strut damper assembly in its proper location and install its upper and lower mounting bolts. Place a jack under the hub and disc brake rotor assembly to hold it in position. Lower the car enough to set the cam adjuster in its position. Install the brake line clip to its mounting tab on the front strut. Torque all the strut damper assembly mounting bolts to specs. Install the wheel and lower the car. If the strut damper assembly has been replaced, a front end alignment is necessary.

The front shock absorber spring is under high pressure and should only be disassembled using a special spring compressor to avoid serious injury. A strut spring compressor can be purchased or rented from GM dealers or auto parts stores. To disassemble the spring, secure the shock in a vise with wood blocks for protection. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the compressor, compressing the spring and ensuring the jaws are securely around the coils. Gradually tighten the compressor to clear the spring seat, then remove the top locknut and washer. Remove the mounting, spring seat, bumper, shield, and insulator. It is important to relieve tension on the spring and remove it from the shock absorber safely. Check the spring for any damage or deformation. Test the front shock absorbers. Using the spring compressor, compress the spring and install it over the shock absorber body, ensuring the lower coil fits the spring seat. Install the insulator, shield, and bumper, followed by the spring seat and mounting assembly. Finally, tighten the locknut on the piston rod and carefully release tension on the coil spring by loosening the compressor gradually. Verify that the top of the spring is properly seated.

If more clearance is needed under the car, it can be raised higher, but then the rear axle must also be supported with jackstands.

If more clearance is needed under the car, it can be raised higher, but then the rear axle must also be supported with jackstands.

Open the upper shock nut access panel in the trim cover (hatchbacks only) and remove the upper shock nut.

It should be repaired or replaced.

It should be repaired or replaced.