Front Suspension System Cadillac DTS I

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Tools Required

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the front wheels and tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
5. Remove the left outer tie rod end retaining nut.
6. Using J 24319-B disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle.
7. Remove the exhaust manifold pipe. Refer to «Exhaust Manifold Rear Pipe Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
8. Turn the left strut completely to the left. Guide the stabilizer shaft out the left side of the vehicle between the axle and the lower control arm.
9. Remove the stabilizer shaft (3) out from under the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the stabilizer shaft (3) to the vehicle.
2. Install the exhaust manifold pipe. Refer to «Exhaust Manifold Rear Pipe Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/exhaust/#engine-exhaust-system) .
3. Loosely install the following components: The left and right stabilizer shaft insulators The brackets The bolts
4. Install the stabilizer shaft links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
5. Install the left tie rod end (1) to the steering knuckle.
6. Install the left outer tie rod retaining nut. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket bolts to 33 N.m (24 lb ft). Tighten the outer tie rod end to steering knuckle to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) + 200 degrees.
7. Install the front wheels and tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
8. Lower the vehicle.

J 24319-B Universal Steering Linkage Puller

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
3. Remove the stabilizer links. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft bracket bolts.
5. Remove the stabilizer shaft brackets.
6. Remove the outer tie rod retaining nuts.
7. Using J 24319-B , disconnect the outer tie rod from the steering knuckle.
8. Separate the ball joint. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-ball-joint-replacement) or «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
9. Turn the right steering knuckle to the left, and guide the stabilizer shaft half out the right side of the vehicle in an upward direction, then remove the stabilizer shaft out the bottom center of the vehicle.

1. Install the stabilizer shaft to the vehicle.
2. Install the ball joint to steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-ball-joint-replacement) or «Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
3. Install the ball joint retaining nut. Tighten: Tighten the ball joint retaining nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) plus an additional 210 degrees.
4. Loosely install the right and left stabilizer shaft insulators, brackets, and bolts.
5. Loosely install the stabilizer link insulators, washers, nut, and bolt.
6. Install the tie rod to steering knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer bracket bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft). Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft). Tighten the tie rod end to knuckle nut to 30 N.m (22 lb in) plus an additional 200 degrees.
7. Install the cotter pin in tie rod ends.
8. Install the front wheels and tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
9. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link bolt and nut.
4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link washers, insulators, and spacer.

1. Install the stabilizer link insulators, washers, spacer, nut and bolt. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
2. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
3. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the stabilizer link bolt and nut.
3. Remove the stabilizer link washers, insulators, and spacer.

1. Install the stabilizer link insulators, washers, spacer, nut and bolt. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 17 N.m (13 lb ft).
2. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket retaining bolts.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket.
4. Using a pry bar, pry upwards and remove the stabilizer shaft insulator from the stabilizer shaft.

1. Using a pry bar, pry upwards and install the stabilizer shaft insulator to the stabilizer shaft.
2. Install the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket to the stabilizer shaft insulator.
3. Install the stabilizer shaft bracket retaining bolts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft bracket retaining bolts to 67 N.m (49 lb ft).
4. Lower the vehicle.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket retaining bolts.
3. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket.
4. Using a pry bar, pry upwards and remove the stabilizer shaft insulator from the stabilizer shaft.

1. Using a pry bar, pry upwards and install the stabilizer shaft insulator to the stabilizer shaft.
2. Install the stabilizer shaft insulator bracket to the stabilizer shaft insulator.
3. Install the stabilizer shaft bracket retaining bolts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft bracket retaining bolts to 33 N.m (24 lb ft).
4. Lower the vehicle.

Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)

Tools Required

1. J 39549 Ball Joint and Tie Rod End Separator. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
2. J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller
3. J 44254 Ball Joint Remover and Installer. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .

1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
3. Remove the wheel drive shaft nut.
4. Remove the brake caliper bolts. Refer to «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-caliper-replacement-j55) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
5. Support and hang the caliper away from the brake rotor.
6. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement-j55) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
7. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
8. Use the J 24319-B and separate the tie rod (1) from the knuckle (2).
9. Remove the nut from the ball joint stud.
10. Use J 39549 to separate the ball joint from the lower control arm. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
11. Remove the strut to knuckle attaching nuts and bolts.
12. Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
13. Remove the snap ring from the steering knuckle.
14. Place the knuckle in a vise.
15. Install the J 44254 and press the ball joint out of the knuckle. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
16. Inspect the tapered hole in the lower control arm and remove any dirt. If this hole is out of round, deformed, or damaged, replace the control arm.

Scheme 1

1. Using Loctite® Cleaning Solvent 755, or equivalent, clean the mounting surfaces of the steering knuckle and the new ball joint prior to installation. Do not apply solvent to the ball joint seal.
2. Install the ball joint into the steering knuckle. Apply a 6 mm (0.236 in) bead of Loctite® 680 evenly to the ball joint prior to installation. Position the ball joint in the steering knuckle with the grease fitting toward the rear of the vehicle. Use the J 44254 and press in the ball joint. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) . The ball joint will bottom on the steering knuckle. When installing the ball joint, make sure the notch in the tool aligns with the grease fitting.
3. Install the snap ring into the steering knuckle.
4. Install the steering knuckle to the strut. Tighten: Tighten the strut to knuckle nuts to 177 N.m (131 lb ft).
5. Install the ball joint nut. Tighten: Tighten the ball joint nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft). Then tighten the nut an additional 210 degrees.
6. Install the tie rod to the steering knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the tie rod to knuckle nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) and then an additional 200 degrees. Do not loosen the nut to align the cotter pin.
7. Install the cotter pin to the tie rod stud.
8. Install the wheel speed sensor connector.
9. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement-j55) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
10. Install the caliper and caliper bolts. Refer to «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-caliper-replacement-j55) or «Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) . Tighten: Tighten wheel nuts to 125 N.m (80 lb ft).
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Check the front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .

The lower control arm ball joint is serviced only with the control arm and cannot be serviced separately.

To separate the ball joint from the steering knuckle, refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement (FE1, FE3) or Lower Control Arm Replacement (FE7) .

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

J 35917 Ball Joint Remover. See Special Tools .

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement-j55) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
4. Remove the wheel stud at the inner most notch in the knuckle on the caliper side of the steering knuckle.
5. Using the J 35917 press out the wheel stud. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .

1. Install a new wheel stud.
2. Using washers and a wheel nut, pull the wheel stud in position.
3. Install the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J55)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement-j55) or «Front Brake Rotor Replacement (JL9)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
4. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
5. Lower the vehicle.

1. Remove the upper strut mounting bolts.
2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
3. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
4. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor wiring harness.
5. Remove the wheel speed sensor bracket from the strut.
6. Remove the brake line bracket mounting bolt and bracket from the strut.
7. Remove the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts.
8. Remove the strut from the vehicle.

1. Lower the vehicle.
2. Install the strut to the vehicle.
3. Install the upper strut mounting bolts. Tighten: Tighten the upper strut mounting bolts to 60 N.m (44 lb ft).
4. Raise the vehicle.
5. Install new strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts. Tighten: Tighten the strut to steering knuckle bolts and nuts to 147 N.m (108 lb ft).
6. Install the brake line bracket and mounting bolt to the strut. Tighten: Tighten the bolts and nuts to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
7. Install the wheel speed sensor bracket and mounting bolt to strut. Tighten: Tighten the bolt to 17 N.m (13 lb ft).
8. Install the wheel speed sensor bracket to strut.
9. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harness to the bracket.
10. Install the wheel and tire. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
11. Lower the vehicle.

1. Remove the 3 strut tower bolts.
2. Raise the vehicle and suitably support by the frame allowing the control arms to hang free. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
3. Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) .
4. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector.
5. Remove the wheel speed sensor bracket from the dust shield.
6. Remove the brake line bracket from the strut.
7. Remove the strut to knuckle bolts.
8. Remove the strut from the vehicle.

1. Install the strut.
2. Install the 3 strut tower bolts and washers. Tighten: Tighten 3 strut tower bolts to 66 N.m (49 lb ft).
3. Install the strut to knuckle bolts and nuts. Tighten: Tighten the strut to knuckle bolts and nuts to 177 N.m (131 lb ft).
4. Install the brake line bracket to strut. Tighten: Tighten the brake line bracket to 23 N.m (17 lb ft).
5. Install the wheel speed sensor bracket to dust shield.
6. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector.
7. Install the wheel and tire. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__tire-wheel-removal-installation) . Tighten: Tighten the wheel and tire to 125 N.m (80 lb ft).
8. Lower the vehicle.

Suspension Shock/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 & Spring Replacement

Tools Required

1. J-35669 Strut Rod Nut Socket. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
2. J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the strut from the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Strut Assembly Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
2. Install the strut (2) in the J 45400 (1). See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
3. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.
4. Use a 45 TORX® socket to hold the strut shaft. Use the J-35669 to remove the upper strut mount nut. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
5. Remove the strut from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
6. Loosen the compressor forcing screw (1) until the upper strut mount and coil spring (2) may be removed.
7. Remove the upper strut mount and the coil spring from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .

Assembly Procedure

1. Install the coil spring and upper strut mount to the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
2. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring is compressed.
3. Install the strut to the coil spring and upper strut mount.
4. Loosely install the strut retaining nut.
5. Use a 45 TORX® socket to hold the strut shaft. Use the J-35669 to install the upper strut mount nut. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) . Tighten: Tighten the strut mount nut to 85 N.m (63 lb ft).
6. Remove the strut from the J 45400 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
7. Install the strut to the vehicle. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement (FE1, FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) or «Strut Assembly Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .

Front Suspension Description & Operation

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.

Special Tools

Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 24319-B Steering Linkage and Tie Rod Puller J 28733-B Front/Rear Spindle Remover J 35669 Strut Rod Nut Socket J 35917 Ball Joint Remover J 36226 Ball Joint Separator J 39549 Ball Joint and Tie Rod End Separator J 43828 Ball Joint Separator J 44254 Ball Joint Remover and Installer J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

See also:
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Exhaust Manifold Rear Pipe Replacement
• Fastener Notice
• Front Brake Caliper Replacement (J55)
• Front Brake Caliper Replacement (JL9)
• Front Brake Rotor Replacement (J55)
• Wheel Alignment Measurement
• Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement (FE7)
• Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement (FE7)
• Special Tools
• Fastener Tightening Specifications