Finally did my 98 Malibu struts... torque question tho...

[BoxMN]

I finally did the struts today in my 98 Malibu. Rears. It was pretty easy, especially the second one The first took me a bit to get lined back up, but I found that was because I tightened the top bolts just a tad too tight, not leaving enough room to move it around to line up bottoms better. Oh well, lesson learned

It took me about 2.5 hours by myself, but I bet I could do it in half that now that I have done it.

But for the bottom bolts, I just snugged it up tight with impact, but I am not sure of torque for them? Does anybody know? Parts said to look it up in manual, which I don't have. Also for the top? There is one one real nut, and I hand/wrench tightened to pretty good, but not supa tight.

Now to get new rear tires, then an alingment, and hopefully my Malibu will feel new again haha! Ok, at least it will keep miles off the truck again!

BTW - I had been hearing a rattle for about a year, and I could never find it... ended up it was that the driver side spring was broken, and just last week I found a part of it laying in the garage, ha!

Thanks for any info.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Torque spec for the strut to knuckle bolts is tight. I have never seen or heard anyone using anything besides a 1/2" impact. It would be pretty tough to torque after an alignment unless you pulled the wheels when you where done.

The upper strut mounting bolts are torqued to tight. Never seen anyone use a torque wrench on these either. 3/8" impact is my tool of choice.

[BoxMN]

Thanks airjer! Then I am done, except the alignment, and I think my sons neighbor can do that for me at his shop, or do you do alignments at your place?

[Jeremy airjer W]

Yup we do. Give Pat a call in the morning for prices, 651-739-4526.