Coil Springs - Front Pair

Replace both front coil springs on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV by removing the strut assemblies, compressing and replacing the springs, then reinstalling the complete assemblies.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mounting bearing assembly × 2 — Recommended replacement during service
• Upper strut mount × 2 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Ball joint cotter pin × 2 — Replace during reassembly
• Bump stop and dust boot kit × 2 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery located in the engine compartment.
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove.
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points and secure with jack stands under the subframe.
5. Remove both front wheels completely and set aside.
6. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes.
7. Take photos of the installation for reference during reassembly, noting spring orientation and component positions.

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate the sway bar link connections at each front strut. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation, then remove the upper sway bar link nut using a wrench. Separate the link from the strut assembly. Support the sway bar if necessary to prevent strain on the opposite side.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Remove the cotter pin from the ball joint castle nut. Remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the lower control arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠The steering knuckle and brake assembly will become loose once the ball joint is separated. Support with a bungee cord or wire to prevent stress on brake hoses.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut assembly to the steering knuckle at the lower portion of the strut. Support the knuckle and brake assembly with a jack or support stand. Remove both strut-to-knuckle bolts completely. Pull the knuckle assembly away from the strut and secure it to the vehicle with wire or a bungee cord to prevent brake hose damage.
   ⚠Do not allow the knuckle assembly to hang by the brake hose. Support the weight to prevent damage to brake lines and ABS sensors.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the strut tower in the engine compartment. Remove any plastic covers or caps covering the upper strut mount. Have an assistant support the strut assembly from below, or use a jack under the strut. Remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Carefully lower the complete strut assembly out of the vehicle from below.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Ensure it is properly supported before removing the final mounting nut to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable work surface. Install the coil spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are fully engaged with the spring coils and positioned away from the spring ends. Follow the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions exactly. Compress the spring evenly by alternating between compressor tools until the spring tension is relieved from the upper mount.
   ⚠️Ensure spring compressor tools are properly seated and rated for the spring's load. Compress slowly and evenly. Never place any body part in the potential release path of the spring.
6. 6

   Disassemble strut assembly
   Once the spring is fully compressed and tension is relieved from the upper mount, use a strut rod holding tool or vice grips to prevent the strut shaft from rotating. Remove the upper strut mount nut using a wrench. Carefully remove the upper mount, bearing plate, and upper spring seat. Note the exact orientation of each component. Remove the compressed spring from the strut, keeping the compressors installed. Remove the bump stop and dust boot from the strut shaft and inspect for damage.
7. 7

   Transfer components to new spring
   Inspect the upper mount, bearing, and bump stop for wear. Replace if damaged or if over 100,000 miles. Keep the spring compressors on the old spring and set aside safely. Install the spring compressors on the new spring in the same positions as the old spring. Compress the new spring evenly until it can be installed on the strut. Note the orientation markings on the spring - the tighter coil spacing typically faces the upper mount. Install the bump stop and dust boot on the strut shaft.
   ⚠New springs have specific top and bottom orientations. Verify the spring end matches the upper spring seat design before assembly.
8. 8

   Reassemble strut assembly
   Place the compressed new spring onto the strut, ensuring the lower spring end seats properly in the lower spring perch on the strut body. Install the upper spring seat, bearing plate, and upper mount in the exact reverse order of removal, ensuring correct orientation. The bearing must rotate freely. Hold the strut shaft with the holding tool and install the upper strut mount nut. Torque the nut to specification per the strut manufacturer (typically 50-65 Nm, verify with spring kit instructions).
9. 9

   Release spring compressor
   Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides to decompress the spring gradually. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats as tension is applied. Once fully decompressed and seated, remove the spring compressor tools completely. Verify the spring is correctly positioned and the upper mount bearing rotates freely.
   ⚠️Release the spring compressor slowly and watch for proper spring seating. If the spring appears misaligned, stop immediately, recompress, and correct the position.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the complete strut assembly into position from below the vehicle. Guide the upper mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Have an assistant start the three upper strut tower nuts from above while you support the assembly from below. Hand-tighten the nuts. Position the lower portion of the strut to align with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
11. 11

    Install strut-to-knuckle connection
    Pull the steering knuckle toward the strut and align the mounting holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and hand-tighten. Do not fully torque at this time. Remove any support wires or bungee cords from the knuckle assembly.
12. 12

    Reconnect ball joint
    Position the lower control arm ball joint stud into the steering knuckle. Install the ball joint castle nut and torque to specification. Install a new cotter pin through the castle nut and ball joint stud, then bend the ends of the cotter pin to secure. Verify the ball joint connection is tight.
    ⚠Always use a new cotter pin. Ensure the castle nut is torqued properly before installing the cotter pin. Do not back off the nut to align cotter pin holes - tighten further if needed.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut88 Nm (65 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the strut. Hold the ball stud shaft with an Allen key and install the upper sway bar link nut. Torque to specification while preventing the stud from rotating.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque all fasteners
    Torque the three strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern. Torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. Double-check that all fasteners are properly torqued and all connections are secure.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1-14 for the opposite side front strut assembly, following the exact same procedure. Ensure both sides are completed before lowering the vehicle.
16. 16

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle carefully until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not yet loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery.
2. Start the vehicle and verify no warning lights are illuminated related to suspension or steering systems.
3. After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners to verify they remain at specification.
4. Have a professional alignment performed immediately after this service - the Bolt EUV's alignment is critical for tire wear and regenerative braking efficiency.

Verification

• Bounce each corner of the vehicle to verify the springs compress and rebound smoothly without noise.
• Verify there is no clunking, rattling, or unusual noise from the front suspension when driving over bumps.
• Check that the steering wheel is centered when driving straight - misalignment indicates an immediate alignment is needed.
• Inspect all fasteners are tight and properly torqued, especially after the first test drive.
• Verify the vehicle sits level front-to-back and side-to-side when parked on level ground.
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment within 24 hours of completing this repair.

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