How to Replace the Springs in a Saturn Ion

The short-lived Ion series was Saturn's entry-level car designed for first time new car buyers. The Ion was offered in several variations but production was discontinued in 2007 after four years. The springs in the Ion are easy to replace, but the job requires the use of a Torx socket for removing the springs.

Instructions

Replacing the Front Springs

1

Block the wheels with jack stands and raise the vehicle, if necessary, before removing the strut assembly.

2

Attach the strut assembly securely to the compressor with a strut to steering bolt through the lower hole.

3

Compress the spring enough to take off the upper strut mount and hold the shaft with the Torx socket and remove the strut shaft nut.

4

Release the spring compressor and lean the strut out in order to remove the upper strut mount assembly and the spring.

5

Replace the spring and examine the strut assembly for signs of wear before reassembling.

6

Reassemble the strut assembly and pay special attention when torquing the strut shaft nut to the proper amount of foot pounds as specified by the manufacturer.

7

Remove the compressor, reattach the upper strut cap and retainers. Tighten the retainers and reinstall the strut onto the Ion.

Replacing the Rear Springs

8

Place a jack stand beneath the rear axle near each shock absorber to support the axle's weight while servicing the Ion.

9

Remove the wheel, rear brake hose bracket U-clips and lower shock bolts.

10

Lower the jack stands carefully to take the tension off the rear springs in order to remove them. This step is potentially dangerous as the spring needs to be released cautiously to avid injury.

11

Remove the upper spring seat/jounce bumper and leave the lower one on the Ion.

12

Replace the spring and inspect all parts for signs of wear before reattaching them.

13

Attach the upper spring seat/jounce bumper back onto the spring. Replace the spring with the tag pointed towards the rear and the lower part of the spring properly set in the lower spring seat. Raise the rear axle with the jack stands and reattach the lower shock absorber bolts and brake hose bracket U-clips.

14

Put the wheels back onto the Ion and remove the jack stands. Perform a safety check before driving.