Suspension Strut Disposal
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, 2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette, and 2003 Chevrolet Venture. 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.
- 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.