Assembly Procedure

Important:  When assembling the strut mount to the strut, orient the mount such that the mount stud without the hole next to it is lined up above the opening in the strut-to-knuckle attachment bracket. This should orient the wedge/bearing/upper spring seat such that the angle of the upper spring seat is approximately parallel to the angle of the lower spring seat. If it does not, rotate the wedge on the mount, keeping the mount oriented as described, until the upper spring seat is approximately parallel to the lower spring seat.

1. Assemble the strut (1) in the J 34013-B  using adapters J 34013-971, J-34013-972  and J 34013-20  clamped to the strut shaft.
2. Insert the spring over the strut in the correct position and move the spring upright in the strut compressor. Install the upper locking pin (2).
   Fig 1: Upper Locking Pin

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
3. Insert the J 34013-197  into the strut (1) in order to guide the strut shaft.
4. Start turning the compressor screw (3) clockwise on J 34013-B  , while guiding J34013-197  to center the strut shaft.
5. Continue to turn the compressor, forcing the screw on the strut compressor until the strut shaft threads are visible through the top of the strut.
   Fig 2: Installing Strut Spring Using Strut Compressor Tool

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
6. Attach the washer and the nut. Remove the J 34013-20  from the strut shaft. Tighten the strut mount nut to 85 N.m (63 lb ft) with J 42991  while holding the strut shaft with a 45 TORX® socket.
7. Remove the strut from the strut compressor.
8. Install the strut to vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .