How to Change the Front Struts on the '91 Geo Metro

The front struts on the '91 Geo Metro connect to the body at the inner wheel well and connect to the steering knuckle behind the front brake assembly. When replacing the front struts, it is recommended to use new complete strut assemblies that come with new coil springs and strut mounts preassembled. Doing this will provide for the best ride and the easiest installation possible.

Instructions

Removal

1

Lift the vehicle hood and support it with the hood prop rod. Break the lug nuts for the front wheels loose with the lug wrench.

2

Set the parking brake. Lift the front of the vehicle off the ground with the floor jack and place two of the jack stands under the front frame rails of the vehicle. Lower the floor jack until the vehicle rests securely on the jack stands. Shake the vehicle to ensure that it is seated properly on the jack stands.

3

Remove the lug nuts from both front wheels with the lug wrench and remove the front wheels and tires from the vehicle.

4

Remove the clip that secures the rubber brake line to the strut, using a flat-tip screwdriver. Place a jack stand under each of the lower control arms and raise them until they sit flush with the control arm to support it.

5

Remove the lower strut mounting bolts and nuts with the socket and ratchet; use a wrench to counter movement of the nut when loosening the bolt.

6

Remove the three mounting nuts that secure the upper strut mount to the body of the vehicle, using the socket and ratchet.

7

Gently push the lower strut flanges away from the steering knuckle and pull the strut down and away from the vehicle.

Installation

8

Open the new strut assemblies and lay them out next to the old struts; compare them to make sure they are correct.

9

Lift the strut toward the wheel well and line the upper strut mounting studs through the mounting holes in the body. Push the strut through the mounting holes. Hold the strut in place and loosely install the upper mounting nuts.

10

Push the lower end of the shock over the steering knuckle and line up the mounting holes in the steering knuckle and strut. Loosely install the lower mounting bolts and nuts.

11

Tighten the strut to knuckle bolts and nuts to 59 foot-pounds of torque with a torque wrench, using a wrench to counter movement of the nut while tightening each bolt.

12

Tighten the upper strut mount nuts to 20 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench.

13

Set the brake line into the bracket on the new strut and push the retaining clip into place.

14

Place the front wheels and tires onto the vehicle and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

15

Lift the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack and remove the jack stands from under the frame rails and lower control arms. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the floor jack.

16

Tighten the lug nuts to 44 foot-pounds, in a crisscross pattern, with the torque wrench. Shut the vehicle hood.