rear strut assembly replacement proceedure

Here's a nice write-up for rear strut replacement using quick struts that include the strut/mount/coil spring in one preassembled unit.

http://www.redhouseon7th.com/redhouse/howto/2009PontiacStrutsReplacement/

with the help of this write up, i just did my rear struts. i bought the quick struts from rock auto, just like the guy in the write up. they were the cheapest i could find anywhere.

everything went great, in the write up the guy goes through hell getting the 2 bottom nuts loose, he has to use a fence post for leverage. mine werent nearly that bad. a socket wrench alone did the trick. no breaker bar, no cheater pipe. i actually went through more hell trying to get the 2 bolts out. lots and lots of beating with a hammer, but be careful otherwise you'll flatten the tip of them, i put a small socket over them, then beat on the socket.

the only thing that i would add to that write up is, for me to actually get the strut assembly off and away from the vehicle, i had to remove that big black plastic piece that goes all the way around the tires, the piece that the top of the strut goes through. also, i recommend removing the sway bar link nut before the bottom 2 bolts