GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 34013-B Strut Spring Compressor
    • J 34013-20 Damper Rod Clamp
    • J 34013-197 Alignment Rod
    • J 34013-125 Upper Strut Adapter
    • J 34013-971 Lower Strut Adapter
    • J 42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket

Remove strut from vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .

Disassemble Procedure


    Object Number: 176773  Size: SH
  1. Install the strut (5) to the J 34013-B . Use wing nuts to secure the tool to the mounting holes C and E/K. Position the wide end of the adapter outboard.

  2. Object Number: 405306  Size: SH

    Important: Align the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 so that the tools may open and close together. The tools will not open If the tools do not align properly.

  3. Install the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 .
  4. Install the strut into the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 .
  5. Close the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 .
  6. Install the locking pins (2) through the holes of J 34013-B and the struts mounting holes.
  7. Turn the screw (3) on the J 34013-B counterclockwise to raise the strut up to the J 34013-125 .
  8. Compress the spring approximately 13 mm (0.50 in) or three to four complete turns of the operating screw.
  9. Caution: Do not over compress the spring. Severe overloading may cause tool failure which could result in bodily injury.


    Object Number: 405307  Size: SH
  10. Insert the J 42991 on the nut.
  11. Hold shaft with a T-45 bit.
  12. Use the J 42991 to remove the nut while preventing the rod from rotating with a T-45 TORX® bit.
  13. Discard the strut nut.

  14. Object Number: 405306  Size: SH
  15. Turn the operating screw (3) on the J 34013-B clockwise to fully relieve the spring compression.

Assemble Procedure


    Object Number: 176773  Size: SH
  1. Install the strut to the J 34013-B . Use wing nuts to secure the tool to the mounting holes C and E/K. Position the wide end of the adapter outboard.

  2. Object Number: 405306  Size: SH

    Important: Align the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 so that the tools may open and close together. The tools will not open if the tools are not aligned properly.

  3. Install the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 .
  4. Install the strut to the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 .
  5. Close the J 34013-971 and the J 34013-125 .
  6. Important: Position the top of the shock absorber flat against J 34013-125 . The shock absorber will not align correctly if the shock absorber does not lay flat against the tool.

  7. Install the locking pins through the holes of the J 34013-B and the mounting holes of the strut.

  8. Object Number: 144008  Size: SH
  9. Fully extend the strut shaft.
  10. Attach the J 34013-20 . This prevents the shaft from retracting during compression.

  11. Object Number: 156939  Size: SH
  12. Install the spring to the strut. Ensure to position the upper and lower spring seats correctly.
  13. Install all the other components to the strut.

  14. Object Number: 405306  Size: SH
  15. Slowly turn the operating screw (3) counterclockwise in order to compress the spring until the threaded portion of the strut shaft is through the top of the strut.
  16. Important: Align the J 34013-197 straight with the strut. If the J 34013-197 is not aligned, repeat steps 1 through 12 until the tool is straight.

  17. Insert the J 34013-197 down through the top of the J 34013-B and onto the shaft.

  18. Object Number: 405307  Size: SH

    Caution: Do not over compress the spring. Severe overloading may cause tool failure which could result in bodily injury.

    Notice: Keep the strut rod in a stationary position when you tighten the strut nut. Turning the strut rod may damage the strut.

  19. Insert a new strut nut on the strut rod.
  20. 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.

  21. Place the J 42991 on the shock absorber nut.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber rod to upper mount to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

  23. Insert a T-45 TORX® through the J 34013-197 .
  24. Tighten the shock absorber nut while holding the shaft with a T-45 TORX®.
  25. Remove the following tools from the J 34013-B :
  26. 16.1. Remove the J 34013-20 .
    16.2. Remove the J 34013-197 .
    16.3. Remove the J 42991 .
  27. Remove the strut from the J 34013-B .

Installation Procedure

  1. Install strut to vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
  2. Adjust the rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment.