Chevrolet Trax: Strut assembly removal and installation

Special Tools

CH-49375 Spanner

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the air inlet grille panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Trax) , Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Encore) .

Fig. 32: Front Suspension Strut Mount Plate Nut Cap

2. If equipped, remove the front suspension strut mount plate nut cap (1).

Fig. 33: Special Tool And Torx(R) Bit

3. Use the CH-49375 spanner (2) and a suitable tool (1) to loosen the front suspension strut mount plate nut.

Fig. 34: Front Strut Nut And Retaining Plate

4. Remove the front suspension strut mount plate nut (1) and the front suspension strut mount plate (2).
5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
7. Remove any harnesses or hoses attached to the strut assembly.
8. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the strut assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.

Fig. 35: Front Strut Components

9. Remove the front suspension strut nuts (1) and bolts (2).

Fig. 36: Front Strut Assembly

10. Push the lower control arm and steering knuckle downward to disengage the strut assembly and remove the strut assembly (1) from the vehicle.
11. If removing the strut assembly to service any of the strut assembly components, refer to Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement.

Installation Procedure

Fig. 37: Front Strut Assembly

1. Push the lower control arm and steering knuckle downward and install strut assembly (1) on the vehicle.

Fig. 38: Front Strut Components

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution .

2. Install the front suspension strut nuts (1) and bolts (2) and tighten the nuts (1) to 110 N.m (82 lb ft).
3. Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the strut assembly. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement.
4. Connect any harnesses or hoses previously attached to the strut assembly.
5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

Fig. 39: Front Strut Nut And Retaining Plate

6. Install the front suspension strut mount plate (2) and start the front suspension strut mount plate nut (1)

Fig. 40: Special Tool And Torx(R) Bit

7. Use the CH-49375 spanner (2) and a suitable tool (1) to tighten the front suspension strut mount plate nut to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).

Fig. 41: Front Suspension Strut Mount Plate Nut Cap

8. If equipped, install the front suspension strut mount plate nut cap (1).
9. Install the air inlet grille panel. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Trax) , Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement (Encore) .

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