Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, requiring strut disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — GM OEM or equivalent
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — GM OEM or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if worn) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly
• Strut bump stop (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Chock front wheels securely.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift points.
5. Support vehicle on jack stands at proper chassis support points, ensuring stability.
6. Remove rear wheels completely.
7. Visually inspect area for any damaged high voltage cables (orange) before proceeding.
8. Allow suspension to hang at full droop to facilitate disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the rear strut assembly. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft of the sway bar link while loosening the upper nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the sway bar link from the strut mounting point. Allow the sway bar link to hang free.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove lower strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the bottom of the strut to the rear knuckle assembly. Support the knuckle with a jack or secure it to prevent sudden dropping. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Carefully separate the strut from the knuckle by pulling outward on the knuckle or tapping with a plastic mallet if needed.
   ⚠The knuckle and hub assembly will drop when strut is disconnected. Support the assembly or allow it to hang safely on the control arm.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access and remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the rear cargo area and remove the interior trim panel or access cover above the strut tower on the side being serviced. This is typically secured with plastic clips. Locate the three upper strut mount nuts at the top of the strut tower. While supporting the strut assembly from below, remove all three upper mounting nuts. Carefully lower the strut assembly out of the vehicle.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure it is properly supported before removing final mounting nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Install spring compressor on coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable workbench. Install the coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring (180 degrees apart), ensuring the compressor hooks engage fully with the spring coils. The compressor should engage at least 3 full coils. Begin compressing the spring evenly by alternating between the two compressor tools, turning each a few turns at a time to maintain even compression.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor hooks are fully engaged and properly rated for the spring load. Uneven compression or improper engagement can cause the spring to slip out violently.
   ⚠Compress the spring slowly and evenly. Never stand directly over or in line with a compressed spring.
5. 5

   Remove strut shaft nut and disassemble
   Once the spring is sufficiently compressed that there is no load on the upper strut mount, hold the strut shaft with an Allen key or strut rod holding tool. Remove the upper strut mount nut using a wrench or socket. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and any isolators, noting their orientation and order. Remove the compressed spring from the strut. Keep the spring compressed and stable.
   ⚠️Do not remove the strut shaft nut until spring is fully compressed and there is visible gap at the upper mount. Premature removal will cause violent spring release.
6. 6

   Inspect components and transfer to new spring
   Inspect the strut mount bearing, bump stop, and spring isolators for wear, cracking, or damage. Replace any worn components. Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush if needed. Transfer the lower spring isolator to the new spring, ensuring correct orientation. Install the new spring onto the spring compressor tools in the same manner as removal, compressing it evenly until it can be installed on the strut.
   ℹ️Springs are side-specific and have directional installation. Verify the new spring matches the original and note any orientation markings or paint codes.
7. 7

   Reassemble strut with new spring
   Position the compressed new spring onto the strut body, ensuring the lower spring seat locates properly in the lower spring perch on the strut. Install the upper spring isolator, spring seat, bearing plate, and upper strut mount in the correct order and orientation as noted during disassembly. Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Tighten the nut to specification per manufacturer guidelines (typically 50-70 Nm for this application).
   ⚠Verify the spring ends are properly seated in both the upper and lower spring seats before proceeding. Misalignment can cause spring to shift when decompressed.
8. 8

   Release spring compressor
   Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tools by alternating between them, turning each a small amount at a time. As tension releases, verify the spring remains properly seated in both upper and lower seats. Once completely released and the spring is fully seated, remove the compressor tools from the spring.
   ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. If spring begins to shift or appears misaligned, stop immediately, recompress, and reposition.
9. 9

   Install strut assembly into vehicle
   Lift the assembled strut into position in the wheel well, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower mounting holes. Install the three upper strut tower nuts finger-tight initially. Align the lower strut mount with the knuckle mounting holes. Install the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts finger-tight.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque strut mounting fasteners
    Torque the three upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Torque the two lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Ensure all fasteners are properly seated and torqued to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Reconnect the sway bar link to the strut mounting point. Install the nut and hold the link shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft).
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheels and thread the lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed from the cargo area.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both rear springs.
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in the vehicle.
3. Rock the vehicle side-to-side to settle the suspension before final inspection.

Verification

• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for any unusual noises from the rear suspension.
• Verify the vehicle sits level and ride height appears normal compared to before the repair.
• Check that there are no rattles, clunks, or abnormal handling characteristics.
• Re-torque all suspension fasteners after 50-100 miles of driving.
• Have wheel alignment checked by a professional, as suspension work typically affects alignment settings.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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