Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement Strut Assembly

Special ToolsJ 42991 Strut Rod Nut SocketJ 45400 Strut Spring CompressorRemoval Procedure

Install the strut assembly in the J 45400 strut spring compressor using the following procedure.Adjust the lower legs of the J 45400 strut spring compressor to the lowest possible coil of the spring.Adjust the upper legs of the J 45400 strut spring compressor to the highest possible coil of the spring.Inspect the strut assembly to insure hooks on the strut compress legs are properlyinstalled on the spring coils.Verify the strut assembly is parallel with the J 45400 strut spring compressor.Compress the spring enough to unload the upper strut mount.

Caution:Do not allow the absorber rod to rotate duringdisassembly/reassembly. Use hand tools to keep the absorber rodfrom rotating. If air tools are used, and the rod is allowed torotate, damage to the absorber may occur.

Use the J 42991 strut rod nut socket or equivalent hand tools to remove the strut shaft nut.

Note:Leave the spring in the spring compressor.

Lower the strut from the spring assembly.

Caution:Do not handle the top mount assembly by the plastic portion.Handle the top mount assembly by the metal portion whenremoving/installing the top mount from/to the strut assembly.Holding the top mount assembly by the plastic portion may loosenthe snap fit of the bearing components and cause the bearing tofall apart.

Remove the upper mount assembly, inspect for damage and deterioration. Replace asnecessary.Remove the strut dust shield and inspect for damage and deterioration. Replace asnecessary.Remove the hollow bumper from the strut shaft and inspect for damage and deterioration.Replace as necessary.Inspect the spring for damage. Replace as necessary.Installation Procedure

Extend the strut to its limit of travel.Install the hollow bumper and dust boot to the strut shaft.

Note:The end of the coil sits up against the tab on the spring seat.

With the spring in the compressor, install the strut into the spring.

Note:The anti-rotation tab on the spring seat must face 180-degrees from the directionthat the knuckle bracket points.

Assemble the upper spring seat onto the strut shaft and align the flat with the strutto knuckle mounting bracket.

Caution:Do not handle the top mount assembly by the plastic portion.Handle the top mount assembly by the metal portion whenremoving/installing the top mount from/to the strut assembly.Holding the top mount assembly by the plastic portion may loosenthe snap fit of the bearing components and cause the bearing tofall apart.

Note:The flat on the metal plate of the top mount assembly must face the same directionof the anti-rotation tab on the spring seat.

Assemble the top mount onto the strut shaft and align the flat 180-degrees from flaton the upper spring seat.

Loosely install the strut shaft nut.

Caution:Do not allow the absorber rod to rotate duringdisassembly/reassembly. Use hand tools to keep the absorber rodfrom rotating. If air tools are used, and the rod is allowed torotate, damage to the absorber may occur.

Caution:Refer toFastener Caution.

Hold the strut shaft and use the J 42991 strut rod nut socket or equivalent hand tools to tighten the shaft while verifying that the upper springseat flats align with the top mount.

Tighten the strut shaft to 55-Y (41-lb-ft).

Release the tension on the J 45400 strut spring compressor.Remove the strut assembly from the J 45400 strut spring compressor.