Strut Mount - Rear

This procedure replaces the rear strut mount assembly on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which connects the strut to the vehicle body and allows for suspension articulation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Strut mount bearing (if not included with mount) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking points
5. Secure vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified support points
6. Remove rear wheel completely
7. Allow suspension to hang freely with no weight on strut

Procedure

1. 1

   Access strut tower mounting area
   Open rear hatch. Fold down rear seat back on the side being serviced. Remove rear cargo area trim panels as needed to access the strut tower. On the Bolt EUV, this typically requires removing the side trim panel by releasing plastic clips. The strut tower nuts are accessible from inside the cargo area.
2. 2

   Support the strut assembly
   From underneath the vehicle, place a floor jack with a block of wood under the lower control arm or knuckle assembly to support the weight of the strut and prevent it from falling when the top mount is disconnected. Apply just enough pressure to support the weight without compressing the suspension.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and will drop when unbolted from the tower. Ensure adequate support is in place before loosening any fasteners.
3. 3

   Remove strut tower mounting nuts
   From inside the cargo area, locate the three strut tower mounting nuts. Hold the center strut shaft with a wrench or Allen key to prevent rotation if necessary. Remove all three nuts completely. Keep these nuts if reusing, but verify they are in good condition without thread damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect lower strut mounting
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the strut-to-knuckle bolts at the lower end of the strut assembly. These are typically two bolts passing through the steering knuckle. Remove both bolts completely. The strut assembly can now be removed from the vehicle by lowering the support jack and maneuvering the strut downward and out.
   ⚠Control the descent of the strut carefully. The assembly is heavy and contains a compressed spring.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressor
   With the strut assembly on a stable work surface, install a quality spring compressor tool according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure the compressor hooks engage fully on opposite sides of the spring coils. Compress the spring evenly and gradually, alternating between sides, until all tension is removed from the upper strut mount. You should be able to wiggle the mount freely when sufficient compression is achieved.
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. An improperly installed spring compressor can fail catastrophically. Ensure tools are rated for the spring load and properly engaged. Keep your body and face away from the spring path during compression.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and mount
   Hold the strut shaft with a wrench or socket on the flats (typically at the top of the shaft). Remove the strut shaft nut at the top of the assembly. Carefully remove the old strut mount, bearing plate, upper spring seat, and any spacers or insulators. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠Take photos or make notes of component orientation before disassembly. Incorrect reassembly can cause noise, handling problems, or premature wear.
7. 7

   Install new strut mount
   Install the new strut mount assembly in the reverse order of removal. Ensure all components (mount, bearing, spring seat, insulators) are oriented exactly as the originals. The spring seat must align properly with the spring end. Install the strut shaft nut and torque to manufacturer specification (typically 50-70 Nm for this application, though not specifically listed in database).
8. 8

   Release spring compressor
   Carefully and gradually release the spring compressor tension, alternating between sides to keep compression even. Ensure the spring seats properly in both the upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once fully released, verify the spring is seated correctly and remove the compressor tool.
   ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. If the spring appears misaligned, stop immediately and recompress to correct positioning.
9. 9

   Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
   Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the top mount studs through the holes in the strut tower. Support the assembly with a jack from below. From inside the cargo area, install the three strut tower mounting nuts hand-tight initially.
10. 10

    Connect lower strut mounting
    Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle mounting holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the strut is properly oriented with alignment marks or tabs in correct position.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque strut tower nuts
    From inside the cargo area, hold the strut shaft from rotating (if necessary) and torque all three strut tower mounting nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the wheel just touches the ground but does not bear full weight. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern to final specification.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall interior trim
    Replace all cargo area trim panels removed for access. Ensure all clips are properly seated and panels are secure. Return rear seat back to upright position.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners must be torqued to specification using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Suspension components should be torqued with suspension at normal ride height (vehicle weight on wheels) only when specifically noted - this job does NOT require weight on wheels
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in cargo area or under vehicle before operation

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in a safe area at low speeds and verify no unusual noises from rear suspension
• Check for clunking, rattling, or creaking sounds over bumps that would indicate loose or improperly installed components
• Verify steering returns to center normally and there is no pulling to either side
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all fasteners to specification and verify no loosening has occurred
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment as soon as possible after this repair, as suspension geometry may have changed
• Visually inspect the strut tower area from inside cargo area for any signs of movement or stress on the mount

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