Front Suspension System — Buick Rendezvous I (2001-2007)

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Application	Specification
Application	Metric	English
ABS Bracket Bolt	10 N.m	7 lb ft
Ball Joint Retaining Nuts	68 N.m	50 lb ft
Ball Stud Castle Nut (Lower Control Arm)	55 N.m	40 lb ft
Lower Control Arm Nuts (at Frame) *	104 N.m	77 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bracket Bolts	48 N.m	35 lb in
Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut	23 N.m	17 lb ft
Strut To Knuckle Bolts	123 N.m	90 lb ft
Strut Shaft Nut *	85 N.m	63 lb ft
Strut Upper Nuts	41 N.m	30 lb ft
Wheel Bearing/Hub Bolts (NEW ONLY)	130 N.m	96 lb ft
* 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 a specified amount of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating Refer to the appropriate service procedure for the prevailing torque value. If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Removal Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the left and right stabilizer shaft insulators and brackets. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the stabilizer shaft from the right side of the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

Install the stabilizer shaft to the vehicle from the right side of the vehicle.
Install the stabilizer shaft insulators (4) and brackets. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the left and right stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.

Removal Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut.
Use a pry bar in order to remove the stabilizer shaft link insulators and the spacer.

Use a pry bar in order to install the stabilizer shaft link insulators and the spacer.
Install the stabilizer shaft link and insulators.
Install the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the side stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts.
Use a pry bar in order to remove the stabilizer shaft insulator brackets.
Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators (4).

Install the stabilizer shaft insulator.
Ensure that the stabilizer shaft insulator locating tabs (3) align with the indentations in the frame (2).
Install the left and right side stabilizer shaft insulator brackets.
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).
Install the front tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Secure the lower control arm in a vice.
Drill out the rivet heads from the lower control arm.
Use a hammer and a drift punch in order to remove the rivets from the lower control arm.
Remove the ball joint from the lower control arm.

Install the ball joint to the lower control arm.
Install the new ball joint bolts facing downward, away from the ball stud.
Install the new ball joint retaining nuts. Tighten: Tighten the ball joint retaining nuts to 68 N.m (50 lb ft).
Install the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the tire and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Align the front suspension. Refer to «Measuring Wheel Alignment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__measuring-wheel-alignment) in Wheel Alignment.

Tools Required

J 28733-B Front Hub Spindle Remover

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Remove the wheel speed sensor electrical connector from the bracket.
Remove the wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Brake Rotor Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__brake-rotor-replacement-front) in Disc Brakes.
Install the J 28733-B to the wheel bearing/hub.
Use the J 28733-B in order to push the wheel drive shaft out of the wheel bearing/hub.
Remove and discard the wheel bearing/hub bolts.
Remove the wheel bearing/hub.

Install the wheel bearing/hub.
Install NEW wheel bearing/hub bolts. Tighten: Tighten the new wheel bearing/hub bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
Install the brake rotor. Refer to «Brake Rotor Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__brake-rotor-replacement-front) in Disc Brakes.
Install the wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to «Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts__wheel-drive-shaft-replacement-front) in Wheel Drive Shafts.
Install the wheel speed sensor electrical connector to the bracket.
Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller. See Special Tools and Equipment .

Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the front wheel drive shaft bearing. Refer to «Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the front lower control arm ball stud. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) in Power Steering.
Remove the bolt retaining the ABS harness bracket to the steering knuckle.
Scribe the strut to the knuckle.
Remove the bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle.
Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.

Install the knuckle to the vehicle.
Install the bolts which connect the strut to the knuckle. Hand tighten only.
Connect the front lower control arm ball stud to knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Attach the ABS bracket to the steering knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the ABS bracket bolt to 10 N.m (7 lb ft).
Install the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) in Power Steering.
Install the front wheel drive shaft bearing. Refer to «Wheel Bearing/Hub Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.
Measure and adjust the front alignment. Refer to «Front Camber Adjustment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__front-camber-adjustment) in Wheel Alignment.

J 41820 Ball Stud/Joint 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.

Turn the steering wheel in order to move the front of the applicable wheel to the outboard most position in order to allow for tool access to the lower control arm ball stud nut.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the cotter pin (1) from the ball stud (3).
Loosen the ball stud nut. Do not remove the ball stud nut.
Install the J 41820 over the ball stud nut and the steering knuckle as shown. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Rotate the ball stud nut counterclockwise in order to separate the ball stud from the steering knuckle.
Remove the lower control arm bolts and nuts.
Remove the lower control arm.

Install the lower control arm.
Install the control arm bolts and nuts. Hand tighten only.
Install the ball stud to the knuckle.
Install the ball stud castle nut. Tighten: Tighten the ball stud castle nut to 55 N.m (40 lb ft).
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.
Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends as shown in either example.
Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the wheel speed sensor harness to the lower control arm.
Install the lower control arm nuts. Tighten: Tighten the lower control arm nuts to 104 N.m (77 lb ft).
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.

Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement

Tools Required

J 23444-A High Pressure Lubricant. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Service Set. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Remove the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Secure the lower control arm in a vice.
Mark the lower control arm along the flat edge of the bushing flange (1).
Assemble the following bushing tools as shown.
Tighten the J 21474-4 until the bushing is removed from the control arm.
Disassemble the bushing tools.

Align the flat edge of the bushing flange to the mark in the control arm (1).
Insert the bushing into the control arm.
Assemble the bushing tools as shown.
Tighten the J 21474-4 until the bushing is fully seated in the control arm.
Disassemble the bushing tools.
Install the lower control arm. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

J 35917 Ball Joint Remover. See Special Tools and Equipment .

CAUTION

If you are replacing the wheel(s), the wheel stud(s), the wheel nut(s) or the wheel bolt(s), install only new GM original equipment parts. Installation of used parts or non-GM original equipment parts may cause the wheel to loosen, loss of tire air pressure, poor vehicle handling and loss of vehicle control resulting in personal injury.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Brake Rotor Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__brake-rotor-replacement-front) in Disc Brakes.
Use the J 35917 in order to press the wheel stud (1) from the bearing/hub (2). See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Install a new wheel stud from the back side of the bearing/hub.
Install three flat washers (1) to the wheel stud (3).
Install a hex nut (2) to the wheel stud (3).
Tighten the hex nut until the stud head is fully seated in the bearing/hub flange.
Remove the hex nut and the washers from the wheel stud.
Install the brake rotor. Refer to «Brake Rotor Replacement - Front»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__brake-rotor-replacement-front) in Disc Brakes.
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Lower the vehicle.

Remove wiper module. Refer to «Wiper Motor Module Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system)
Remove the upper strut mounting nuts.
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) in General Information.
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Scribe the strut to the steering knuckle.
Remove the strut lower mounting bolts and nuts.
Remove the strut.

Install the strut to the vehicle.
Install the strut upper nuts. Tighten: Tighten the strut upper nuts to 41 N.m (30 lb ft).
Install the wiper module refer to «Wiper Motor Module Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system)
Install the strut lower bolts and nuts. Hand tighten only.
Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) in Tires and Wheels.
Inspect and adjust the camber as necessary. Refer to «Front Camber Adjustment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__front-camber-adjustment) in Wheel Alignment.
Lower the vehicle.

Suspension Strut Disposal

CAUTION

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

Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod (1) completely extended.
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.
Remove the strut from the vise.
Hold the strut over a drain pan vertically with the hole down.
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

J 42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Disassembly Procedure

Remove the strut from the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the strut (2) in the J 45400 (1). See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.
Use a 45 TORX® socket in order to hold the strut shaft. Use the J 42991 to remove the upper strut mount nut. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Remove the strut from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Loosen the compressor forcing screw (1) until the upper strut mount and coil spring (2) may be removed.
Remove the upper strut mount and the coil spring from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Assembly Procedure

Install the coil spring and upper strut mount to the J 45400 . See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
Install the strut to the coil spring and upper strut mount.
Loosely install the strut retaining nut.
Use a 45 TORX® socket in order to hold the strut shaft. Use the J 42991 to install the upper strut mount nut. See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) . Tighten: Tighten the strut mount nut to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).
Remove the strut from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools and Equipment»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
Install the strut to the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement»(/buick/rendezvous/i-2001-2007/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

General Description (Strut)

The front suspension has 2 primary purposes

Isolate the driver from irregularities in the road surface.
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.

Special Tools

Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/Description J 21474-01 Control Arm Bushing Set J 23444-A High Pressure Lubricant J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller J 28733-B Spindle Remover J 35917 Ball Joint Remover J 41820 Ball Joint/Stud Separator J 42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket J 45400 Strut Compressor