Suspension Strut Disposal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING:

Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do not remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube. If the snap ring is removed, the contents of the shock absorber will come out with extreme force which may result in personal injury.

WARNING:

To prevent personal injury, wear safety glasses when centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber. Use care not to puncture the shock absorber tube with the centerpunch.

NOTE:

A typical shock absorber/strut is depicted in graphics for illustrative purposes only and may differ in actual appearance.

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

Make an indentation as shown 10 mm (0.4 in) (a) from the bottom (4) of the shock absorber/strut tube (3) using a centerpunch.
Clamp the shock absorber/strut in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber/strut rod (1) completely extended.

NOTE:

Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber/strut. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.

Drill a hole in the shock absorber/strut at the centerpunch (4) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit.
Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the shock absorber/strut tube (3) with a centerpunch.

NOTE:

Oil will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber/strut. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.

Drill a second hole in the shock absorber/strut at the centerpunch (2) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit.
Remove the shock absorber/strut from the vise. Hold the shock absorber/strut over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (3) to completely drain the oil from the shock absorber/strut.