Home ReviewsRefund
Home/Buick/Regal/Buick Regal V (2009-2013)/Repair manual/Suspension Front/Front Suspension System
Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Suspension Front All sections

Front Suspension System Buick Regal V

Suspension Front 13 illustrations ~1453 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt (GNA)
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final PassPlus 90 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt (GNB)
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final PassPlus 75 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut (GNA) (Qty: 2)
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final PassPlus 75 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut (GNB) (Qty: 2)
First Pass115 N.m85 lb ft
Final PassPlus 120 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Bolt
First Pass55 N.m41 lb ft
Final PassPlus 90 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Nut at the Yoke (GNB)
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final PassPlus 75 Degrees
Front Shock Absorber Yoke Nut (GNB)70 N.m52 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Mount Nut (GNA)45 N.m33 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Mount Nut (GNB)55 N.m41 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Nut70 N.m52 lb ft
Front Wheel Bearing Bolt (GNA) (Qty: 3)
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final PassPlus 75 Degrees
Front Wheel Bearing Bolt (GNB) (Qty: 3)
First Pass100 N.m74 lb ft
Final PassPlus 60 Degrees
Steering Knuckle Camber Adjust Nut (GNB) (Qty: 2)
First Pass70 N.m52 lb ft
Final PassPlus 45 Degrees
Steering Knuckle King Pin Bushing Nut (GNB) (Qty: 2)70 N.m52 lb ft
Steering Knuckle Nut at the Ball Joint (GNA)
First Pass50 N.m37 lb ft
Final PassPlus 30 Degrees
Steering Knuckle Nut (Strut) (Qty: 2)
First Pass85 N.m63 lb ft
Final PassPlus 60 Degrees
Steering Knuckle Upper Ball Stud Nut (GNB)
First Pass45 N.m33 lb ft
Final PassPlus 45 Degrees
Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut65 N.m48 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bolt
First Pass22 N.m16 lb ft
Final PassPlus 30 Degrees

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
Scheme 1: Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Stabilizer Shaft Bolts (Qty:2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Support the front cradle with the proper jackstand's. Remove the stabilizer links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement . Remove rear transmission bolt. Refer to Transmission Rear Mount Replacement . Lower the rear front cradle to gain enough clearance to remove the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement . Remove and discard the bolts. DO NOT reuse, replace with NEW only. Tighten First Pass: 22 N.m (16 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 30 degrees
2Stabilizer Shaft CAUTION: This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
CAUTION
This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

Stabilizer Shaft Replacement

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
Scheme 2: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten 65 N.m(48 lb ft)
2Stabilizer Shaft Link
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement

Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement

The stabilizer shaft insulator is not serviced separately, but with the stabilizer shaft. For the stabilizer shaft replacement, refer to Stabilizer Shaft Replacement .

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (GNA)
Scheme 3: Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (GNA)
CallousComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the front brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J60, J61) , Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J64) . Separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing assembly. For the left wheel drive shaft, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side (GNA) . For the right wheel drive shaft, refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side (GNA) .
1Front Wheel Bearing Bolts(Qty: 3) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . TIP: DO NOT re-use the wheel bearing bolt. Replace with NEW only. Tighten 100 N.m (74 lb ft) + 75 degrees
2Front Wheel Bearing Assembly.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (GNA)

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA)
Scheme 4: Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Steering Knuckle CAUTION: Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result. Procedure Remove the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (GNA) . Separate the outer tie rod end from the knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Remove the nuts and bolts from the strut to the knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (GNA) . Separate the lower ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA) .
CAUTION
Do not pry in such a way that the ball joint seal is contacted. Damage to the seal may result.

Steering Knuckle Replacement (GNA)

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA)
Scheme 5: Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Steering Knuckle Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Support the knuckle with the proper jack stand. Using the CH 43631 remover, separate the ball joint from the knuckle. Tighten First Pass: 50 N.m (37 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 30 degrees Special Tools CH 43631 Ball Joint Remover For regional equivalent tools, refer to Special Tools
2Steering Knuckle Bolt Procedure Discard the steering knuckle bolt. DO NOT re-use, replace with NEW.
3Front Lower Control Arm Nut Procedure Discard the nut. DO NOT re-use, replace with NEW.
4Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt Procedure Discard the bolt. DO NOT re-use, replace with NEW. Tighten First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 90 degrees
5Front Lower Control Arm Rear Nut (Qty: 2)
6Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bolt (Qty: 2) Procedure Remove and discard the bolt. DO NOT re-use, replace with NEW. Tighten First Pass: 100 N.m (74 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 75 degrees
7Front Lower Control Arm CAUTION: This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component. Procedure Verify the wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
CAUTION
This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA)

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Replacement
Scheme 6: Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the lower control arm. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (GNA) .
1Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Bolt CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Discard and replace the front lower control arm bushing bolt with NEW only. Tighten First Pass: 55 N.m (41 lb ft) Final Pass: plus 90 degrees
2Front Lower Control Arm Bushing CAUTION: This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
CAUTION
This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bushing Replacement

Special Tools

CH-43661 Ball Joint Remover

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Removal Procedure
Scheme 7: Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove and support the brake caliper and bracket as an assembly, and remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J60, J61)»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) , «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J64)»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  4. Remove the bearing hub, refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (GNA)»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  5. Use CH-43661 remover to release the wheel stud from the bearing hub and discard the stud.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the NEW wheel stud into the wheel bearing hub.
  2. Add enough washers (1) in order to draw the stud into the hub.
  3. Install the wheel nut (2) with the flat side against the washers.
  4. Tighten the wheel nut (2) until the head of the wheel stud is fully seated against the back of the bearing hub flange.
  5. Remove the wheel nut (2) and the washers (1).
  6. Install the bearing hub, refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (GNA)»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  7. Install the brake rotor, and install the brake caliper and bracket as an assembly. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J60, J61)»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) , «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J64)»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  9. Lower the vehicle.

Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Strut)

Note. The strut 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 strut is normal. DO NOT replace the strut for this condition.

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Strut)
Scheme 8: Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Strut)

Condition 1

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

Condition 2

Light film/residue on the strut tube, but not on the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is a NORMAL condition. DO NOT replace the strut.

Condition 3

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

Condition 4

Extreme wet film of oil covering the strut tube and pooling in the spring seat and originating from the shaft seal, is an ABNORMAL condition. Replace the strut.

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/regal/v-2009-2013/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
  3. Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers or struts 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 strut. Refer to Strut Replacement.
  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 strut. If the strut does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.

Scheme 9

Scheme 9: Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (GNA)
Scheme 9: Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (GNA)
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the front strut. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
1Steering Knuckle Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Using a suitable jack stand, support the front lower control arm. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the front strut, if equipped. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement (Without F45) . Remove brake hose, connector and clip from the strut. Tighten First Pass: 85 N.m(63 lb ft) Final Pass: 60 degrees
2Steering Knuckle Bolt (Qty: (2) Procedure Remove and discard the bolt. Replace with NEW only.
3Front Suspension Strut Mount Nut Procedure Remove the plastic cap, if equipped. Using the CH 49375 wrench, remove the nut. Tighten 55 N.m(40 lb ft) Special Tools CH 49375 Wrench For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
4Front Suspension Strut CAUTION: This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
CAUTION
This component is equipped with torque-to-yield fasteners. Install a NEW torque-to-yield fastener when installing this component. Failure to replace the torque-to-yield fastener could cause damage to the vehicle or component.

Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (GNA)

Suspension Strut Disposal

WARNINGUse the proper eye protection when drilling to prevent metal chips from causing physical injury.
  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.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement
Scheme 10: Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
WARNING: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, use the proper tools to support and compress the coil spring prior to removal of the strut shaft nut when removing the coil spring. The coil spring is under extreme pressure and can become a projectile should the spring separate from the strut before all of the tension is relieved. Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Remove the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Removal and Installation (GNA) .
1Front Suspension Strut Mount Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Using the CH 48845 compressor, compress the front strut assembly. Using the CH 49375 wrench and a TORX® bit, remove the strut mount nut Tighten 70 N.m (52 lb ft) Special Tool CH 48845 Strut Spring Compressor CH 49375 Wrench For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
2Front Suspension Strut Mount Washer
3Front Suspension Strut Mount Insulator
4Front Suspension Strut Mount Bearing
5Front Spring
6Front Shock Absorber Boot
7Front Suspension Strut Bumper
8Front Spring Lower Insulator
9Front Suspension Strut
WARNING
To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, use the proper tools to support and compress the coil spring prior to removal of the strut shaft nut when removing the coil spring. The coil spring is under extreme pressure and can become a projectile should the spring separate from the strut before all of the tension is relieved.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement

Front Suspension Description and Operation (GNA)

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.

General Description (GNA)

The front MacPherson-type wheel suspension comprises a spring, damper and upper suspension strut pivot integrated in one unit. The lower part of this unit, a MacPherson strut, is connected to the steering swivel member.

In order to allow the MacPherson strut to rotate, the upper section contains a bearing which serves as the point of attachment for the MacPherson strut to the body.

The front suspension consists of the following parts

  1. MacPherson strut
  2. Steering swivel member
  3. Link arm
  4. Wheel hub
  5. Anti-roll bar
  6. Anti-roll bar rod

Illustration Tool Number/Description CH-43631 J-43631 Ball Joint Remover CH-48845 J-45400 Spring Compressor CH-49375 J-35669 Wrench

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: Special Tools
Scheme 11: Special Tools

Scheme 12

Scheme 12
Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 13
Scheme 13

More articles — Suspension