Suspension Strut Disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Use the proper eye protection when drilling to prevent metal chips from causing physical Injury.

Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod (1) completely extended.
Drill a hole in the strut at the center of the end cap (3) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the strut. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.

Fig 1: Drilling Strut For Disposal

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Remove the strut from the vise.
Hold the strut over a drain pan vertically with the hole down.
Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (2) to completely drain the oil from the strut.