Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Suspension Rear All sections

Rear Suspension System Buick Enclave I

Suspension Rear 12 illustrations ~2149 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Adjuster Link to Crossmember Nuts140 N.m103 lb ft
Adjuster Link to Knuckle Nut
First Pass75 N.m55 lb ft
Final Pass+60 degrees
Lower Control Arm to Crossmember Nuts- Front
First Pass110 N.m81 lb ft
Final Pass+45 degrees
Lower Control Arm to Crossmember Nuts- Rear
First Pass120 N.m89 lb ft
Final Pass+60 degrees
Lower Control Arm to Knuckle Bolt
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final Pass+60 degrees
Rear Shock Absorber to Lower Control Arm Bolts
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final Pass+60 degrees
Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub to Knuckle Bolts130 N.m96 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Clamp to Crossmember Bolts50 N.m37 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Link Nuts22 N.m16 lb ft
Upper Control Arm to Crossmember Nuts140 N.m103 lb ft
Upper Control Arm to Knuckle Bolts
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final Pass+90 degrees
Upper Rear Shock Absorber Nuts70 N.m52 lb ft
Wheel Drive Shaft Nut205 N.m151 lb ft

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Rear Wheel Bearing and Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement (AWD)
CalloutComponent Name
CAUTION: The wheel bearing and hub assembly includes a magnetic encoder with built-in permanent magnets that the wheel speed sensor senses. Any contact with another magnet will damage the encoder magnets. The damage will cause a diagnostic trouble code to be set and will require wheel bearing and hub replacement. Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the rear brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
1Wheel Drive Shaft Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 205 N.m (151 lb ft)
2Wheel Bearing Hub Bolt (Qty: 3) Procedure Using the J 45859 axle remover , separate the front wheel hub and bearing from the wheel drive shaft. Apply the high-temperature, high-strength threadlocker to 2/3 of the threads of the wheel bearing hub and the bolt. TIP: Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker and allow to dry approximately 10 minutes before installing the wheel bearing hub bolts. Tighten 130 N.m (96 lb ft) Special Tools J 45859 Axle Remover
3Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Assembly
CAUTION
The wheel bearing and hub assembly includes a magnetic encoder with built-in permanent magnets that the wheel speed sensor senses. Any contact with another magnet will damage the encoder magnets. The damage will cause a diagnostic trouble code to be set and will require wheel bearing and hub replacement.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD)

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Rear Wheel Bearing and Wheel Bearing Hub Replacement (FWD)
CalloutComponent Name
CAUTION: The wheel bearing and hub assembly includes a magnetic encoder with built-in permanent magnets that the wheel speed sensor senses. Any contact with another magnet will damage the encoder magnets. The damage will cause a diagnostic trouble code to be set and will require wheel bearing and hub replacement. Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the rear brake rotor. Refer to Rear Brake Rotor Replacement .
1Wheel Bearing Hub Bolt (Qty: 3) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Apply the high-temperature, high-strength threadlocker to 2/3 of the threads of the wheel bearing hub and the bolt. TIP: Ensure that there are no gaps in the threadlocker and allow to dry approximately 10 minutes before installing the wheel bearing hub bolts. Tighten 130 N.m (96 lb ft)
2Wheel Bearing and Hub
CAUTION
The wheel bearing and hub assembly includes a magnetic encoder with built-in permanent magnets that the wheel speed sensor senses. Any contact with another magnet will damage the encoder magnets. The damage will cause a diagnostic trouble code to be set and will require wheel bearing and hub replacement.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD)

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Rear Suspension Link Replacement - Upper to Lower Control Arm
CalloutComponent Name
IMPORTANT: The following procedure indicates servicing the left side of the vehicle. The right side of the vehicle is similar. Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
1Rear Lateral Link Procedure Remove the upper control arm bolt. Refer to Upper Control Arm Replacement . Remove the lower control arm bolt. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement . TIP: Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
IMPORTANT
The following procedure indicates servicing the left side of the vehicle. The right side of the vehicle is similar.

Rear Suspension Link Replacement - Upper to Lower Control Arm

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the rear wheel bearing and hub. Refer to «Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD)»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) , «Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD)»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  3. Remove the park brake backing plate assembly. Refer to «Rear Parking Brake Anchor Backing Plate Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) .
  4. Remove the rear wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__rear-wheel-drive-shaft-and-rear) .
  5. Position a jack stand under the lower control arm.
  6. Remove the nut from the bolt from the knuckle to the adjuster link.
  7. Remove the bolt (1) from the knuckle to the adjuster link.
  8. Remove the lower knuckle to lower control arm nut and bolt.
  9. Remove the bolt and nut from the upper control arm to the knuckle.
  10. Remove the knuckle from the upper and lower control arms.

Installation Procedure

Note. In steps 2-5, ensure that all the fasteners are installed loose in order to allow movement in the knuckle to allow for alignment all the mounting holes. After all the fasteners have been installed, then the proper torque specifications can be applied.

  1. Position the knuckle in the upper and lower control arms.
  2. Install the bolt (1) from the knuckle to the adjuster link.
  3. Tighten the nut for the bolt from the knuckle to the adjuster link to 75 N.m (55 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.
  4. Install the bolt from the upper control arm to the knuckle and tighten to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
  5. Install the bolt from the lower control arm to the knuckle and tighten to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
  6. Remove the jack stand from under the lower control arm.
  7. Install the rear wheel drive shaft. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft and Rear Axle Shaft Seal Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__rear-wheel-drive-shaft-and-rear) .
  8. Install the park brake backing plate assembly. Refer to «Rear Parking Brake Anchor Backing Plate Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) .
  9. Install the rear wheel bearing and hub. Refer to «Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD)»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) , «Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD)»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  10. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the rear tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the spare tire.
  4. Insert a wrench (1) on the stabilizer shaft link (2) so as not to allow the stabilizer shaft link to rotate when removing or installing the retaining nut.
  5. Remove the upper stabilizer shaft link retaining nut with washer (1) and bushing (2).
  6. Remove the stabilizer shaft clamp bolt (1) and the clamp (2).
  7. Remove the stabilizer shaft (1) from the stabilizer shaft link (2).
  8. Remove the stabilizer shaft (1) and bushing (2) from the vehicle.
  1. Install the bushing (2) on the stabilizer shaft (1).
  2. Maneuver the stabilizer shaft in such away to properly install it on the frame.
  3. Install the stabilizer shaft (1) on the stabilizer shaft link (2).
  4. Install the stabilizer shaft clamp (2) and the bolts (1).
  5. Install the bushing (2) and the upper stabilizer shaft link retaining nut with washer (1).
  6. Insert a wrench (1) on the stabilizer shaft link (2) so as not to allow the stabilizer shaft link to rotate when removing or installing the retaining nut.
  7. Tighten the upper stabilizer shaft link retaining nut. Tighten Tighten the retaining nut to 22 N.m (16 lb ft).
  8. Tighten the stabilizer shaft clamp bolts. Tighten Tighten the clamp bolts nut to 50 N.m (16 lb ft).
  9. Install the spare tire.
  10. Install the rear tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  11. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
NOTE: The following service procedure indicates the left side of the vehicle. The right side of the vehicle is similar. Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
1Stabilizer Shaft Clamp Bolt (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 50 N.m (37 lb ft)
2Stabilizer Shaft Clamp
3Stabilizer Shaft Insulator
NOTE
The following service procedure indicates the left side of the vehicle. The right side of the vehicle is similar.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Stabilizer Shaft Link CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Use a wrench to keep the stabilizer shaft link from rotating. Remove the upper stabilizer shaft link retaining nut, washer and bushing. Repeat the previous steps on the lower stabilizer shaft retaining nut, washer and bushing. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the vehicle. Left side shown, right side similar. TIP: Apply a small amount of penetrating oil on the treads of the stabilizer shaft link prior to removing the retaining nuts. Tighten 22 N.m (16 lb ft)
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Shock Absorber)

Note. The shock absorber assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.

Note. A light film of oil on the top portion of the lower shock absorber tube is normal. DO NOT replace the shock absorber for this condition.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Shock Absorber)

Condition 1

Oil or fluid residue only on the bottom or top of the shock absorber and not originating from the shaft seal, is not a shock absorber related problem. DO NOT replace the shock absorber, look for other external leaks.

Condition 2

Light film/residue on approximately 1/3 (a) or less of the lower shock tube (A) and originating from the shaft seal, is a NORMAL condition. DO NOT replace the shock absorber.

Condition 3

Oil drip or trail down the lower shock tube and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the shock absorber.

Condition 4

An extreme wet film of oil covering more than 1/3 (b) of the lower shock tube and originating from the shaft seal (B), is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .

Inspection

  1. Verify the customer's concern is present. If the concern is present, continue to the next step. If the concern is not present, then the vehicle is operating normally.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  3. Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers for external fluid leaks. Refer to the following conditions 1, 2 , 3 , and 4 for visual inspection. If conditions 1 or 2 are found, continue to step 4. If conditions 3 or 4 are found, replace shock absorber. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  4. If equipped with electronic suspension control system, ensure that the system is working properly. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Electronic Suspension Control.
  5. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down on each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. If the corner motion exceeds 2 cycles, replace the shock absorber. If the shock absorber does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Shock Absorber Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Upper Rear Shock Absorber Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 70 N.m (52 lb ft)
2Upper Shock Absorber Bolt
3Lower Rear Shock Absorber Bolt Procedure Position a jack stand under the lower control arm. Raise or lower the jack stand to aid in the installation of the lower shock absorber bolt. Tighten 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 60 degrees
4Lower Shock Absorber Washer
5Lower Shock Absorber Nut
6Rear Shock Absorber
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Shock Absorber Replacement

Shock Absorber Disposal

  1. Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 in) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a centerpunch.
  2. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely extended.
  3. Drill a hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (4) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.
  4. Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the tube (3) with a centerpunch.
  5. Drill a second hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (2) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit. Oil will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.
  6. Remove the shock absorber from the vise. Hold the shock absorber over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (3) to completely drain the oil from the shock absorber.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Position an adjustable jack stand under the lower control arm .
  4. Remove the lower stabilizer shaft link bushing and nut. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Remove the lower shock absorber bolt. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  6. Remove the lower bolts from the knuckle. Refer to «Knuckle Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  7. Using the adjustable jack stand, slowly lower the vehicle until the rear spring (1), insulator (4), jounce bumper (2), and the spring seat (3) can be removed.
  1. Position the spring seat (3), jounce bumper (2), rear spring (1), and the insulator (4) on the lower control arm.
  2. Using the adjustable jack stand, raise the lower control arm until the lower bolts for the knuckle can be installed. Refer to «Knuckle Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  3. Remove the adjustable jack stand.
  4. Install the lower stabilizer shaft link bushing and nut. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Install the lower shock absorber bolt. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  6. Install the rear tire and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Note. The following procedure indicates servicing the left side of the vehicle. Servicing the right side of the vehicle is similar.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the rear shock absorber. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  3. Remove the retaining nut from the adjuster link to the knuckle.
  4. Install a wrench to hold the adjuster cam bolt.
  5. Mark a point of reference on the adjuster cam and the mounting bracket.
  6. Remove the front adjuster nut (1) and the adjuster cam (2).
  7. Remove the rear adjuster nut (1), adjuster cam (2).
  8. Maneuver the adjuster bolt (3) so as to remove it from the mounting bracket.
  9. Remove the adjuster link from the knuckle and the mounting bracket
  1. Install the adjuster link on the knuckle and in the mounting bracket.
  2. Install the adjuster bolt (3) in the mounting bracket and adjuster link.
  3. Install the rear adjuster cam (2) and adjuster nut (1). Finger tighten the nut at this time.
  4. Install the front adjuster cam (2) and the adjuster nut (1). Finger tighten the nut at this time.
  5. Install the retaining nut for the adjuster link. Tighten Tighten the retaining nut to 75 N.m (55 lb ft) plus 60 degrees.
  6. Install the rear shock absorber. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  7. Align the reference marks on the adjuster cam and the mounting bracket.
  8. Install a wrench to hold the adjuster cam bolt.
  9. Tighten the adjuster cam nuts. Tighten Tighten the adjuster cam nuts to 140 N.m (103 lb ft).
  10. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  11. Align the rear suspension. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

Note. In the following service procedures, the left side is shown, the right side is similar.

  1. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  2. Scribe a reference mark on the adjuster cam and the bracket to aid in installing the upper control arm.
  3. Remove the speed sensor wiring harness retaining clips (1) and (2) from the upper control arm.
  4. Position a jack stand under the lower control arm.
  5. Remove the upper control arm mounting nut (1) and bolt (2).
  6. Use a wrench to hold the adjuster cam bolt.
  7. Remove the rear upper adjuster cam bolt (1).
  8. Remove the rear upper adjuster cam (2).
  9. Remove front the adjuster cam nut (1).
  10. Remove the adjuster cam (2).
  11. Remove the adjuster cam bolt (3).
  12. Rotate the rear knuckle down to gain removal clearance for the upper control arm.
  13. Remove the upper control arm (1).
  1. Install the upper control arm (1) in the mounting bracket.
  2. Rotate the knuckle assembly back into the proper position.
  3. Position the front adjuster cam (2) in the mounting bracket.
  4. Install the adjuster cam bolt (3).
  5. Finger tighten the front adjuster cam nut (1).
  6. Position the rear adjuster cam (2) in the mounting bracket.
  7. Finger tighten the rear adjuster cam nut (1).
  8. Install the upper control arm bolt (2) and nut (1). Tighten Tighten the bolt to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus 90 degrees.
  9. Remove the jack stand from under the lower control arm.
  10. Install the speed sensor wiring harness retaining clips (1) and (2) on the upper control arm.
  11. Align the reference marks on the adjuster cam and bracket.
  12. Using a wrench to hold the adjuster cam bolt in place, tighten all the adjuster cam nuts. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 140 N.m (103 lb ft).
  13. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  14. Verify wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/buick/enclave/i-2007-2013/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Lower Control Arm Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the rear coil spring and related parts. Refer to Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement .
1Rear Lower Control Arm Nut (Qty: 2)
2Rear Lower Control Arm Bolt (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten Tighten the front control nut to 110 N.m (81 lb ft) plus 45 degrees Tighten the rear control nut to 120 N.m (89 lb ft) plus 60 degrees
3Rear Lower Control Arm
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Lower Control Arm Replacement

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Wheel Stud Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Remove the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (AWD) , Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FWD) .
1Wheel Stud (Qty: 6) Procedure Use either an old lug nut or a nut that will fit the wheel stud. Tighten the lug nut/nut until the wheel stud is seated against the wheel hub. TIP: Ensure that the washers being used, the center hole is larger than the wheel stud. Special Tools J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Wheel Stud Replacement

Rear Suspension Description and Operation

The rear suspension system on this vehicle is the independent suspension type. The rear suspension system consists of the following components

  1. The crossmember
  2. The knuckle
  3. The adjuster link
  4. The wheel bearing
  5. The upper control arms
  6. The lower control arms (with integral ball joints)
  7. The coils springs
  8. The stabilizer shaft
  9. The stabilizer shaft links
  10. The shock absorbers
  11. The coils springs

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 42129 Wheel Hub Remover J 43631 Ball Joint Remover J 45859-1 Axle Remover

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Special Tools

Scheme 11

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 12