Rear strut mounts

I just had a quick question about replacing the rear strut mounts.

Is there any specific steps that I should take? Will i have to remove the strut to take out the mount or can i just remove it from inside the trunk? I haven't even taken a look at it but I don't want to start if someone is gonna tell me that it's a tricky process on the impala.

The strut needs to be removed from the top at least, and lowered out of the way. If you can accomplish that without removing the lower mount, or without a spring compressor, that would be a feat. In other words, since the strut rod is bolted through the mount, and that nut also holds the rear spring, the strut must be disassembled and the spring relaxed to replace the mount.

http://72.19.213.157/files/W-BodyRearStrutMount.jpg

In order to properly replace the upper strut mount whether it is the rear or front stuts, the complete strut assembly must be removed from the car. To get the rear strut out the strut coil spring compressor is not needed, however, you will need it to compress the strut coil spring to replace the upper mount after the strut is removed. Doing it on the car is impossible. :grinno:

The link below has a tech procedure for both front and rear struts. For a Grand Prix "W" body car but the Impala is identical in the process. I've done a '01 Impala, a '97 Grand Prix and a '99 Regal using the procedure. Take note the rear struts should have a nut attached to the rear sway bar endlink that must be removed.

Click here (http://www.blairlee.com/grandprix/mods/strutsandsprings.html)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/strut02.jpg