How to Replace the Shocks and Struts in a Pontiac Grand Prix

Pontiac's Grand Prix is a sporty car with excellent handling and when it's new it has a smooth ride. Over time the ride becomes bumpy and after 60,000 miles under normal driving conditions, you need to replace the struts.

Instructions

1

Open the hood and use a permanent marker to outline the strut cover to the body, so you know how to align it when you replace it. The struts are located over the wheel wells. Lift the front end of the Grand Prix with a floor jack and support it by the frame with jack stands. Use a tire iron to loosen and remove the nuts securing the wheels, and set the wheels aside.

2

Disconnect the strut cover by removing the three nuts surrounding it. Remove the shaft nut underneath the cover with a ratchet. Pry the mount insulator out with a flat-head screwdriver. Slide out the strut bumper and use a strut alignment tool to compress the strut. Unscrew the closure nut with a wrench and pull the strut cartridge out of the housing.

3

Remove any oil in the housing and repeat Steps 2 and 3 on the other side of the Grand Prix.

4

Slide the new strut cartridge in and set the torque wrench to 82 foot lb. Tighten the closure nut until you feel the wrench slip. Compress the strut with the alignment tool and slide the strut bumper in place. Lubricate the strut mount with soap to slide it into position. Torque the strut shaft nut to 59 foot lb.

5

Align the strut cover with the marker outline and torque the nuts to 24 foot lb. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to this point on the other side of the car. Mount the front wheels and lower the front of the Grand Prix. Have a professional align all four wheels.