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Home >> Pontiac >> 2004 >> GTO Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Suspension >> Front Suspension >> Front Suspension System >> Repair Instructions >> Strut, Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement >> Installation Procedure

Installation Procedure

    IMPORTANT: Do not grip the strut rod with any tools below the hex shaped portion.
  1. Hold the strut rod and the strut housing.
  2. Pull the strut rod to the maximum length.
    3. Fig 1: View Of Dust Shield Assembly & Filter
    GM1386835Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Install the strut dust shield (1) assembly.
  4. Ensure the filter (2) remains seated inside the boot portion of the strut dust shield.
    5. Fig 2: Identifying Distance Between Bottom Of Strut Dust Shield & Bottom Of Lower Spring Seat
    GM1386886Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  5. Position the strut dust shield on the strut housing tube.

    Specification:  The distance (a) between the bottom of the strut dust shield and the bottom of the lower spring seat is 30 mm to 35 mm.

  6. Install a NEW clamp in order to retain the strut dust shield to the strut housing tube.
    7. Fig 3: Exploded View Of Strut
    GM1386834Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  7. Install the spring (13) to the strut housing (12).

    Install the straight projecting lower end of the spring to the lower spring seat.

  8. Use the J 45400  , or equivalent, in order to compress the spring. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  9. Install the strut bumper (7).
  10. Install the spring upper insulator (14).

    Install the step on the upper insulator to the straight projecting upper end of the spring.

  11. Install the upper spring seat (6).

    Ensure the double notch in the upper flange of the upper spring seat is on the inboard side of the strut assembly.

  12. Pull the strut rod to the maximum length.
  13. If the strut rod nut is on the strut rod, remove the strut rod nut.
    14. Fig 4: View Of Strut Rod Shaft, Strut Mount Nut, & Bearing
    GM1386832Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  14. Install the strut bearing (4) to the upper spring seat in the same orientation as in the removal procedure.

    Ensure the narrow outer section faces towards the upper spring seat collar.

  15. Install the lower washer.

    Ensure the dish shape side of the lower washer faces downward.

  16. Install the strut mount.

    Ensure the lower washer does not bind with the lower edge of the mount.

  17. Install the upper washer.

    Ensure the dish shape side of the upper washer faces upward.

    18. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
  18. Install the strut mount nut (2).

    Use a wrench in order to hold the end of the strut rod shaft (1).

    Tighten:  Tighten the nut to 78 N.m (58 lb ft).

  19. Install the strut dust shield to the upper spring seat.

    Fit the upper end of the strut dust shield over the lower flange of the spring seat collar.

  20. Install a NEW strap in order to retain the strut dust shield to the upper spring seat.
  21. Remove the strut assembly from the J 45400  , or equivalent. See Special Tools and Equipment .
  22. Install the strut assembly to the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
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