Changing strutts on 07 HHR

I posted removing the front strut assembly with the spring and below that is changing the strut cartridge. You can buy the strut cartridge by itself or you can get the whole assembly to replace.

Strut Assembly Replacement

Removal Procedure

Remove the strut upper mounting nuts.
Important: Lift the vehicle using ONLY a frame-contact vehicle lift. Do NOT lift the vehicle using a suspension-contact vehicle lift.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
Remove the tire and wheel.

Disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the strut assembly.

Remove the strut lower bolts, nuts and antilock brake system (ABS) wiring bracket, if equipped.
Remove the strut.
Installation Procedure

Install the strut.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

Install the strut upper mounting nuts.
Tighten the nuts to 20 N.M (15 lb ft).

Important: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust.
The fastener develops 3 N.M (27 lb in) of torque/drag against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.
If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

Install the strut lower bolts, nuts and ABS wiring bracket, if equipped.

Tighten the strut lower nuts to 120 N.M (89 lb ft).

Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the strut assembly.
Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 80 N.M (59 lb ft).

Install the tire and wheel.
Lower the vehicle.
Align the front wheels. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement.

Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement

Tools Required

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Disassembly Procedure

Remove the strut from the vehicle.

Install the strut (2) in the J 45400 (1).
Important: The spring is compressed when the strut moves freely.

Turn the spring compressor forcing screw until the coil spring is compressed.
Loosen the compressor forcing screw until the upper strut mount and coil spring may be removed.

Use a 45 TORX(R) socket in order to hold the strut shaft. Use a strut rod socket or equivalent to remove the upper strut mount nut.

Remove the upper strut mount and the coil spring from the J 45400.
Remove the strut (2) from the J 45400.
Assembly Procedure

Install the coil spring and upper strut mount to the J 45400.
Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
Install the strut to the coil spring and upper strut mount.
Loosely install the strut retaining nut.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

Use a 45 TORX(R) socket in order to hold the strut shaft. Use a strut rod socket or equivalent to Install the upper strut mount nut.
Tighten the strut mount nut to 75 N.M (55 lb ft).

Remove the strut from the J 45400.
Install the strut to the vehicle.