How to Replace the Springs in a Chevy Cobalt

Replacing the Front Springs on the Chevy Cobalt

• Jack up the Chevy Cobalt, secure the wheels with jack stands and remove the MacPherson struts from the Cobalt.

• Install the strut assembly in the J 45400 tool and compress the coil spring. Be sure the coil is secure as the coiled spring contains a great amount of potential force.

• Hold the strut shaft while removing the upper shaft mount in order to slide the spring away from the strut assembly and off the J 45400 tool.

• Install the Chevy Cobalt's new spring and upper strut mount on the compressor before compressing the new spring with the forcing screw.

• Install the strut to the spring and upper strut mount followed by the strut retaining nut. The Cobalt requires a strut rod socket to install and tighten the upper strut mount nut.

• Remove the strut assembly from the compressor tool and install on the Chevy Cobalt. Be certain to reinstall any suspension or drivetrain components which were removed.

• Lower the vehicle and tighten all nuts and bolts. Double check the positioning of all hoses or wires making sure they have been returned to their original positions before removing the jack stands.

Replacing the Rear Springs on Chevy Cobalt

• Remove the lower shock bolts before lowering the rear of the Cobalt to take the pressure off the springs. You may need to move the brake hoses out of the way.

• Take off the old springs and the upper spring seat bumper while leaving the bottom spring seat. Check for wear on the seats before replacing the springs.

• Install the new spring and seat it into the lower spring seat. Check to make sure the Cobalt's spring tag is facing the rear of the Chevy Cobalt.

• Use the jack stands to raise the vehicle in order to put tension on the new springs, and tighten th lower shock absorber bolts.

• Move the brake hoses back into position and secure them to the body of the Cobalt. Repeat Step 7 in Section 1.