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Rear Suspension System Cadillac CTS II

Suspension Rear 6 illustrations ~2747 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Adjustment Link Nut75 N.m55 lb ft
Adjustment Link to Frame Bolt
First Pass120 N.m89 lb ft
Second PassPlus 45 Degrees
Adjustment Link to Knuckle Bolt
First Pass80 N.m59 lb ft
Second PassPlus 60 Degrees
Lower Control Arm to Frame Bolt165 N.m122 lb ft
Lower Control Arm to Knuckle Bolt160 N.m118 lb ft
Shock Absorber to Body Nut25 N.m18 lb ft
Shock Absorber to Knuckle Bolt150 N.m111 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp Bolt60 N.m44 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut66 N.m49 lb ft
Trailing Link to Frame Nut150 N.m125 lb ft
Trailing Link to Knuckle Bolt170 N.m129 lb ft
Upper Control Arm Ball Stud to Knuckle Nut
First Pass20 N.m15 lb ft
Second PassPlus 210 Degrees
Upper Control Arm to Frame Bolt120 N.m88 lb ft
Wheel Bearing/Hub Assembly Bolt140 N.m103 lb ft

Special Tools

J 45859: Axle Shaft Remover/Installer

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information)
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the rear wheel speed sensor. Refer to «Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system-with-traction-control-system-stability-control-system) .
  4. Separate the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
  5. Remove the rear brake rotor from the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (JE5, J55)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__rear-brake-rotor-replacement-je5-j55) or «Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (J56)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__rear-brake-rotor-replacement-j56) .
  6. Remove the mounting bolts (1) for the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
  7. Using the J 45859: remover/installer, remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly (1) from the knuckle.
  8. Remove the J 45859: remover/installer from the wheel bearing/hub assembly

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the rear wheel bearing/hub (1) assembly in the knuckle.
  2. Insert the wheel drive axle into the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
  3. Hand tighten the wheel bearing/hub assembly mounting bolts (1).
  4. Tighten the wheel bearing/hub bolts to 140 N.m (103 lb ft).
  5. Install the rear brake rotor. Refer to «Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (JE5, J55)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__rear-brake-rotor-replacement-je5-j55) or «Rear Brake Rotor Replacement (J56)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__rear-brake-rotor-replacement-j56) .
  6. Install the wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
  7. Install the rear wheel speed sensor. Refer to «Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/anti-locktraction-control/#antilock-brake-system-with-traction-control-system-stability-control-system) .
  8. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the rear park brake cable from the knuckle. «Park Brake Cable Mounting Bracket Replacement (Without Electronic Parking Brake)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) or «Park Brake Cable Mounting Bracket Replacement (With Electronic Parking Brake)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) .
  4. Remove the park brake backing plate. Refer to «Rear Parking Brake Anchor Backing Plate Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) .
  5. Remove the adjustable link. Refer to «Adjust Link Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  6. Position a suitable jack stand under the lower control arm.
  7. Remove the upper ball joint from the knuckle. Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  8. Remove the lower shock absorber bolt from the knuckle. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  9. Remove the bolt from the lower trailing arm to the knuckle. Refer to «Trailing Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  10. Remove the bolt from the lower control arm to the knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  11. Remove the knuckle from the vehicle.
  1. Position the knuckle on the lower control arm
  2. Install the lower control bolt. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  3. Install the upper ball joint in the knuckle. Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  4. Install the lower shock absorber bolt. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Install the trailing arm bolt. Refer to «Trailing Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  6. Install the adjustable link. Refer to «Adjust Link Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  7. Remove the jack stand from the lower control arm.
  8. Install the park brake backing plate. Refer to «Rear Parking Brake Anchor Backing Plate Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) .
  9. Install the park brake cable at the knuckle. Refer to «Park Brake Cable Mounting Bracket Replacement (Without Electronic Parking Brake)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) or «Park Brake Cable Mounting Bracket Replacement (With Electronic Parking Brake)»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/parking-brake-system/#parking-brake-system) .
  10. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  11. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

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 stabilizer shaft link from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement .
1Stabilizer Shaft Procedure Remove the rear muffler insulators. Refer to Exhaust System Insulator, Hanger, Bracket Replacement Support the rear mufflers with jack stands. Tip: Lower the rear mufflers enough to remove the rear stabilizer shaft.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
Scheme 2: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
1Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp Bolt (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 60 N.m (44 lb ft).
2Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp
3Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Tip: Install the insulator so the slit is facing the front of the vehicle.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link retaining nuts.
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the stabilizer shaft.
  5. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
  1. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm.
  2. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the stabilizer shaft.
  3. Install the stabilizer shaft link retaining nuts. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 66 N.m (49 lb ft).
  4. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  5. Lower the vehicle.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Rear Suspension Support Bushing Replacement
Scheme 3: Rear Suspension Support Bushing Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure: Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
1Rear Shock Absorber Bushing Procedure Remove the shock absorber from the knuckle. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement . Move the rear shock outboard and secure. Using the CH 49750: tool, remove the shock absorber bushing from the knuckle. Tip: The tire and wheel DO NOT have to be removed to perform this service procedure. Special Tools: CH 49750: Bushing Remover/ Installer Tool

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 4

Scheme 4: Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Shock Absorber)
Scheme 4: 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»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  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»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/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.
  1. Remove rear compartment side trim panel. Refer to «Rear Compartment Side Trim Panel Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-system-and-paneling) .
  2. Remove the upper shock mounting nuts (1).
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  4. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt.
  5. Remove the shock from the vehicle.
  1. Install the shock to the vehicle.
  2. Install the lower shock mounting bolt. Tighten: Tighten the bolt to 150 N.m (111 lb ft).
  3. Guide the shock to the body while lowering the vehicle.
  4. Install the upper shock mounting nuts (1). Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
  5. Install the rear compartment side trim panel. Refer to «Rear Compartment Side Trim Panel Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-system-and-paneling) .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  4. Remove the trailing arm bolt at the knuckle. Refer to «Trailing Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Remove the adjustable link bolt from the knuckle. Refer to «Adjust Link Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  6. Loosen the lower control arm nut and bolt at the frame.
  7. Separate the wheel drive shaft from the knuckle. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
  8. Position a transmission jack under the lower control arm.
  9. Remove the lower shock absorber bolt from the knuckle. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  10. Remove the lower control arm bolt from the knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  11. With the aid of an assistant, move the knuckle outward and up.
  12. Slowly lower the transmission jack stand.
  13. Lower the control arm and remove the coil spring (1), insulator (2) and the jounce bumper (3).
  1. Install the coil spring (1), insulator (2) and the jounce bumper (3).
  2. Using the transmission jack stand, lift the lower control arm.
  3. With the aide of an assistant, install the lower control arm on the knuckle.
  4. Install the lower control arm bolt. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Install the trailing arm bolt in the knuckle. Refer to «Trailing Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  6. Install the adjustable link bolt in the knuckle. Refer to «Adjust Link Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  7. Install the lower shock absorber bolt in the knuckle. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  8. Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  9. Tighten the wheel drive shaft nut. Refer to «Rear Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/axle-shafts/#wheel-drive-shafts) .
  10. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  11. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  12. Align the rear suspension. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .
  1. Remove the rear trailing arm mounting bolt (1) from the knuckle.
  2. Support the front of the rear suspension support.
  3. Remove the front mounting bolts for the rear suspension support. Refer to «Rear Frame Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  4. Remove the front mounting nut (2) and bolt (1) for the trailing arm.
  5. Remove the trailing arm from the vehicle.
  1. Install the trailing arm in the following manner: Position the trailing arm in the mounting bracket. Position trailing arm on the knuckle.
  2. Install the trailing arm bolt (1).
  3. Install the front trailing arm nut (2). Tighten: Tighten the front trailing arm nut (2) to 150 N.m (111 lb ft).
  4. Install the front mounting bolts for the rear suspension support. Refer to «Rear Frame Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  5. Install the rear trailing arm mounting bolt (1). Tighten: Tighten the trailing arm bolt (1) to 170 N.m (125 lb ft).
  6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  7. Remove the support from the vehicle.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Check the alignment of the rear suspension. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Lower the front of the rear cradle to gain access to the adjustment link bolt retaining nut. Refer to «Rear Frame Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  4. Remove the adjustable link mounting bolts (1) and (2).
  5. Remove the adjustable link (1).
  1. Position the adjustable link (1) in the frame.
  2. Hand tighten the mounting bolts (1) and (2).
  3. Tighten the adjustable link mounting bolts (2). Tighten: Tighten the mounting bolt to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
  4. Tighten the adjustable link mounting bolts (1). Tighten: Tighten the mounting bolt to 170 N.m (125 lb ft).
  5. Raise the front of the rear cradle. Refer to «Rear Frame Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/frames-subframes-crossmembers/#frame-and-underbody) .
  6. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  8. Adjust the rear toe. Refer to «Rear Toe Adjustment»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__rear-toe-adjustment) .

Suspension Shock/Strut Disposal

WARNINGGas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do not attempt to cut the shock open before all gas pressure is released. Failure to do so may result in personal injury.
WARNINGTo prevent personal injury, wear safety glasses when centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber. Use care not to puncture the shock absorber tube with the centerpunch.
  1. Make an indentation 50 mm (2 in) from the top (2) of the tube using a centerpunch.
  2. Make an indentation 25 mm (1.0 in) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a centerpunch.
  3. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely extended.
  4. 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.
  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.

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

CAUTIONThe ball stud must not rotate during disassembly or reassembly. Hand tools must be used to keep the ball stud from rotating. If air tools are used and the stud is allowed to rotate, damage to the ball stud and/or stud mounting hole may occur.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to «Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  4. Remove the shock absorber. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Remove the upper ball joint retaining nut (2) from the knuckle (1).
  6. Using the J 43631 , remove the upper ball joint from the upper control arm.
  7. Remove the upper control arm nuts (2) and bolts (1) from the frame.
  8. Remove the upper control arm (1) from the vehicle.
  1. Position the upper control arm (1) in the frame.
  2. Install the upper control arm mounting bolts (1) and the retaining nuts (2) to 120N.m (88 lb ft).
  3. Install the upper ball joint (1) to the knuckle (2) and tighten to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) plus an additional 210 degree turn.
  4. Install the brake caliper mounting bracket. Refer to Refer to «Rear Brake Caliper Bracket Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  5. Install the shock absorber. Refer to «Shock Absorber Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system)
  6. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation)
  7. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  8. Check the rear wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the lower control arm bolt from the knuckle (1).
  4. Remove the rear coil spring from the lower control arm. Refer to «Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Remove the lower control arm retaining nut (2).
  6. Remove the lower control arm mounting bolt (1).
  7. Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle (1).
  1. Position the lower control arm in the frame (1).
  2. Install the lower control arm to frame mounting bolt (1) and nut (2) and tighten to 165 N.m (122 lb ft).
  3. Install the rear coil spring from the lower control arm. Refer to «Rear Spring, Insulator, and Jounce Bumper Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  4. Install the lower control arm bolt in the knuckle (1) and tighten to 160 N.m (118 lb ft).
  5. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  6. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  7. Align the rear suspension. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-specifications) .

Tools Required

J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/ignition-switchsteering-lock/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  3. Remove the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  4. Using J 43631 remove the wheel stud from the wheel bearing.
  1. Install the new stud from the back side of the hub.
  2. Install flat washers on the wheel stud.
  3. With the flat side of a wheel nut against the washers, tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud head seats against the wheel hub flange.
  4. Install the wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to «Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) .
  5. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/cts/ii-2007-2014/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-and-wheel-removal-and-installation) .
  6. Lower the vehicle.

Rear Suspension Description and Operation

These vehicles are equipped with independent rear suspension and coil spring.

The shock absorbers with RPO code FE3 are a fully automatic self levelling shock absorber. The shock absorber when loaded will reach its normal ride height after a few hundred yards.

The rear spring steel stabilizing bar helps minimize body roll and sway during cornering. The rear stabilizer shaft is connected to the frame through insulators and to the lower control arm through the stabilizer shaft links.

The rear suspension system on this vehicle consists of the following components

  1. The rear differential
  2. Two coil springs
  3. Two shock absorbers
  4. Two toe adjustment links
  5. Two upper control arms
  6. Two lower control arms
  7. Two knuckles
  8. The stabilizer shaft
  9. Two stabilizer shaft links
  10. Two trailing arms

Illustration Tool Number/Description CH 49750 Bushing Remover/Installer J 43631 Ball Joint Remover

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Special Tools
Scheme 5: Special Tools

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6