Replace Rear Coil Springs - Chevy Cobalt

In this video I show you how to replace the coil springs in the rear of your Chevrolet Cobalt. Please remember to consult your factory repair manual for the proper procedure and specs.
Parts used in film:
Coil Springs: Variable Rate Moog Part No. CC81065

[@traingp7]

Chevy got it right with this setup. Super easy to do yourself and you have a brand new spring and shock without a spring compressor or any of the dangers that go with them. Chevy had it right with this set up.

[@otomoto258]

traingp7

[@highseekers420]

I replaced my rear springs and shocks with no problems thanks to this video. Shop wanted $620.00 just to do the springs. I did the springs and the shocks for $248.00. Back to safe. Thanks for this video !

[@drunkhobo149]

love that saying from a exsperienced mechanic "if i can do it you can do it"

[@mikecastleberry9671]

Replace shocks db

[@Jbjoya]

A straight to the point video of replacing coil spring. Thank you so much SMAR!

[@toddmiley387]

Just wanted to thank you for your video. I just got done installing both springs in the rear of my wife’s Cobalt took about 40 minutes and it was so easy because of your video. MUCH THANKS TO YOU!!!!!!!!

[@JamesAPusateri]

Thank you for this video! You've help me to feel less worried about doing this job tomorrow. my 2007 cobalt has 150,000 miles on it and runs like brand new still. things are wearing out and I'm just working on it as needed. both springs broke and your video showed me exactly how to do it.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+James P Oh yeah easy job

[@jamesfatula5824]

i have same 05’ cobalt 164k miles still run and rides like factory new

[@d.j.9961]

@@jamesfatula5824 I know that there is a difference in the transmissions from 07 & up! I had to replace the transmission on my 07 Pontiac G5. Makes me wonder if the 06 & older models have a better automatic transmission? Either way, with 150-164k I would be putting back $400-450- for a Good used transmission & possibly another $80-100 for trans fluid & filter for the replacement trans. With the 07 & up, The transmissions are known to need replaced every 140-150k... I picked up a 38k mile trans for just under 450. There were cheaper options however, I wanted to guarantee a GOOD TRANSMISSION. Just swapped out my front struts the other day which has the front end sitting high so, Now I am off to get new coil springs & shocks for the rear.

[@patrickcayton3072]

Thanks for all of your informative videos. I have learned so much from you, etcg, Ivan and Paul over the last few months.

[@CHANNELCHECKER381]

Dude, you rock! your videos are always clear visually and verbally! Thanks!!

[@Tetsuo315]

Eric, Thanks for the awesome video! It gave me the confidence to do the repair myself. The procedure was easy to follow. About a week ago I started hearing a clunk in the rear when cornering. Sure enough, I discovered two broken springs. Passenger side was identical to the video. The driver side was broken a little further up with the end piece missing. I used Moog springs as per your recommendation. Replaced the shocks as they were pretty spongy. Impact wrench made the job easier.

[@chriskelly2743]

I love your channel! You do a great job of explaining the steps in the process and things to watch out for. I appreciate your time and enery. I am replacing myy daughters springs and shocks today and this is helpful. I've never worked on an HHR.

[@matthewfitzgerald2544]

I have a 2006 Malibu LS. It looks identical to the Chevy cobalt video. Thanks for such a great video and keep up the good work!! You make it look so easy for us who like to save money and do it yourself!! Greeting from the snow covered Chicago!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Matthew Fitzgerald Cool glad it helped!

[@stevesorenson5081]

Very cool and simple procedure, got a 2011 Buick Regal, springs from Germany, then GM Arizona. Thanks for posting this!

[@grizzlydan8]

I just installed a new spring one side of my Cobalt. I forgot Eric had said the tighter coils went up, so I called Moog tech line to find out. I just came in for lunch and thought I'd see if I remembered everything Eric said. Obviously I did not. lol I did look at my repair manual before I started work and it said to disconnect the brake line from its bracket. With just one nut removed you do gain a lot of extra slack in the line. Well , time to go do the other side.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+dan andy Cool glad it helped ya!

[@Tedmiaston]

Great video. i just replaced the rear springs on my daughters Cobalt and it was a piece of cake. I'm not a mechanic. Thanks!!

[@myname9252]

I knew how in my head to do the front assembly,but looks like the rear is a bit easier. Great vid man,one of the better how to's on here.

[@chase7359]

And so the "i can do it you can do it" is born. Nice job doc.

[@dontworrybehappy9713]

Thanks for video.Changed rear coil springs in about 1 hr 15 minutes

[@9872jake9872]

South. Thanks for the great videos! I noticed the advanced cans around shop which is where I work so thank you for using great products as well. Very helpful and very good detailed videos. Really helps an defiantly thumbs up!

[@edgolding9962]

Thanks Eric ,always top drawer for your videos.

[@kimmon1976]

Straight to the point, great video and thank you!

[@jeffstutz7959]

You’ve come a long way from these early videos to now. Still super informative though, Thanks!

[@Hawk1966]

He's gotten a lot more comfortable in front of the camera these days. Still enjoy any year video from SMA.

[@mustydakota]

As I said before best repair videos on KZbin, Subs will be coming by the thousands soon enough , Great work

[@SouthMainAuto]

Hey thanks allot I appreciate the comments. Boy I dunno about the subs they come in pretty slow but I appreciate all of them!

[@salb2113]

Your videos have helped me a lot! Thank you

[@Johnnywhamo]

Awesome buddy, thank you for the tutorial, I'll be doing mine this weekend.

[@timsigley5806]

Good lighting and video. Tnks for the Info. Vary useful and educational.

[@scottbrewington9128]

I have a 95 Ford Taurus so I use your vids alot for reference thanks

[@HirachieOfSociety]

You just saved me 240 dollars man, really appreciate it.

[@StarDestroyerXerO]

Good video. Straight to the point, and informative. No fluff. Positive sign off. Me likey.

[@gladysstewart1381]

This is a well produced video. Nice job

[@cliffzucker5441]

This is very helpful. The only thing I'd emphasize is to get the springs off, its much easier if you remove both wheel and unbolt the lower shock bolt on both sides before removing or replacing the springs. With both shocks loose, the springs come off and on easily. If you shocks are leaking, this is a great time to replace them too. Thanks for your help.

[@xelaju8]

I own a Cobalt. Thank you . Very useful.

[@justingarrett5513]

Awesome video, lots of help thank you

[@MusicConnoisseurian]

Thanks! Just getting ready to do similar setup on a 1997 LeSabre.

[@jonathonq6858]

l jus fkn love this guy !! Thanks for all your great videos!!

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Another very informative video!

[@UndeadSpaceMonkey1]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Reason I watched is because I just had this job done at a local garage this past week and was curious to what they did. My problem is though since the work was done Ive noticed a rattling sound coming from the back now that wasnt there before on both left and right sides (maybe a little more passenger side) I broguht the car back and notified them of the sound and they redone the whole job again at their expense and you guessed it same problem still there so I told them and they said that the springs will need to re-seat them selves give it a week Well i gave it a week and 500+km and its still there What could be this noise i am hearing Sounds like plastic rattling Will be going back to this garage in a few days and would like to know what i can sugest them to look for There a very well known business that has been around for over 30 years very trusted around my town Thanks for your time

[@frankgonzalez24]

Just took a look at my springs on my 07 Cobalt, both are ok. Broken springs are probably more common due to rust in the rust belt than down south where I live.

[@emtscythe3782]

Nice to see you using quality replacement parts on suspension instead of cheap house brand.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Emt Scythe We only use the best we can get at our local stores and that stuff is bad enough as it is.

[@7ra44]

thanks for the help man, im from canada i had a guy charing me 300 for a spring change! but did it myself! thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

roberto alvarez Cool good job :)

[@Aaronddc1]

Thats nothing, this scamming mechanic tried to tell my grandfather they would change the struts and rear springs for 1400 USD!!!!!! they said its so dangerous to do it your self

[@chosipian]

Excellent Video!!

[@BNavarre9]

Great video and Channel! You mentioned Chevy Malibu of which I replaced my broken rear coil spring (along with the other unbroken side). One key difference between the Cobalt is the need to rent a strut spring compressor. Haynes manual has all the details and torque specs, but anyone reading this will may also need to remove the knuckle to upper control arm bolt, unplug the wheel speed sensor, and unhook the parking brake cable from the caliper to safely use the spring compressor. Oh and instead of removing the shock absorber bolt, it's the knuckle to lower control arm bolt instead.

[@shaggyda2758]

Thanks for the info, changing springs in da-misses G5 this weekend & thought I`d check-out & see if its a big job.

[@blueadept4689]

Thank You Dr. O!

[@russellroutt3448]

Awesome video, thank you.

[@geojor]

thanks for sharing your knowledge...

[@malxjohnson2772]

Right on! You're the man!

[@blazetownsend8785]

Saturn Ion uses this same process! Also helped me out. Same parts too!

[@blazetownsend8785]

@Jonathan A Same chassis and suspension, fuel and brake components, engine, transmission, most of the wiring is the same. Different tail lights and head lights. Body is a bit different, with allot of reusable parts though.

[@grizzlydan8]

I watched this vid simply because I own a Cobalt. It prompted me to check my rear springs. Whaddayaknow... two broken springs. Will follow your advise and go with Moog. Thanks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

dan andy 90% of them I see are broke if I haven't changed them yet

[@heyitsthatoneguy91]

dan andy now Im curious. My 08 cobalt is sittin in driveway...time to check

[@heyitsthatoneguy91]

South Main Auto Repair just checked mine moments after commenting. both are broken lol

[@chalandrianaytowhow4978]

Watched it to only because I own a cobalt.

[@jasonspurlock5643]

did a spring change stop the annoying rear clunking? new shocks did not, did not even think about the springs. 200k miles i bet there busted..

[@iac4357]

Nice video. Thanks !

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

Thanks for the invite to your Chanel like what I see in first vid thanks

[@SouthMainAuto]

Hope you enjoy them! Thanks for coming over!

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@d.j.9961]

i replaced my front struts on my 07 G5 & during that process, I noticed that previously, someone packed the area between the knuckle & strut mount with concrete.. As if the rear section of the knuckle was looking a bit thin/weak so, they reinforced it with concrete & IT HAS ME THINKING OF EITHER REPLACING THE KNUCKLE OR, REPACKING IT WITH CONCRETE but, Now the front is much higher then the rear! Time to spend more money & replace the rear springs & shocks!

[@theroyalcrownedtiger1207]

I have set of Saturn Ion Redline ( OEM - GM ) springs, I will be installing on the cobalt.

[@highrzr]

Very nice. I can't believe I along with a lot of other people watch you fix people's vehicles! Keep up the good work. Wondering if a little bit of grease would help keep the spring from sticking to the insulators?

[@MrGhostfacekmk]

Thanks for this!.

[@maxperez9451]

good job man thanks

[@louski331]

great teaching love it, thanks, did the brake line get in the way of getting clearance to pull the spring out

[@ventureelect]

well you are appreciated to. nice videos

[@jasonbillington2860]

Awesome thank you.

[@andrew69309]

think you did a great job on video and i have a same car in video. watch your video learn lot

[@SouthMainAuto]

andrew counard excellent!

[@mr.boostang2064]

So happy these cars are simple to work on

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Sweet nice and easy !

[@SouthMainAuto]

***** Sure was

[@CraigoryAbbit]

Nice video. ..

[@laurenriley7733]

Thanks for the video, very helpful!

[@madlos8769]

this was a great video! thanks... do you have a video on how to replace the front springs on a chevy cobalt. I want to lower the suspension

[@michaellong8534]

Thanks for the video changing mine right now

[@markayala1168]

thank you for a great job on replacing cobalt coil spring....very helpful...do you have one on rear trailing bushings...same car

[@randomugliness1238]

HHRs too.. did mine last year

[@spelunkerd]

Nice summary, your channel is gonna grow, ha ha.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Lol thank you sir. Hey it's true right? Thanks for watching!

[@1954cobb]

Great video, just found out my rear spring is broke, going to install both myself. I hear a different noise coming from the back end of the car, sounded like something loose when hitting potholes, I have noticed how crappy these springs are, Should have been a recall, GM you dropped the ball.

[@sunilcherianpullockaran8817]

I would suggest removing the brake line from the trailing arm if it is possible on this particular car, before prying the spring off the arm. Thanks for the video.

[@rickrowley6601]

LMAO when he said "Simple as that" after removing the first coil spring. Really funny.

[@kermit8619]

Just got a free one with only 52000 KM from my 86 years old dad . This may be useful .

[@jakeschisler7525]

That was interesting! So if the shock would break could have major problem

[@jimbobigdude]

Great video...thanks for posting....I have a question about the isolator that was torn and unserviceable....I removed mine because it looked like the one in the video. The seat and the upper bump stop, or jounce bumper, were both fine and serviceable. After installing the new springs and not installing a new isolator, I get a very light but irritating rattle that seems to be coming from the springs....that's the only thing that was touched, so it has to be coming from there. Is the purpose of the foam or felt isolator to reduce vibration and prevent any sort of light metal on metal contact somewhere on the springs? The sound is driving me bananas. If it needs to have it to get rid of that sound, I'm all for redoing the job. Thanks again!

[@liberalmike27]

I think you found the reason to be worried about that. It doesn't really change the spring flex, but most of the time rubber is used to reduce noise, and to keep metal from touching metal, thus wearing out more quickly.

[@protabali2203]

thanks for the video, just wondering if i can use spring compressers for this job

[@sunilcherianpullockaran8817]

Four years later here is a reply. No please do not use a spring compressor. Do it the way shown in this video.

[@roshi98]

The bottom bolt for shocks on a Cobalt or HHR can be a bear to get out if it rust-welds to the metal retaining cylinder in the middle of the shock's bushing.

[@WizzRacing]

Some vehicles require color coded coils. I know Ford wants the tag colors. As you can't just call up and say, I need some coil springs. As there is no set part number for each vehicle. It depends on the suspension package you get.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Claude Rains Doesn't Ford usually have the spring code on the door jamb sticker?

[@WizzRacing]

Not always. I tried to use that code and Ford still asked for the color of the tabs on the spring itself. They said the diameter of the spring, spring rate and hight are on that tab. Wrapped around the spring. That's how they order the correct spring.

[@liberalmike27]

Those little rubber boots probably reduce noise. I doubt they offer any extra cushioning. You might think about replacing them along with the job, if the parts are easy enough to find. I tried to find a few gaskets for my tail lights and couldn't, plus the one I found (keyhole) was ridiculously expensive with shipping.

[@joselopez1544]

Great video!!!. I have a question or two. I got a Kia Sorento 2003 Ex. The problem I have is that it has a self leviling shock absorber ( expensive). Is it okay, if I can exchange it for a normal shock absorber like the Lx model have it, but replacing the spring as well. Modify it. Please reply thanks.

[@robbrown6240]

I just had my rear springs done and reused the old insulators even though they were falling apart. The lower plastic seat was cracked on the passenger side but the mechanic put it back on anyway saying it wasn't a big deal. Replaced the rear shocks too and now have a clunking noise over bumps like metal on metal contact. Any advice?

[@korbenelements]

New to your channel I'm going to be replacing my rear coils on my 94 mustang. Question is why not drop both sides at once? Is that because when ur jacking up the rear a spring on one side could come off?

[@SouthMainAuto]

korbenelements Dunno, On these i just find it easy to do one side at a time. A mustang with a solid rear axle may be totally different ya know.

[@sweatshoppimpsbigpete2223]

can you do a video on how to change the rear bushings on a cobalt??

[@wyattoneable]

At least it's an easy job. Nice.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+wyattoneable Sure was did one today too :)

[@madlos8769]

or could I buy the strut and spring assembled like say for SS model and install on my LT to lower the front suspension?

[@Michigan_Tactical]

would a broken spring cause a ticking or rattle when driving? I have those symptoms and shaking the rear of the car recreates it. it's only from the left side.

[@theelite1x721987]

I am going to do this repair on my car here soon. Seems simple enough. But my question is, I don't have a lift, I'll be using a floor jack and stands. Does the cars rear end need to have BOTH sides lifted at the same time to do this, or can I just jack up one side at a time? Reason I ask is because I'm not aware of a good spot in the rear to lift up both sides simultaneously. IE, I just want to jack up right side, replace spring, lower it, then jack up left side and repeat. Would I have problems doing it this way?

[@SouthMainAuto]

Shawn Copen use you floor jack lift up center of the axle. Put a jack stand on left and right side on pinch weld then let jack down and axle should be hanging for you to do the job. It would be difficult doing one side at a time.

[@juanrenteria4585]

+South Main Auto Repair Quick question, whats the difference between a coil spring insulator and a coil spring isolator? I own a 2004 chevy malibu ls v6 3.5L

[@Brian-ee1gx]

So, you installed the new springs without upper insulators? Did this cause any noises on rough roads?

[@jordtizzle]

I have a 09 HHr. Ive been told theyre on the Kobalt chassis. Id assume its be the same setup?

[@SouthMainAuto]

+jordtizzle I don't really know to be sure.

[@bostoncrimsonsox]

+jordtizzle Should be. Things may be slightly different for the HHR but general process is the same.

[@pod9363]

It’s crazy how different your demeanor was back here. What changed?

[@tylerbellinger7526]

What can I do to a base Chevy cobalt to make it faster. I.e. Add on to motor or a different bigger motor?

[@AlexA-yz5tv]

i have a 2005 Chevy Malibu Maxx LS and it does not look anything like this and i can't get the spring out because there is not enough space to get them out only a little bit of space i tryed using a jack and pry it between it to open it more but it is not enough space do i need to get a spring compressor from autozone or oreailys or a auto store to compress them then insert them and remove the spring compressor?

[@turbot6592]

What are the symptoms of the broken springs im hearing a rattling noise in the rear amd shaking

[@jasminambriz1684]

do you have any video showing that on a Chevy Aveo 2004 car

[@airsoftmp5a4]

What are the symptoms of a bad rear coil spring? When going over bumps my car squeaks.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Jeff p They are physically broke during visual inspection...

[@kcg795]

I just had to replace a hub on my Cobalt. The process involved removing the rear spring and what do ya know? It's broken in that same spot.

[@jamesmkoenig]

I need to do this on a 2005 buick lesabre. I assume its the same process.??

[@jasonjones3]

I take it the rear springs on my 05 malibu are the same?

[@erick516]

Does anyone know how well this tutorial would translate to a Chevy Cruze? I'm hoping/thinking they are pretty similar. I will be doing the springs on mine soon. Thanks.

[@liberalmike27]

I don't know for sure, but these things are usually very similar. Might be a little tighter to work on.