How to Replace the Springs in a Pontiac Bonneville

Raise the vehicle and secure the wheels with jack stands before removing the strut assembly. Install the strut into the strut compressor.

Turn the compressor screw until the spring compresses a bit, before removing the nut from the strut shaft.

Install the rod tool to guide the strut shaft from out of the strut assembly.

Loosen the compressor screw as you slide out the strut shaft. Further loosen the compressor screw until the strut and spring are free.

Replace the spring and reinstall the strut in the compressor in order to reassemble the strut components by reversing the previous steps. Be sure to clamp the strut securely and tighten the bolts and nuts to manufacturer's specifications.

Take the strut out of the compressor tool and reinstall the strut assembly in the Bonneville.

Lower the vehicle and perform a safety check before taking the Bonneville out on the road.

Remove the strut upper mounting nuts through the trunk. You may have to remove the rear seat to get to the mounting nuts. Raise the vehicle and secure the wheels with jack stands.

Remove the tire and wheel assembly. If the car has Electronic Level Control (ELC) unfasten and disconnect it from the strut.

Put a floor jack beneath the control arm and unfasten the strut-to-knuckle bolts.

Remove the strut tower mounting nuts and take the knuckle off the strut before removing the strut from the Bonneville. If equipped with Computer Control Ride, lower the strut and unplug the connector.

Clamp the strut into the strut compressor and disassemble the strut assembly to remove the spring. This step can be dangerous if the pressure on the spring is not released slowly.

Reassemble and reinstall the strut. Tighten the following to the manufacturer's specifications after lowering the car: upper strut mounting nuts, strut-to-knuckle nuts and the wheel lug nuts.

Replace the trunk covers and seats if removed. Check the alignment of the rear wheels. Realign if necessary.