GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 36660-A Torque/Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

Caution: To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.


    Object Number: 143173  Size: SH
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring from the strut assembly.
  4. Remove the brake wear indicator wires from the strut assembly.
  5. Remove the brake flex hose clip from the strut assembly.
  6. Remove the brake flex hose from the strut assembly.

  7. Object Number: 141943  Size: SH

    Important: Support the brake caliper. DO NOT allow it to hang freely or damage may occur to the flex hose.

  8. Remove the brake caliper bolts from the steering knuckle.
  9. Remove the brake caliper from the steering knuckle. Do not open the brake hydraulic system.

  10. Object Number: 143217  Size: SH
  11. Remove the stabilizer shaft link nut.
  12. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the strut assembly.

  13. Object Number: 141944  Size: SH
  14. Remove the lower strut mounting bolts from the steering knuckle.
  15. Lower the vehicle.

  16. Object Number: 143232  Size: SH
  17. Remove the upper support plate protective cap.
  18. Remove the upper support plate nut.
  19. Remove the upper support plate.
  20. Remove the strut assembly from the wheel well.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 143232  Size: SH
  1. Install the strut assembly into the strut tower through the wheel well.
  2. Install the upper support plate.
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the upper support nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the upper support nut to 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

  6. Install the protective cap for the upper support nut.
  7. Raise the vehicle.

  8. Object Number: 141944  Size: SH
  9. Install the steering knuckle to the strut.
  10. Install the steering knuckle to the strut bolts (use new bolts installed form the front toward the rear of the vehicle).
  11. Tighten the steering knuckle to the strut bolts until snug. The bolts will not be tightened to specifications until after the final camber corrections have been made.

  12. Object Number: 143217  Size: SH
  13. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the strut assembly.
  14. Install the stabilizer shaft link nut.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 65 N·m (48 lb ft).


    Object Number: 141943  Size: SH

    Important: 

       • Run a M12 x 1.5 tap through the holes for the brake caliper assembly bolts to clean out the old locking compound.
       • Use new bolts for the brake caliper connection to the steering knuckle.
       • Coat the bolts with locking compound. Use GM P/N 12345493 Goodwrench 272 Threadlocker, or equivalent.

  16. Install the brake caliper to the steering knuckle.
  17. Tighten
    Use the J 36660-A to tighten the brake caliper bolts to 95 N·m (70 lb ft) + 37 degrees.


    Object Number: 143173  Size: SH
  18. Install the brake flex hose to the strut assembly.
  19. Install the clip to the strut assembly.
  20. Install the wheel speed sensor wire to the strut assembly.
  21. Install the brake wear indicator wires to the strut assembly.
  22. Install the front tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  23. Lower the vehicle.
  24. Adjust the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.