Coil Springs - Rear Pair

This procedure covers the replacement of both rear coil springs on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, requiring suspension disassembly and proper spring compression techniques.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM GM specification for 2023 Bolt EUV
• Rear coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM GM specification for 2023 Bolt EUV
• Spring isolator pads (if damaged) × 2 — Inspect during disassembly

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks at front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at designated rear lift point
5. Place jack stands under manufacturer-specified rear support points on both sides
6. Remove both rear wheels completely
7. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow 15 minutes to soak
8. Verify spring compressor tool is in good working condition with no damaged threads or worn components

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear knuckle assembly
   Position a floor jack with a block of wood under the rear knuckle/lower control arm area to support the suspension weight. Raise just enough to take load off the strut but do not lift the vehicle. This support must remain in place during spring removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the rear sway bar link connection at the strut or lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation and remove the sway bar link nut. Disconnect the link from the mounting point and move aside. Repeat for opposite side.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove lower strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the bottom of the strut assembly to the rear knuckle. Use a breaker bar to loosen these bolts, then remove them completely. Support the strut assembly as the second bolt is removed to prevent sudden movement. Note the orientation of any alignment cams or washers for reinstallation.
   ⚠The strut assembly may shift when bolts are removed. Keep hands clear of pinch points between knuckle and strut.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Access the rear cargo area and remove the interior trim panel or access cover to expose the upper strut tower nuts. Have an assistant support the strut from below or use the floor jack to prevent the strut from dropping. Remove the upper strut tower nuts (typically 3 nuts per strut). Carefully lower the strut assembly down and remove it from the vehicle.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is heavy and under spring tension. Do not allow it to drop suddenly when upper nuts are removed.
   Torque spec

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

   Install spring compressor on old spring
   With the strut assembly on a secure workbench, install the spring compressor tool onto the coil spring. Position compressor hooks on opposite sides of the spring, ensuring hooks engage coils securely (typically 3-4 coils from each end). Verify hooks are fully seated in coils and not slipping on the spring surface.
   ⚠️Spring compressor hooks must be fully engaged on the spring coils. Partially seated hooks can slip off under compression, releasing the spring violently.
6. 6

   Compress spring and disassemble strut
   Alternately tighten the spring compressor bolts/screws evenly, compressing the spring gradually until tension is relieved from the upper strut mount (you should be able to wiggle the mount slightly). Using a socket to hold the strut shaft and another wrench on the top nut, remove the upper strut shaft nut. Remove the upper mount, bearing plate, and upper spring isolator. Carefully remove the compressed spring from the strut shaft. Keep the spring in the compressor.
   ⚠️Compress the spring evenly and slowly. Uneven compression can cause the spring to shift or the compressor to fail. Never remove the upper strut nut until spring is fully compressed and tension is relieved.
7. 7

   Transfer compressor to new spring or install new spring
   If reusing the spring compressor, carefully release tension evenly and slowly, then remove compressor from old spring. Install compressor onto new spring in the same manner as removal, ensuring hooks are properly engaged. Compress new spring until it can be installed onto strut shaft with upper and lower isolators in correct position. If new springs come pre-compressed, verify compression is adequate before installation.
   ⚠️When releasing spring compressor from old spring, maintain even pressure and release slowly. A sudden release can cause spring to expand violently.
8. 8

   Reassemble strut with new spring
   Install the lower spring isolator onto the strut lower spring seat in the correct orientation. Place the compressed new spring onto the strut shaft, aligning with lower isolator. Install upper spring isolator, bearing plate (if equipped), and upper strut mount in correct order. Ensure spring ends are properly seated in isolator recesses. Thread the upper strut shaft nut and tighten while holding shaft from rotating. Torque to manufacturer specification (if provided) or tighten securely.
9. 9

   Release spring compressor
   Verify all strut components are properly aligned and the upper nut is tight. Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor, alternating between adjustment points to maintain even pressure. Once spring is fully seated and compressor is loose, remove compressor tool from spring. Verify spring is properly seated in upper and lower isolators.
   ⚠Release compressor slowly and evenly. Monitor spring seating as tension is released to ensure it seats properly in isolators.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mounting studs through the strut tower holes. From inside the cargo area, install the upper strut tower nuts hand-tight. Support strut from below with floor jack. Align the lower strut bracket with the knuckle mounting holes and install strut-to-knuckle bolts hand-tight. Do not torque at this time.
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into its mounting point on the strut or control arm. Install the sway bar link nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Do not torque at this time.
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear spring, ensuring both springs are replaced as a pair. Verify both strut assemblies are properly positioned before proceeding to torque specifications.
13. 13

    Torque all fasteners to specification
    Torque upper strut tower nuts to 50 Nm (37 lb-ft). Torque lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to 115 Nm (85 lb-ft). Torque sway bar link nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft) while holding shaft with Allen key. Verify all fasteners are tight and properly torqued on both sides.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts115 Nm (85 lb-ft)

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

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Install both rear wheels and thread lug nuts hand-tight. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque wheel lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 lb-ft) in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts190 Nm (140 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any interior trim panels or access covers removed to access strut tower nuts
2. Verify all tools have been removed from under vehicle and cargo area
3. Perform a visual inspection of both rear spring installations to ensure proper seating

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for abnormal noises from rear suspension
• Verify vehicle sits level side-to-side and front-to-rear at normal ride height
• Check for any rattling or clunking noises over bumps that would indicate loose components
• Schedule a four-wheel alignment immediately after spring replacement, as rear suspension geometry has been affected
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all suspension fasteners to specification and verify no loosening has occurred

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