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Home >> Chevrolet >> 2001 >> Impala Base, 3.8 K >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 499 (Front Suspension System) >> Repair Instructions >> Suspension Strut Disposal

Suspension Strut Disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue. 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.
  1. Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod (1) completely extended.
  2. 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 A Hole In The Strut At The Center Of The End Cap
    G01757209Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  3. Remove the strut from the vise.
  4. Hold the strut over a drain pan vertically with the hole down.
  5. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (2) to completely drain the oil from the strut.