GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 G8 🢒 Preface 🢒 Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions 🢒 Strut Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning in the Preface section.

    Danger: 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.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack.

    4. Object Number: 1958977 Size: SH

    Note:  Prevailing torque nuts must be discarded after removal.

  4. Remove the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and nut (1).

    5. Discard the nut.


    Object Number: 1943695 Size: SH

    Note:  Prevailing torque nuts must be discarded after removal.

  5. Remove the lower control arm to rear strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and nut (1).

    6. Discard the nut.

    Note: Reposition the jack as necessary.

  6. Detach the lower control arm (1) using a suitable pry bar.

    7. Object Number: 1943706 Size: SH

    Note:  Make sure to support the rear strut assembly during the removal procedure.

  7. Remove the rear strut assembly to body retaining bolts (1).

    8. Object Number: 1959113 Size: SH
  8. Remove the rear strut assembly (1) from the vehicle.
  9. Inspect all parts for wear and damage.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1959113 Size: SH
  1. Install the rear strut assembly (1) into the vehicle.
  2. Safely support the rear strut assembly.

    3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1943706 Size: SH
  3. Install the rear strut assembly to body retaining bolts (1) and tighten to 58 N·m (43 lb ft).

    4. Object Number: 1943680 Size: SH
  4. Connect the rear strut assembly (4) to the lower control arm (3).

    5. Note: Do not fully tighten the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and nut (1) at this stage.

  5. Install the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1).

    6. Do not fully tighten at this stage.


    Object Number: 1959106 Size: SH
  6. Connect the lower control arm (3) to the knuckle (4) using a suitable jack.

    7. Note: Do not fully tighten the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and nut (1) at this stage.

  7. Install the lower control arm to the knuckle retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1).

    8. Do not fully tighten at this stage.

  8. Install the rear wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  9. Remove the safety stands.
  10. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
  11. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.

    12. Object Number: 1958982 Size: SH

    Note: The weight of the vehicle must be on a level surface and on all four wheels before fully tightening the nuts and bolts.

  12. Install the lower control arm to strut assembly retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1) and tighten a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    13. Tighten the bolt and nut a final pass 120 Degrees.


    Object Number: 1943699 Size: SH
  13. Tighten the lower control arm to knuckle retaining bolt (2) and NEW nut (1) and tighten a first pass to 40 N·m (30 lb ft).

    14. Tighten the bolt and nut a final pass 120 Degrees.

  14. Check the wheel alignment of the vehicle. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.
  15. Correct the wheel alignment of the vehicle, if necessary. Refer to Rear Camber Adjustment and Rear Toe Adjustment.