Front Suspension System Buick LeSabre VIII

FASTENER TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS

Fastener Tightening Specifications

STABILIZER SHAFT REPLACEMENT

Note. Tools Required: Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J 24319-B).

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the front tires and wheels.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT INSULATOR REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
5. Remove the left outer tie rod retaining nut.
6. Use the J 24319-B in order to remove the left tie rod end (1) from the steering knuckle (2).
7. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe. Refer to «EXHAUST MANIFOLD PIPE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) in Engine Exhaust.
8. Turn the left strut completely to the left. Guide the stabilizer shaft out the left side of the vehicle between the body and the strut.
9. Remove the stabilizer shaft (3) from the vehicle.

Scheme 8

1. Install the stabilizer shaft (3) to the vehicle.
2. Install the exhaust manifold pipe. Refer to «EXHAUST MANIFOLD PIPE REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) in Engine Exhaust.
3. Loosely install the following components: The left and right stabilizer shaft insulators. The stabilizer shaft insulator brackets. The stabilizer shaft bracket bolts.
4. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
5. Install the left tie rod end (1) to the steering knuckle. 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.
6. Tighten the following components. Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts to 47 N.m (35 ft lbs). Tighten the outer tie rod end to steering knuckle retaining nut to 30 N.m (22 ft lbs) plus an additional 180 degrees.
7. Install the front tires and wheels.
8. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft link bolt.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators and spacers.

Installation Procedure

1. Loosely install the stabilizer link components. Tighten the stabilizer link nuts to 17 N.m (13 ft lbs).
2. Install the front wheels and tires.
3. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft bracket bolts.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft bracket.
4. Using a pry bar, lift upwards on the stabilizer shaft and remove the stabilizer shaft insulator.

1. Using a pry bar, lift up on the stabilizer shaft and install the stabilizer shaft insulator.
2. Install the stabilizer shaft bracket. 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 stabilizer shaft bracket bolts. Tighten the stabilizer shaft bracket bolts to 47 N.m (35 ft lbs).
4. Lower the vehicle.

WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT

Note. Tools Required: Front Hub Spindle Remover (J 28733-B).

1. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle by the frame. Allow the control arms to hang free.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
3. Clean the drive axle threads of all dirt. Lubricate the threads.
4. Insert a drift punch or a screwdriver into the caliper and the rotor in order to prevent the rotor from turning.
5. Remove the drive axle nut.
6. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «BRAKE ROTOR -- FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__brake-rotor-front) in Disc Brakes.
7. Disconnect the ABS front wheel speed sensor connector. Unclip the connector from the dust shield.
8. Remove the wheel bearing/hub retaining bolts. NOTE: Replace the hub and bearing only as an assembly.
9. Using J 28733-B separate the wheel bearing/hub from the drive axle.
10. Remove the wheel bearing/hub from the steering knuckle.
11. Remove the dust shield.
12. Clean the rust and the foreign material from the following components in order to allow proper seating of the bearing into the knuckle: The knuckle mounting face. The bore. The chamber.

1. Remove the protective plastic cover before installation. Do not handle the knuckle or hub assembly by the ABS sensor wire. 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 wheel bearing/hub to the drive axle. Apply a thin layer of grease to the knuckle bore.
3. Install the wheel bearing/hub retaining bolts. Tighten the wheel bearing/hub bolts to 95 N.m (70 ft lbs).
4. Install the new drive axle nut, draw wheel bearing/hub onto the axle.
5. Connect the ABS front wheel speed sensor connector. Clip the connector to its proper location.
6. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «BRAKE ROTOR -- FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__brake-rotor-front) in Disc Brakes.
7. Insert a drift punch or a screwdriver into the caliper and rotor in order to prevent the rotor from turning. Tighten the drive axle nut to 160 N.m (118 ft lbs).
8. Install the tire and wheel.
9. Lower the vehicle.

STEERING KNUCKLE REPLACEMENT

Note. Tools Required: Ball Joint Separator (J 43828) and Universal Steering Linkage Puller (J 24319-B).

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the wheel bearing bearing/hub from the vehicle. Refer to «WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__wheel-bearinghub-replacement-front) .
4. Remove the outer tie rod end retaining nut.
5. Using J 24319-B separate the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.
6. Remove the lower ball joint cotter pin (1) and retaining nut (2).
7. Using J 43828 separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
8. Remove the front strut to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3) and nuts (1).
9. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.

1. Install the steering knuckle to the lower ball joint. 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 lower ball joint retaining nut. Tighten the lower ball joint nut (2) to 10 N.m (89 in lbs) plus an additional 180 degrees. NOTE: Do not exceed two slots during cotter pin alignment.
3. Continue to tighten the ball joint nut for cotter pin alignment and install the cotter pin.
4. Install the outer tie rod end (1) to the steering knuckle (2). Tighten the outer tie rod end nut to 30 N.m (22 ft lbs) plus an additional 180 degrees.
5. Install the steering knuckle to the strut mounting bolts (3) and nuts (1). Tighten the steering knuckle to the strut mounting nuts to 185 N.m (136 ft lbs).
6. Install the hub and bearing to the steering knuckle/drive axle. Refer to «WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__wheel-bearinghub-replacement-front) .
7. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «BRAKE ROTOR -- FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__brake-rotor-front) in Disc Brakes.
8. Install the drive axle nut (2).
9. Insert a drift or screwdriver (1) into the caliper and rotor to prevent the rotor from turning. Tighten the drive axle nut to 160 N.m (118 ft lbs).
10. Install the tire and wheel.
11. Align the vehicle. Refer to «MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__measuring-wheel-alignment) in Wheel Alignment.

LOWER CONTROL ARM REPLACEMENT

Note. Tools Required: Ball Joint Separator (J 43828).

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. Remove the cotter pin (1).
5. Loosen the lower ball joint retaining nut (2) from the ball stud. NOTE: Care must be exercised to prevent Tri-Pot joints from being over-extended. When either end of the shaft is disconnected, over-extension of the joint could result in separation of internal components and possible joint failure. Drive axle joint seal protectors should be used any time service is performed on or near the drive axles. Failure to observe this can result in interior joint or seal damage and possible joint failures.
6. Using J 43828 remove the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the lower ball joint retaining nut.
8. Remove the lower control arm mounting bolts and nuts.
9. Remove the lower control arm from the frame.

1. Install the lower control arm to the frame. NOTE: Do not tighten the control arm nuts at this time. Before tightening the control arm mounting nuts, support the weight of the vehicle by the control arms in order to obtain the vehicle design trim heights.
2. Install the lower bolts, control arm and nuts. 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 lower ball joint and retaining nut to the steering knuckle. Tighten the lower ball joint retaining nut to 10 N.m (89 in lbs) plus an additional 180 degrees. NOTE: Do not exceed two slots during cotter pin alignment.
4. Continue to tighten the ball joint nut for cotter pin alignment and install the cotter pin.
5. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
6. Install the tire and wheel.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Inspect the trim height. Refer to «TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis) in Suspension General Diagnosis.
9. Tighten the control arm bolts in the following sequence: Tighten the rear mounting bolt to 158 N.m (117 ft lbs). Tighten the front mounting nut to 158 N.m (117 ft lbs).

WHEEL STUD REPLACEMENT

Note. Tools Required: Ball Joint Remover (J 35917).

1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the tire and wheel.
3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «BRAKE ROTOR -- FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__brake-rotor-front) in Disc Brakes.
4. Using J 35917 press the stud from the wheel bearing/hub.
5. Remove the stud at the innermost notch in the knuckle, on the caliper side of the knuckle.

1. Install a new stud. Use washers and wheel nuts to draw the stud into the hub and seat the stud.
2. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «BRAKE ROTOR -- FRONT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brakes__brake-rotor-front) in Disc Brakes.
3. Install the tire and wheel.
4. Lower the vehicle.

STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT

1. Remove the strut mount retaining bolts.
2. Raise and support the vehicle.
3. Remove the tire and wheel.
4. Disconnect the ABS front wheel speed sensor connector.
5. Remove the speed sensor bracket from the strut. CAUTION: The knuckle must be retained after the strut-to-knuckle bolts have been removed. Failure to observe this may cause ball joint and/or wheel drive shaft damage.
6. Remove the brake line bracket from the strut on the left side.
7. Remove the strut to knuckle bolts (3) and the nuts (1).
8. Remove the strut from the vehicle.

1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Install the strut to 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.
3. Install the strut mount to body retaining bolts. Tighten the strut mount to body bolts to 47 N.m (35 ft lbs).
4. Raise the vehicle.
5. Install the strut to steering knuckle bolts (3) and the nuts (1). Tighten the strut to knuckle bolts to 185 N.m (136 ft lbs).
6. Connect the brake line and retaining bolt to the strut.
7. Connect the speed sensor bracket and retaining bolt to the strut. Tighten the brake line and the speed sensor bracket bolts to 17 N.m (13 ft lbs).
8. Connect the ABS front wheel speed electrical sensor connector.
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to «MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__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 &/OR SPRING REPLACEMENT

Note. Tools Required: Holding Fixture (J 3289-20), Strut Compressor (J 34013-B), Alignment Rod (J 34013-38), and Damper Rod Clamp (J 34013-20).

1. Remove the strut assembly from the vehicle in order to perform this procedure. Refer to «STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__strut-assembly-replacement) .
2. Install the strut (1) into the J 34013-B.
3. Turn the compressor forcing screw (3) until the spring compresses slightly.
4. Use a socket (3) in order to prevent the strut shaft from turning. Remove the strut shaft retaining nut.
5. Install the J 34013-38 in order to help guide the strut shaft out of the assembly.
6. Loosen the compressor screw while guiding the strut shaft out of the assembly. Continue loosening the compressor screw until the strut and the spring may be removed.

1. Install the strut in the J 34013-B with the J 34013-20 clamped on the strut shaft (1) in the strut compressor. NOTE: Ensure that the flat on the upper spring seat faces out from the centerline of the vehicle. When you mount the spring seat in the strut compressor, ensure that the spring seat faces in the same direction as the steering knuckle mounting flange. If the bearing had been removed from the upper spring seat, install the bearing into the upper spring seat in the same orientation as it had been. Also, install the bearing in the spring seat before attaching to the strut mount.
2. Install the spring over the strut in the correct position.
3. Move the assembly upright in the strut compressor.
4. Install the upper locking pin (2).
5. Install the rod J 34013-38 into the strut guide strut shaft.
6. Start turning the compressor screw clockwise on the J 34013-B, while guiding the J 34013-38 to the center strut shaft in the assembly.
7. Continue to turn the compressor forcing screw (3) on the strut compressor until the strut shaft threads are visible through the top of the strut assembly (1).
8. Install the strut washer and retaining nut. 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.
9. Remove the clamp J 34013-20 from the strut shaft. Tighten the strut mount retaining nut to 75 N.m (55 ft lbs) while holding the strut shaft with the socket.
10. Remove the strut from the strut compressor.
11. Install the strut assembly to the vehicle. Refer to «STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT»(/buick/lesabre/viii-2000-2005/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__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.

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

See also:
• EXHAUST MANIFOLD PIPE REPLACEMENT
• BRAKE ROTOR -- FRONT
• MEASURING WHEEL ALIGNMENT
• TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE
• STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT
• WHEEL BEARING/HUB REPLACEMENT - FRONT
• STRUT ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT