GM 20954688 Front Spring

This is a tedious process, which requires the use of a spring compressor, available for a one day hire from most auto parts stores or equipment yards. Should the struts or coil springs reveal signs of fatigue such as, leaking fluid, loss of damping or mechanical damage, do not carry out any work without getting advice first as the strut/coil spring assemblies cannot be refurbished; they must be replaced. Coil spring strut assemblies might be purchased readily on an exchange basis which should save time and effort; it is advisable to find out the cost and availability of components in advance. Strut disassembly particularly of the upper and lower part may involve risks such as serious injury occasionally when working on the assembly. Before doing this make sure to use only the best spring compressor and make sure to follow all the instructions that come with the spring compressor. When you have departed with the coil spring from the strut assembly, set it aside in a safe place. Drive out the strut and spring assembly as shown in Fig. 3, with the strut clevis bracket jammed in a vise. As per the tool manufacturer's instructions, the spring compressor has to be fitted on the spring and the spring compressed until there is no pressure on the upper spring seat which can be checked by shaking the spring. With the help of Torx bit, lock the damper shaft from rotating and then unscrew the damper shaft nut, and then remove nut, upper mount retainers, mount, insulator and bumper but before this arrange them in the manner how they are removed. Check for wear and tear in the rubber part of your upper mount, when they get weak see a mechanic to replace them. Carefully remove the compressed spring from the assembly and put in a secured position, if two springs are dismantled label them as LEFT and RIGHT. The lower insulator must be taken off, and if it is damaged it has to be replaced. To be disassembled, retract the damper shaft and take out the rubber bump stop, then remove the lower insulator. A lower seat is now provided with a compressed coil spring, the end of which is to be seated against the raised stop. The upper mount and retainers should then be installed as well as the damper shaft nut which is to be tightened to the prescribed torque; the spring compressor tool must then be removed before the strut/spring assembly is installed.

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jack stands while blocking the front wheels to prevent rolling.