GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Suspension General Diagnosis 🢒 Strut Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the windshield wiper motor. Refer to Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement.

    2. Object Number: 2013115 Size: SH
  2. Disengage the clamp (1) and bend the right side water guard plate (2).
  3. Disengage the clamp on the left side of the dash upper extension panel.

    4. Object Number: 2013118 Size: SH
  4. Remove the 4 bolts (1, 2, 3, 4) from the right side of the panel.
  5. Remove the 5 bolts (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) from the left side of the panel
  6. Remove the 3 bolts (10, 11, 12) from the center of the panel.
  7. Remove the dash upper extension panel.
  8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  9. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.

    10. Object Number: 821347 Size: SH
  10. Use a wrench in order to hold the front stabilizer shaft link stud. Remove the nut and the stud from the bracket (1) in order to separate the link (3) from the strut.
  11. Remove the ABS wheel speed sensor from the steering knuckle. Position the sensor to the side. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.

    12. Object Number: 821349 Size: SH
  12. Remove the front brake hose bolt (1) and the hose (4) from the bracket on the strut. Position the hose and the bolt to the side.
  13. Position the speed sensor wire (3) away from the strut.

    14. Object Number: 821091 Size: SH
  14. Loosen the 2 nuts (3, 4) on the lower side of the strut assembly. Do not remove the bolts yet.
  15. Partially lower the vehicle.
  16. If equipped, remove the strut housing upper tie bar. Refer to Strut Housing Upper Tie Bar Replacement.

    17. Object Number: 2011371 Size: SH
  17. If equipped with the strut housing upper tie bar, remove the 3 nuts (1, 2, 3) and the tie bar bracket.

    18. Object Number: 2011382 Size: SH
  18. If the vehicle is not equipped with the strut housing upper tie bar, remove the 3 nuts (1, 3, 4) from the top of the strut.
  19. Remove the strut cover from the top of the strut mount (2).
  20. Remove the 2 nuts and the 2 bolts from the lower side of the strut.
  21. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 821091 Size: SH

    Caution: Care should be taken to avoid scratching or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage can cause premature failure.

    Note: Do not tighten the nuts or the bolts yet.

  1. Install the 2 bolts (1,2) and the 2 nuts (3, 4) to the lower side of the strut assembly:

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


    Object Number: 2011382 Size: SH
  2. If the vehicle is not equipped with the strut housing upper tie bar, install the top of the strut assembly and the 3 nuts (1, 3, 4) to the strut tower. Tighten the nuts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

    3. Object Number: 2011371 Size: SH

    Note: Do not tighten the tie bar bracket nuts yet.

  3. If equipped with the strut housing upper tie bar, install the tie bar bracket and the 3 nuts (1, 2, 3) to the studs on the top of the strut.
  4. If equipped, install the strut housing upper tie bar. Refer to Strut Housing Upper Tie Bar Replacement.
  5. If equipped, tighten the 3 nuts on the tie bar bracket to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
  6. Install the strut cover to the top of the strut mount.
  7. Hold the bolts with a wrench and tighten the nuts on the lower side of the strut assembly to 240 N·m (177 lb ft).
  8. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor to the knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement.

    9. Object Number: 821349 Size: SH
  9. Install the speed sensor wire (3) and the bracket (2) to the strut. Ensure the wire is not twisted.
  10. Install the front brake hose (4) to the bracket on the strut. Ensure the hose is not twisted.
  11. Install the bolt (1) to the bracket and tighten to 29 N·m (21 lb ft).

    12. Object Number: 821347 Size: SH
  12. Install the nut and the stud to the bracket (1) in order to connect the link (3) to the strut. Use a wrench in order to hold the front stabilizer shaft link stud. Tighten the nut to 74 N·m (55 lb ft).
  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Install the dash upper extension panel.

    16. Object Number: 2013118 Size: SH
  16. Install the 3 nuts (10, 11, 12). Tighten the nuts to 8.8 N·m (78 lb in).
  17. Install the 5 nuts (5, 6, 7, 8, 9). Tighten the nuts to 8.8 N·m (78 lb in).
  18. Install the 4 nuts (1, 2, 3, 4). Tighten the nuts to 8.8 N·m (78 lb in).
  19. Engage the clamp on the left side of the dash upper extension panel.
  20. Bend the right side water guard plate and engage the clamp.
  21. Install the windshield wiper motor. Refer to Windshield Wiper Motor Replacement.
  22. Measure the front wheel alignment. Adjust the alignment if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.