Suspension Strut Disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. 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.

Fig 1: Middle Of Strut Rod

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the strut rod completely extended.
Make an indentation in the middle of the tube (a) with a centerpunch.
Drill a hole in the strut at the centerpunch using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Gas and/or oil will escape 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 horizontally with the hole down. Move the rod in and out of the tube to completely drain the oil from the strut.