1995 - 2005 GM J-Body Front Strut Rebuild & Replacement (Chevrolet Cavalier & Pontiac Sunfire)

In this video we go about the removal, disassembly, and replacement of the front strut assemblies with genuine OEM parts due to corrosion. The vehicle shown is a 2004 Chevy Cavalier but the procedure is common to all 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 models years for the Chevrolet Cavalier and Pontiac Sunfire.
The eBay and Amazon search links below are paid links, for which I may be compensated and earn a commission, if you choose to buy the parts and tools shown in this video thru them:
Single action clamshell strut spring compressor: ebay.us/c4eKA1 or Amazon: amzn.to/47iusMJ
Kent-Moore J-42991 in 21mm strut shaft nut removal tool: ebay.us/c8L3On
GM 22064776 / ACDelco 506-253 front strut unit and both a GM 22196749 nut AND a GM 22123946 nut: ebay.us/cLkZ6W
GM 22134997 lower spring insulator: ebay.us/LPhEiO
GM 22189850 dust shield / bellows: ebay.us/GcH0p1
GM 22177920 strut bumper: ebay.us/7TABz8
GM 22128882 upper spring insulator: ebay.us/1MazSo
GM 22697254 front spring: ebay.us/xS7avq
GM 19153310 strut seat and bearing assembly: ebay.us/Xtelwt
GM 22200754 front strut mount (requires use of GM GM 22196749 tall nut): ebay.us/UP1FCD
GM 22196749 tall front strut shaft nut (also included with strut unit): ebay.us/znkiqk
GM 11516382 (supersedes GM 22123946) short front strut shaft nut (also included with strut unit): ebay.us/Il2UiO or amzn.to/42RSnRh
GM factory service manual: ebay.us/OrPkLK
And if I've saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! ko-fi.com/drshock
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Chapters:
0:00 - Procedure overview
2:00 - Removing the strut from vehicle (LH side shown)
8:20 - Strut assembly components
9:26 - Disassembling the strut assembly
14:30 - Parts inspection and replacement numbers
18:54 - Reassembling the strut assembly
22:55 - Service manual highlights
26:00 - Reinstalling the strut into the vehicle (LH side shown)
31:05 - Highlights of the RH side strut replacement
#drshock #cavalier #sunfire
Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this UA-cam channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is" information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle.

[@db5235]

This is causing me to flashback on my 2009 HHR.. very similar. I replaced the whole strut assembly on both sides.
Much easier (though more expensive) than the disassembly of your awesome video.

[@danielb-c9100]

Is they make the bellows suspension part After market

[@DrShock]

Not for the Cavalier specifically/separately nor would I use non-OEM parts.

[@danielb-c9100]

What year are those for rims? That is definitely not factory rims.

[@DrShock]

These alloy wheels were a GM factory RPO for 2004 (and 2005 as well) on the Sport LS trim.

[@janbill79]

Out 2005 Sunfire doesn't ride good. We figured it never did low budget economy $ saver car. But we have no idea what it rode like
leaving the car lot in 2005. How did your car ride before after the change. The thing is I have a hip that lets me know with every bump we hit. It's my wife's car. I don't even usually ride in it, some times thou I do. The other thing I got a junkyard radio. Delphi Delco, the trunk rpo # says it came with US8 RADIO AM/FM STEREO, SEEK/SCAN, CD, AUTO TONE, CLOCK ETR, MP3, RDS,SPEAKER,REAR COMPARTMENT
Couldn't find that exact one. The aftermarket quit. We've never seen the original factory radio. We dislike after markets. ( too touchy & goofy to operate with out hardly looking) you know things like, bump the volume & now it's not the volume it's something else. Anyway back to the added topic, question. I have a tech 2 coming ( hated to pay the money but what choice did I have ) But until it gets here I was wondering if the 2005 gran am Delco I got radio part# 21000913 display, should be so dim "when saying locked", that I need a flash light just right angle to se it at all!
I happen to plug it in with the ignition on, (idiot light's lite), & when I pugged in the plug I heard loud static for a few seconds. So I guess if it wasn't locked it works. but should the display be dim when it's locked . It's not the kind with 3 light bulbs behind it. It's got a real display.
Someone said to reflow the solder to the pins as tiny as the are. And the pin get in the way a little bit. I figured if I added solder I would just make a mess. Still same dim display. Then I purchased a second exact same factory radio with cd base level same dim locked display. I seem always to find them in Grand Am, not many Sunfire's around and the couple I found either 1996 too old, or aftermarket
radio installed in them .