Question 1

How to replace the front shock absorber cartridge on Pontiac Grand Prix?

Accepted Answer

To start with, for the 1996 and earlier models, one has to identify the position of the strut mount cover before removing the nuts and the cover and of should be done having the vehicle on the ground and out of jack and suspension. After that, one must take off the strut shaft nut by using the tool that clamps up from underneath while you put a Torx bit into the shaft so that it does not rotate. Remove the strut mount bushing and the upper strut bumper; may hammer the strut shaft into the cartridge using pipe. Loosen this nut with the aid of a special tool then pull out this strut cartridge. Whether the old cartridge had a leak or not, if it had damper fluid, please use the suction pump to drain it and dispose it off. Place the replacement strut cartridge there and fasten the nut to the torque specified and then put on the bumper. Screw in the strut shaft nut just enough to get a hold of it with locking pliers, lift the shaft if necessary, then remove the nut and put in the bushing. Last of all engage and tighten both the strut shaft and cover nuts to the recommended torque. For 1997 and later models, open the hood and then undo the three top strut to body bolts and then undo the wheel center bolts, then jack up the front and support the rear on jackstands and block the front wheels. Take off the wheel and make necessary identification of the relationship between the strut and the steering knuckle. The nuts of the strut-to-knuckle bolts should be undone, and the bolts themselves should be knocked out using a brass punch and a hammer, and the strut should be then separated from the steering knuckle, but, one must be very keen not to over-flex the inner CV joint or stretch the brake hose. With the other hand support the strut and spring assembly, undo the upper strut mounting nuts and bolt and take out the assembly. Look for leakage from the strut body area, ascertain if the body has any damages or cracks and examine the coil spring for chips or cracks. If they are worn or damaged in some way, replace the strut or the coil spring as the case may be. Place the spring/strut in a vise by installing the coil spring compressor tools and force the spring until that there is no tension felt near the upper mounting. Place a Torx socket on the end of the strut piston rod and use a box wrench to drive off the thrust bearing retaining nut then remove the top mounting, thrust bearing, upper spring seat, spring boot and finally the bump stop. If a new spring is being put in, carefully slip the original spring from the compressor when it is in compression; if retaining the spring, leave it in compression. The strut can be replaced by moving the spring from the old strut to the new one, reinstalling the upper components and tightening the bearing retainer nut to the stipulated torque. With the lower spring fitted in its seat set the compressor to about half of its capacity then move it side to side before withdrawing the tools. Align the strut assembly to the fender well, and pass the upper mount studs through the holes of the shock tower then tighten the nuts to hold the strut in place. Use the previously created marks and slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange then install the two bolts and tighten nuts to above mentioned torque. Last of all, secure the wheel by placing the wheel back, and turn the wheel lug nuts and the upper mounting nuts as requested by the torque. To be more precise and convenient it is better to drive the vehicle to the dealer service department or alignment shop to check and restore the front wheel alignment if required.

Question 2

How to replace the shock absorber and upper mount assembly on Pontiac Firebird?

Accepted Answer

Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands, then remove the wheel and tire. Place a hydraulic jack under the lower control arm to support it. Remove the brake hose retaining clip from the strut mount and detach the hose from the mount. Take out the brake caliper mounting bolts and hang the caliper out of the way with wire, ensuring it does not hang by the brake hose. Mark the relationship of the strut to the steering knuckle with white paint, then loosen the top strut-to-steering knuckle bolt. Loosen and remove the bottom strut-to-knuckle bolt, followed by the top bolt. From under the hood, remove the cover from the upper end of the strut. Hold the top of the strut piston with one wrench while removing the upper mount retaining nut with another. Remove the strut and check the bearing in the upper mount by turning it with your finger. If the upper mount needs to be removed, carefully scribe around it before taking out the retaining bolts. Remove the mount and retaining bracket. If the bearing is defective, the entire top strut mount assembly must be replaced since the bearing alone is not replaceable. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure; to assist in installing the upper end of the strut, carefully lower the jack supporting the lower control arm enough to get a hand on the piston, then feed it through the upper mount and attach the retaining nut.

OEM Pontiac Shock Absorber

177 Shock Absorbers found

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 96980829

Pontiac Strut Part Number: 96980825

Pontiac Strut, Front Part Number: 22064781

Pontiac Strut Part Number: 96980826

Pontiac Shock Absorber, Rear Part Number: 19169325

Pontiac Strut Part Number: 88955411

Pontiac Strut, Front Part Number: 20795223

Pontiac Strut, Front Passenger Side Part Number: 20794268

Pontiac Strut, Driver Side Part Number: 19208308

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 88946013

Pontiac Strut Part Number: 96980827

Pontiac Strut, Front Driver Side Part Number: 20794267

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 96980824

Pontiac Shock Absorber, Rear Part Number: 22064811

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 88945195

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 88945825

Pontiac Shock Absorber, Rear Part Number: 22761744

Pontiac Strut Assembly Part Number: 88945820

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 92217535

Pontiac Shock Absorber Part Number: 92223607

Pontiac Shock Absorber

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