How to Replace a Strut in a 2000 Chevy Cavalier

The front struts on the 2000 Chevy Cavalier are coilover struts. This means, the strut mounts in the center of the oil spring. To remove the strut you must compress the spring so it does not hurt you when you remove the top strut bolt. If you remove the bolt, the spring's compression will cause the spring to rebound and that could damage your or your Cavalier. You can get spring compressors at your local automotive parts retailer.

Things You'll Need

• Jack
• Jack stand
• Tire iron
• Spring compressors
• Socket set
• Wrench set

Instructions

1. Lift the driver's side wheel off the ground with a jack and secure the Cavalier on a jack stand. Remove the wheel from the Cavalier with a tire iron. Open the engine hood and prop the hood on the hood prop.

2. Place a spring compressor on the left and right sides of the spring and compress the spring downward. The process for compressing the spring depends on the type of spring compressor you have. Follow the directions supplied with your spring compressor.

3. Remove the bolt that secures the Cavalier's strut to the strut tower. The bolt is located on the fender inside the engine compartment. Remove it with a socket and ratchet.

4. Remove the bolt that secures the bottom of the strut to the back of the brake spindle. The bolt goes through the side of the strut mount on the strut, through the mount on the spindle and through the other side of the strut mount. A nut is threaded onto the bolt to secure everything. Hold the nut with a wrench and remove the bolt with a socket and ratchet. Pull the bolt out.

5. Pull the bottom of the strut away from the spindle and lower the top of the strut out of the strut tower.

6. Remove the spring from the strut and place it onto the new strut. Keep the compressors in place.

7. Slide the top of the strut up and into the strut tower and secure the strut onto the spindle. Push the bolt into place and secure it with the nut, socket, ratchet and wrench.

8. Thread the nut onto the top of the strut and then tighten it with the socket and ratchet.

9. Remove the sing compressors from the spring.

10. Place the wheel onto the Cavalier, secure it with the tire iron and remove the vehicle from the jack stand.

11. Repeat the process on the other side of the Cavalier.

References

• "Chevrolet Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire Repair Manual 1995-2005"; Rob Maddox, Mike Stubblefield, John H. Haynes; 2010