Front Suspension System Buick Century VI

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Removal Procedure

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1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the left tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the pinch bolt from the lower intermediate steering shaft. Refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Steering Wheel and Column.
4. Loosen all insulator clamp attaching bolts.
5. Place a jackstand under the center of the rear frame crossmember.
6. Remove the rear frame-to-body bolts.
7. Lower the rear of the frame just enough to gain access to the stabilizer shaft.
8. Remove the insulator clamp bolts and the clamps from the frame.
9. Remove the insulators from the stabilizer bar.
10. Remove the stabilizer bar links from the control arms. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
11. Pull the stabilizer shaft rearward.
12. Swing the stabilizer shaft down to remove the stabilizer shaft from the left side of the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

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1. Insert the stabilizer shaft to the left side of the vehicle. IMPORTANT: DO NOT tighten the stabilizer link nut at this time. The weight of the vehicle must be supported by the control arms such that you can obtain the vehicle design trim heights before tightening the link nut.
2. Loosely install the stabilizer shaft link at the control arm.
3. Install the insulators on to the stabilizer bar. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Connect the insulator clamps to the frame. Tighten Tighten the stabilizer shaft bracket bolts to 48 N.m (35 lb ft).
5. Raise the frame into position while you guide the steering shaft onto the gear.
6. Install the new frame-to-body attaching bolts.
7. Remove the jackstand.
8. Install the pinch bolt and tighten. Refer to INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT REPLACEMENT in Steering Wheel and Column.
9. Install the left tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Support the weight of the vehicle by the control arms.
12. Tighten the stabilizer link nut. Tighten Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).

Scheme 9

1. Raise the vehicle and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the vehicle.

Scheme 10

1. Install the stabilizer link into the vehicle. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut. Tighten Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
3. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
4. Lower the vehicle.

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts.
3. Remove the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator brackets.
4. Remove the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulators (1) from the stabilizer shaft (2).

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1. Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulators (1) to the stabilizer shaft (2).
2. Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator brackets. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
3. Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts. Tighten Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts to 48 N.m (35 lb in).
4. Lower the vehicle.

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1. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
2. Secure the lower control arm in a vice.
3. Drill or grind off the ball stud rivet heads.
4. Use a hammer and a drift punch in order to remove the rivets.
5. Remove the ball stud from the lower control arm.

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1. Install the ball stud to the lower control arm.
2. Install the NEW ball stud bolts facing down, away from the ball stud. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices. 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 2 N.m (18 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating. If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.
3. Install the NEW ball stud nuts. Tighten Tighten the NEW ball stud nuts to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).
4. Install the lower control arm. Refer to «LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .

Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front

Tools Required

J 28733-B Front/Rear Spindle Remover. See Special Tools and Equipment .

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
3. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector (2), if equipped.
4. Remove the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the bracket, if equipped.
5. Remove the brake caliper bracket with the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
6. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
7. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
8. Use 3 wheel nuts in order to attach the J 28733-B to the wheel bearing/hub.
9. Use the J 28733-B in order to push the wheel drive shaft out of the wheel bearing/hub.
10. Remove and DISCARD the wheel bearing/hub bolts. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the wheel drive shaft outer seal/boot is not damaged.
11. Remove the wheel bearing/hub.

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1. Install the wheel bearing/hub. CAUTION: These fasteners MUST be replaced with new fasteners anytime they become loose or are removed. Failure to replace these fasteners after they become loose or are removed may cause loss of vehicle control and personal injury. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts. Tighten Tighten the NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
3. Install the wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement in Wheel Drive Shafts.
4. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
5. Install the brake caliper bracket with the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the connector clip engages the bracket properly.
6. Install the wheel speed sensor electrical connector to the bracket, if equipped.
7. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector (2), if equipped.
8. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
9. Lower the vehicle.

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1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__wheel-bearinghub-replacement-front) .
3. Remove the front lower control arm ball stud. Refer to «LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
4. Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT - OUTER in Power Steering.
5. Scribe the strut to the knuckle.
6. Remove the bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the knuckle.
7. Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.

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1. Install the knuckle to the vehicle. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install the bolts and nuts attaching the strut to the knuckle. Tighten Tighten the strut to knuckle bolts to 122 N.m (90 lb ft).
3. Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to TIE ROD END REPLACEMENT - OUTER in Power Steering System.
4. Connect the front lower control arm ball stud to the knuckle. Refer to «LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
5. Install the front wheel drive shaft bearing. Refer to «WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__wheel-bearinghub-replacement-front) .
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Inspect the front wheel alignment and adjust if necessary. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.

Lower Control Arm Replacement

Tools Required

J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator. See Special Tools and Equipment .

Note. Use only the recommended tools for separating the ball joint from the knuckle. Do NOT hammer or pry the ball joint from the knuckle. Failure to use the recommended tools may cause damage to the ball joint and seal.

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1. Turn the steering wheel in order to move the front of the applicable wheel to the outboard most position. IMPORTANT: Use ONLY a frame-contact type vehicle lift or a floor jack at the recommended lift points. Do NOT use a suspension-contact type vehicle lift. Do NOT lift the vehicle by the lower control arms.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
4. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor connector (2), if equipped.
5. Disconnect the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness from the harness retainer clips, if equipped.
6. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
7. Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball stud (3).
8. Loosen the ball stud nut (2).
9. Install the J 41820 over the ball stud and lower control arm as shown.
10. Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
11. Remove the J 41820 .
12. Remove the ball stud nut.
13. Remove the lower control arm bolts and nuts.
14. Remove the lower control arm.

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1. Install the lower control arm.
2. Install the control arm bolts and nuts. Do not tighten at this time. IMPORTANT: Align the ball stud cotter pin hole parallel to the knuckle in order to ease the cotter pin installation.
3. Install the ball stud to the knuckle. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the ball stud castle nut. Tighten Tighten the ball stud castle nut to 20 N.m + 120 degrees (15 lb ft + 120 degrees). IMPORTANT: Do NOT loosen the ball stud nut in order to align the ball stud nut slots to the ball stud cotter pin hole.
5. If necessary, tighten the ball stud castle nut in order to align the ball stud castle nut slot (1) to the ball stud cotter pin hole (2) as shown. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the cotter pin ends do NOT contact the ABS wheel speed sensor, the ABS sensor connector or the drive axle.
6. Install a NEW cotter pin and bend the ends as shown in either example.
7. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
8. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor jumper harness to the harness retainer clips, if equipped.
9. Install the ABS wheel speed sensor connector (2), if equipped. 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 against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating. If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.
10. Install the lower control arm nuts. Tighten Tighten the lower control arm nuts to 113 N.m (83 lb ft).
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
12. Lower the vehicle.

Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement (Vertical)

Tools Required

1. J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Service Set. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-27 Puller Bolt. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474 Bushing Installer. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-2 Bushing Installer. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . J 21474-4 Nut. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
2. J 23444-A High Pressure Lubricant. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
3. J 34126 Driven Sprocket Support Bearing Installer. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. J 35379 Front Knuckle Support. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

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1. Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
2. Secure the lower control arm in a vice.
3. Mark the lower control arm along the flat edge of the bushing flange. IMPORTANT: Apply J 23444-A or equivalent to the threads of J 21474-27
4. Assemble the following bushing removal tools as shown: J 21474-27 J 21474-13 J 34126 J 35379 J 21474-2 J 21474-4
5. Tighten J 21474-4
6. Disassemble the bushing removal tools.

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1. Align the flat edge of the bushing flange to the mark in the control arm (1). Ensure that the flat edge of the bushing flange is 30 degrees (2) from the centerline of the lower control arm. Ensure that the thin slot in the bushing is facing outboard.
2. Insert the bushing into the control arm. IMPORTANT: Apply J 23444-A or equivalent to the threads of J 21474-27
3. Assemble the following bushing installation tools as shown: 3.1. J 21474-27 3.2. J 21474-13 3.3. J 21474-5 3.4. J 21474-4 Tighten J 21474-4 .
4. Disassemble the bushing installation tools.
5. Install the lower control arm. Refer to «LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .

Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement (Horizontal)

Service the rear (horizontal) control arm bushing with the control arm. You cannot replace this bushing separately.

Wheel Stud Replacement

Tools Required

J 6627-A Wheel Stud/Ball Joint Remover. See Special Tools and Equipment .

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1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
3. Remove the brake caliper and bracket. Hang the caliper and the bracket from the vehicle. DO NOT allow the caliper and the bracket to hang by the brake hose. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
4. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
5. Use the J 6627-A in order to extract the stud (1) from the hub (2).

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1. Install a replacement stud in the wheel hub.
2. Add enough washers (3) in order to draw the stud into the hub (2).
3. Install the wheel nut (1) with the flat side against the washers (3). IMPORTANT: Fully seat the wheel stud against the hub flange (2).
4. Tighten the wheel nut (1) until the wheel stud is fully seated against the hub flange.
5. Back off the wheel nut (1) and remove the washers (3).
6. Install the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
7. Install the brake caliper and bracket. Refer to Brake Caliper Replacement - Front in Disc Brakes.
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
9. Lower the vehicle.

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1. Remove the strut upper nuts. IMPORTANT: Lift the vehicle using ONLY a frame-contact vehicle lift. Do NOT lift the vehicle using a suspension-contact vehicle lift.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
4. Scribe the strut to the knuckle.
5. Remove the strut lower bolts and nuts.
6. Remove the strut.

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1. Install the strut. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
2. Install the strut upper nuts. Tighten Tighten the strut upper nuts to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
3. Install the strut lower bolts and nuts. 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.
4. Align the strut to the mark on the knuckle. Tighten Tighten the strut lower nuts to 122 N.m (90 lb ft).
5. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION in Tires and Wheels.
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Align the front wheels. Refer to MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT in Wheel Alignment.

Suspension Strut Disposal

1. Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod (1) completely extended.
2. Drill a hole in the strut at the center of the end cap (3) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the strut. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.
3. Remove the strut from the vise.
4. Hold the strut over a drain pan vertically with the hole down.
5. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (2) to completely drain the oil from the strut.

Strut, Strut Component and/or Spring Replacement

Tools Required

1. J 42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
2. J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

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1. Remove the strut from the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
2. Install the strut (2) in the J 45400 (1). IMPORTANT: The spring is compressed when the strut moves freely.
3. Turn the spring compressed forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.
4. Use a 45 TORX® socket in order to hold the strut shaft. Remove the upper strut mount nut by turning with J 42991 .
5. Remove the strut from the J 45400 .
6. Loosen the compressor forcing screw (1) until the upper strut mount and coil spring (2) may be removed.
7. Remove the upper strut mount and the coil spring from the J 45400 .

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1. Install the coil spring and upper strut mount to the J 45400 .
2. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
3. Install the strut to the coil and upper strut mount. NOTE: Refer to «FASTENER NOTICE»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/oem-general-information/#gm-vehicles-cautions-notices__fastener-notice) in Cautions and Notices.
4. Install the strut retaining nut. Using the J 42991 and a 45 TORX® socket, install the strut mount nut. Tighten Tighten the strut mount nut to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).
5. Remove the strut from the J 45400 .
6. Install the strut to the vehicle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .

General Description (Strut)

The front suspension has 2 primary purposes

1. Isolate the driver from irregularities in the road surface.
2. Define the ride and handling characteristics of the vehicle.

The front suspension absorbs the impact of the tires travelling over irregular road surfaces and dissipates this energy throughout the suspension system. This process isolates the vehicle occupants from the road surface. The rate at which the suspension dissipates the energy and the amount of energy that is absorbed is how the suspension defines the vehicles ride characteristics. Ride characteristics are designed into the suspension system and are not adjustable. The ride characteristics are mentioned in this description in order to aid in the understanding of the functions of the suspension system. The suspension system must allow for the vertical movement of the tire and wheel assembly as the vehicle travels over irregular road surfaces while maintaining the tire's horizontal relationship to the road.

This requires that the steering knuckle be suspended between a lower control arm and a strut assembly. The lower control arm attaches from the steering knuckle at the outermost point of the control arm. The attachment is through a ball and socket type joint. The innermost end of the control arm attached at 2 points to the vehicle frame through semi-rigid bushings. The upper portion of the steering knuckle is attached to a strut assembly. The strut assembly then connects to the vehicle body by way of an upper bearing. The steering knuckle is allowed to travel up and down independent of the vehicle body structure and frame.

This up and down motion of the steering knuckle as the vehicle travels over bumps is absorbed predominantly by the coil spring. This spring is retained under tension over the strut assembly. A strut is used in conjunction with this system in order to dampen out the oscillations of the coil spring. A strut is a basic hydraulic cylinder. The strut is filled with oil and has a moveable shaft that connects to a piston inside the strut. Valves inside the shock absorber offer resistance to oil flow and consequently inhibit rapid movement of the piston and shaft. Each end of the shock absorber is connected in such a fashion to utilize this recoil action of a spring alone. Each end of the strut is designed as the connection point of the suspension system to the vehicle and acts as the coil spring seat. This allows the strut to utilize the dampening action to reduce the recoil of a spring alone. The lower control arm is allowed to pivot at the vehicle frame in a vertical fashion. The ball joint allows the steering knuckle to maintain the perpendicular relationship to the road surface.

Front suspensions systems utilize a stabilizer shaft. The stabilizer bar connects between the left and right lower control arm assemblies through the stabilizer link and stabilizer shaft insulators. This bar controls the amount of independent movement of the suspension when the vehicle turns. Limiting the independent movement defines the vehicles handling characteristics on turns.

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See also:
• LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE
• FASTENER NOTICE
• STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT
• LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT
• WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT