Shock Absorber Disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Chevrolet Spark. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: 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.

Fig 1: Drilling A Hole In Strut At Center Of End Cap Using Drill Bit
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
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.