LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Chevrolet >> 2000 >> Venture Plus >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 355 (Rear Suspension System) >> Repair Instructions >> Strut Disassembly/Assembly Repair >> Assembly Procedure
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Assembly Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal and 2002 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Install the strut to J-34013-B. Use wing nuts (1) in order to secure the tool to the mounting holes. Position the wide end of the adapter outboard. See Figure.
  2. NOTE: Align J-34013-971 and 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 J-34013-971 and J-34013-125. See Figure.
  4. Install the strut to J-34013-971 and J-34013-125.
  5. Close J-34013-971 and J-34013-125.
  6. NOTE: Position the top of the strut flat against J-34013-125. The strut will not align correctly if the strut does not lay flat against the tool.
  7. Install the locking pins (2) through the holes of J-34013-B and the mounting holes of the strut.
  8. Fully extend the strut shaft (1).
  9. Attach J-34013-20. This prevents the shaft (1) from retracting during compression.
    Fig 1: Attaching Damper Rod Clamp (J-34013-20) To Strut
    G00379290Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  10. Install the spring to the strut. Ensure to position the upper and lower spring seats correctly.
    Fig 2: Installing Spring On Strut
    G00379291Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  11. Install all the other components to the strut.
  12. 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. See Figure.
  13. NOTE: Align J-34013-197 straight with the strut. If the J-34013-197 is not aligned, repeat steps 1-12 until the tool is straight.
  14. Insert J-34013-197 down through the top of J-34013-B and onto the shaft.
  15. CAUTION: Do not over compress the spring. Severe overloading may cause tool failure which could result in bodily injury.
    NOTE: Keep the strut rod in a stationary position when you tighten the strut nut. Turning the strut rod may damage the strut. See Figure.
  16. Insert a new strut nut on the strut rod.
  17. NOTE: 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.
  18. Place J-42991 on the strut nut. Tighten the strut rod to upper mount to 75 N.m (55 ft lbs).
  19. Insert a T-45 TORX® through J-34013-197.
  20. Tighten the strut nut while holding the shaft with a T-45 TORX®.
  21. Remove the following tools from J-34013-B:
    1. Remove J-34013-20.
    2. Remove J-34013-197.
    3. Remove J-42991.
  22. Remove the strut from J-34013-B.
  23. Install strut to vehicle. See STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT .
  24. Adjust the rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in SPECIFICATIONS .