How to Replace the Back Struts on a 1994 Lumina
When replacing the rear struts in a Chevy Lumina, it is recommended that you replace the rear coil springs as well. Struts can be purchased as quick strut assemblies. These assemblies have new strut mounts and coil springs already installed, preventing the need to compress and remove the coil spring.
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Instructions
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1
Loosen the lug nuts on the rear tires with the lug wrench, but do not remove them at this time. Raise the Lumina with the floor jack and place the jack stands under the side rails. Lower the vehicle down until it rests on the jack stands. Shake the vehicle to ensure it rests securely on the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and the rear tires.
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2
Open the trunk and pull back the carpet from the wheel well area on each side. Loosen the the strut mounting nuts with the wrench set, but do not remove them at this time. Remove the two lower mounting bolt and nut assemblies on one side of the vehicle, located at the bottom of the strut directly behind the rear drums with the wrench set. Repeat for the opposite side.
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3
Remove the the upper mounting nuts on one side of the vehicle, using the wrench set. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle. Repeat for the opposite side.
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4
Place the new quick strut assembly into position and push the upper mount studs through the mounting holes in the Lumina. Have a helper thread the nuts onto the studs but do not tighten. Pull the new strut assembly into place and place the mounting bolts through the lower mounting holes. Thread on the retaining nuts and tighten with the wrench set. Tighten the upper mounting nuts with the wrench set. Repeat for the opposite side.
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5
Place the wheels back onto the vehicle and hand tighten the lug nuts. Raise the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the Lumina to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
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Tips & Warnings
Never remove a strut mount with out the spring compressed; serious injury or death could result.
References
- Photo Credit car spring image by Ray Carpenter from Fotolia.com
