Body Front End Buick LeSabre VIII

FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 1

1. Loosen the lower hood hinge fasteners (1). Oversized holes allow fore and aft adjustment of the hood. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Tighten the lower hood hinge fasteners (1). Tighten fasteners to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Loosen the adjustment link fastener (2) on the lower hinge (1).
2. Adjust the hood as necessary. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Tighten the adjustment link fastener (2). Tighten fastener to 24 N.m (18 lb ft).
4. Adjust the front hood bumpers (1) so that the hood is flush with the fenders by twisting the bumpers (1) in or out.
5. Adjust the hood latch. Refer to «HOOD LATCH ADJUSTMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__hood-latch-adjustment) .
6. After the hood adjustment is performed, sufficient load must remain on the front and rear hood bumpers to eliminate hood flutter. This can be achieved by lowering the hood latch an additional 3 mm (1/8 in), for front flutter, and raising the rear bumper (2) for rear flutter.

Removal Procedure

Scheme 5

1. Open the hood.
2. Disconnect the underhood lamp electrical connector.
3. With a helper holding the hood open, remove the hood assist rods. Refer to «ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT-HOOD»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
4. Remove the hood hinge pivot bolts (2) retaining the upper hood hinge (3) to the lower hood hinge (5).
5. With the aid of a helper, remove the hood (1) from the body.

Installation Procedure

1. With the aid of helper, install the hood (1) to the body. (Scheme 5) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts (2) that retain the upper hood hinge (3) to the lower hood hinge (5). Tighten the bolts (2) to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
3. Install the hood assist rods. Refer to «ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT-HOOD»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
4. Connect the underhood lamp electrical connector.
5. Adjust the hood, if necessary. Refer to «HOOD ADJUSTMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
6. Using touch up paint, touch up any exposed or unpainted surface after the hood is installed.
7. Remove the tape from the hood and the fenders.
8. Close the hood.

HOOD LATCH ADJUSTMENT

Note. Ensure that you have the proper alignment before you tighten the mounting bolts under the following conditions: After removing the hood latch assembly. After loosening the mounting fasteners. After changing the hood adjustment.

Scheme 6

1. With the attaching fasteners (1) loose, slowly lower the hood onto the latch in order to achieve the proper cross vehicle adjustment of the hood latch.
2. Raise the hood. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Tighten the fasteners (1) in order to secure the hood latch. Tighten the fasteners (1) to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
4. After the hood adjustment is performed, sufficient load must remain on the front and rear hood bumpers to eliminate hood flutter. This can be achieved by lowering the hood latch an additional 3 mm (1/8 in), for front flutter, and raising the rear bumper (1) for rear flutter. (Scheme 4)

The hood latch is attached to the radiator support. The holes are elongated in order to help in adjustment.

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Remove the hood latch fasteners (1).
2. Remove the hood latch (2).
3. Disconnect the hood release cable from the hood latch (1).

1. Connect the hood release cable to the hood latch
2. Install the hood latch (2). (Scheme 7) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the fasteners (1) in order to secure the hood latch. Tighten the fasteners (1) to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
4. Adjust the hood latch (2). Refer to «HOOD LATCH ADJUSTMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__hood-latch-adjustment).

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the hood latch. Refer to «HOOD LATCH REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end). Disconnect the hood release cable (1) from the hood latch (2). (Scheme 8)
3. Tie a piece of string around the hood release cable. This will ease the installation of the hood release cable through the engine compartment.
4. Remove the front fascia extension. Refer to «FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) in Bumpers.
5. Remove the front wheelhouse liner. Refer to «WHEELHOUSE LINER REPLACEMENT-FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
6. Open the clips (3) retaining the hood release cable (2) to the vehicle.
7. Remove the screws (2) retaining the hood release handle (1) to the vehicle.
8. Disconnect the hood release cable from the hood release handle (1).
9. Tie a piece of string around the hood release cable. This will ease the installation of the hood release cable through the passenger compartment.
10. Remove the hood release cable grommet (2) from the wheel opening.
11. Remove the hood release cable from the vehicle.

1. Transfer the string to either end of the hood release cable.
2. Route the string and the hood release cable (3) into the passenger compartment. (Scheme 11)
3. Remove the string from the hood release cable.
4. Connect the hood release cable to the hood release handle (1). (Scheme 10)
5. Install the fasteners (2) in order to secure the hood release handle (1) to the vehicle.
6. Position and press the hood release cable grommet (2) into the wheel opening. (Scheme 11)
7. Pull the string and the hood release cable into the engine compartment.
8. Remove the string from the hood release cable.
9. Position the hood release cable (2) in the clips (3) and close the clips (3). (Scheme 9)
10. Install the front wheelhouse liner. Refer to «WHEELHOUSE LINER REPLACEMENT-FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
11. Install the front fascia extension. Refer to «FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) in Bumpers.
12. Install the hood latch. Refer to «HOOD LATCH REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
13. Close the hood.

Scheme 12

1. Open the hood.
2. Mark the location of the hood striker on the underside of the hood.
3. Remove the bolts (1) retaining the hood striker (2) to the hood.
4. Remove the hood striker from the hood.

1. Install the hood striker (2) to the hood. (Scheme 12) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the fasteners (1) to retain the hood strike (2) to the hood. Tighten the bolts to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
3. Close the hood.

HOOD INSULATOR REPLACEMENT

Note. Tools Required: Door Trim Pad Remover (J 38778).

Scheme 13

1. Remove the front hood seal. Refer to «SEAL REPLACEMENT-HOOD FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__seal-replacement-hood-front) .
2. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the hood insulator push in retainers.
3. Remove the hood insulator from the hood.

1. Install the hood insulator to the hood. (Scheme 13)
2. Install the push-in retainers in order to secure the hood insulator to the hood.
3. Install the front hood seal. Refer to «SEAL REPLACEMENT-HOOD FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end__seal-replacement-hood-front).

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

1. Open and support the hood.
2. Using a small flat bladed tool, release the clip retaining the hood assist rod to the lower assist rod ball stud.
3. Using a small flat bladed tool, release the clip retaining the hood assist rod to the upper assist rod ball stud.
4. Remove the hood assist rod (4) from the vehicle.

1. Press the hood assist rod (4) onto the upper hood assist rod ball stud (1). (Scheme 15)
2. Press the hood assist rod (4) onto the lower hood assist rod ball stud (3).
3. Ensure that both release clips are fully seated on the hood assist rod (4).
4. Close the hood.

Scheme 16

1. Open the hood.
2. Release the clip retaining the hood assist rod to the lower hood assist rod ball stud. (Scheme 14)
3. Remove the lower hood assist rod ball stud (1) from the fender (2).
4. Release the clip retaining the hood assist rod to the upper hood assist rod ball stud. (Scheme 14)
5. Remove the upper hood assist rod ball stud (1) from the hood (2). (Scheme 15)

Scheme 17

1. Install the upper hood assist rod ball stud (1) to the hood (2). Tighten the upper hood assist rod ball stud (2) to 9 N.m (80 lb in). (Scheme 15)
2. Press the hood assist rod onto the upper hood assist rod ball stud (1).
3. Ensure that the clip is fully seated on the hood assist rod.
4. Install the lower hood assist rod ball stud (1) to the fender (2). Tighten the lower hood assist rod ball stud (1) to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
5. Press the hood assist rod onto the lower hood assist rod ball stud (1).
6. Ensure that the clip is fully seated on the hood assist rod.
7. Close the hood.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the retainers from the front air deflector.
3. Remove the front air deflector.

Scheme 18

1. Install the front air deflector.
2. Install the front air deflector retainers.
3. Lower the vehicle.

Note. When removing body panels, apply tape to corners of panel and adjacent surfaces to help prevent paint damage.

Scheme 19

1. Remove the rocker molding. Refer to MOLDING REPLACEMENT-ROCKER PANEL in Exterior Trim.
2. Remove the air deflector. Refer to «AIR DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT-FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
3. Remove the fascia to fender fasteners. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) .
4. Remove the fender fasteners (2).
5. Remove the fender (1) from the vehicle.

1. Install the fender (1) to the vehicle. (Scheme 19) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the fender fasteners (2). Tighten the fasteners to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
3. Install the fascia to fender fasteners. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper).
4. Install the air deflector. Refer to «AIR DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT-FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
5. Install the rocker molding. Refer to MOLDING REPLACEMENT-ROCKER PANEL in Exterior Trim.

1. Remove the front fascia extension. Refer to «FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the push-in retainers.
3. Remove the wheelhouse liner.

Scheme 20

1. Install the wheelhouse liner.
2. Install the push-in retainers in order to secure the wheelhouse liner to the vehicle.
3. Install the fascia extension. Refer to «FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

1. Remove the front fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) in Bumpers.
2. Remove both headlamps. Refer to HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
3. Disconnect the hood release cable from the hood latch. Refer to «HOOD LATCH RELEASE CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
4. Remove the headlamp/fascia mounting panel stabilizer bars from the vehicle.
5. Remove the headlamp/fascia mounting panel fasteners from the vehicle.
6. Remove the headlamp/fascia mounting panel from the vehicle.

1. Install the headlamp/fascia mounting panel to the vehicle. (Scheme 23) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the headlamp/fascia mounting panel fasteners to the vehicle. Tighten the mounting fasteners to 9 N.m (80 lb in). (Scheme 22)
3. Install the headlamp/fascia mounting panel stabilizer bars and fasteners to the vehicle. Tighten the stabilizer fasteners to 9 N.m (80 lb in). (Scheme 21)
4. Connect the hood release cable to the hood latch. Refer to «HOOD LATCH RELEASE CABLE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
5. Install both headlamps. Refer to HEADLAMP REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
6. Install the front fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__fascia-replacement-front-bumper) in Bumpers.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the Radiator support bracket fasteners.
3. Remove the Radiator support brackets (4) from the vehicle.

Scheme 24

1. Install the Radiator support brackets (4) onto the vehicle. CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the Radiator support bracket fasteners. Tighten the Radiator support bracket fasteners to 9 N.m (80 lb in).
3. Close the hood.

1. Remove the headlamp/fascia panel support bracket fasteners (1). (Scheme 24)
2. Remove the headlamp/fascia panel support brackets (5).
3. Remove the Radiator Support Brackets (4). Refer to «RADIATOR SUPPORT REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
4. Remove the Air Cleaner Assembly.
5. Remove the upper tie bar fasteners (2).
6. Remove the upper tie bar (3) from the vehicle.

1. Install the upper tie bar (3) onto the vehicle. (Scheme 24) CAUTION: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the upper tie bar fasteners (2). Tighten the upper tie bar fasteners to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
3. Install the Air Cleaner Assembly.
4. Install the Radiator Support Brackets (4). Refer to «RADIATOR SUPPORT REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end).
5. Install the headlamp/fascia panel support brackets (5).
6. Install the headlamp/fascia panel support bracket fasteners (1). Tighten the headlamp/fascia panel support bracket fasteners to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

1. Remove the windshield wiper arms. Refer to «WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-and-washer-system__wiper-arm-replacement) in Wipers/Washer Systems.
2. Remove the push-in retainer caps from the air inlet grille panel.
3. Remove the push-in retainers from the air inlet grille panel.
4. Remove the windshield washer hose.
5. Using needle nose pliers, push the washer hose fitting into the plenum area.
6. Lift the right side of the air inlet grille panel over the wiper arm drive spindles, and remove the panel from the vehicle.

1. Install the windshield washer hose fitting into the air inlet grill panel.
2. Install the air inlet grille panel to the vehicle. (Scheme 25)
3. Install the washer hose.
4. Install the air inlet grille panel push-pin retainers.
5. Install the caps onto the push-pin retainers.
6. Install the windshield wiper arms. Refer to «WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-and-washer-system__wiper-arm-replacement) in Wipers/Washer Systems.

SEAL REPLACEMENT-HOOD FRONT

Note. Tools Required: Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover (J 38778).

1. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the push-in retainers.
2. Remove the front hood seal from the hood.

Scheme 27

1. Align the front hood seal and the push-in retainers to the hood.
2. Install the seal by pushing the retainers into the hood.
3. Ensure that all of the retainers are fully seated.

1. Remove the push-in retainers.
2. Starting on either side, work the hood seal off by pulling the seal straight away from the flange.
3. Remove the seal from the vehicle.

Scheme 28

1. Install the rear hood seal to the flange.
2. Install the push-in retainers.

1. Remove the front wheelhouse extension. Refer to «WHEELHOUSE EXTENSION REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
2. Remove the push-in retainers.
3. Remove the wheelhouse panel.

Scheme 29

1. Install the wheelhouse panel.
2. Install the push-in retainers in order to secure the wheelhouse panel to the vehicle.
3. Install the wheelhouse extension. Refer to «WHEELHOUSE EXTENSION REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .

1. Remove the push-in retainers (2) from the wheelhouse extension (3).
2. Remove the wheelhouse extension from the vehicle.

Scheme 30

1. Install the front wheelhouse extension (3) to the vehicle.
2. Install the push-in retainers (2) to the wheelhouse extension (3).

1. Remove the front fascia extension. Refer to «FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the front wheelhouse liner. Refer to «WHEELHOUSE LINER REPLACEMENT-FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
3. Remove the push-in retainers from the front fender sound insulator.
4. Remove the front fender sound insulator from the vehicle.

Scheme 31

1. Install the front fender sound insulator to the vehicle.
2. Install the push-in retainers to the front fender sound insulator.
3. Install the front wheelhouse liner. Refer to «WHEELHOUSE LINER REPLACEMENT-FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#body-front-end) .
4. Install the front fascia extension. Refer to «FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

1. Remove the push-in retainer (2) from the cowl drain valve (3).
2. Remove the cowl drain valve (3) from the vehicle.

Scheme 32

1. Align the cowl drain valve (3) to the opening in the vehicle.
2. Install the push-in retainer (2) to secure the cowl drain valve to the vehicle.

Scheme 33

See also:
• FASCIA EXTENSION REPLACEMENT - FRONT
• FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER
• WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT
• HOOD LATCH ADJUSTMENT
• ASSIST ROD REPLACEMENT-HOOD
• SEAL REPLACEMENT-HOOD FRONT