Trim Height Specifications
| Drive Type/Model | Service Allowed | Service Preferred |
|---|
| Z Trim Height |
| 6KD69, FE1 | 30-50 mm (1.2-2.0 in) | 40 mm (1.5 in) |
| 6KE69, FE1 | 30-50 mm (1.2-2.0 in) | 40 mm (1.5 in) |
| 6KF69, FE3 and F45 | 30-50 mm (1.2-2.0 in) | 40 mm (1.5 in) |
| D Trim Height |
| 6KD69, FE1 | 76-96 mm (3.0-3.8 in) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| 6KE69, FE1 | 76-96 mm (3.0-3.8 in) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| 6KF69, FE3 and F45 | 76-96 mm (3.0-3.8 in) | 86 mm (3.4 in) |
| P Trim Height |
| 6KD69, FE1 | 721-741 mm (28.8-29.6 in) | 731 mm (28.8 in) |
| 6KE69, FE1 | 721-741 mm (28.8-29.6 in) | 731 mm (28.8 in) |
| 6KF69, FE3 and F45 | 726-746 mm (28.8-29.6 in) | 736 mm (28.8 in) |
| R Trim Height |
| 6KD69, FE1 | 719-739 mm (28.3-29.1 in) | 729 mm (28.7 in) |
| 6KE69, FE1 | 719-739 mm (28.3-29.1 in) | 729 mm (28.7 in) |
| 6KF69, FE3 and F45 | 724-744mm (28.5-29.63 in) | 734 mm (28.9 in) |
Begin the system diagnosis by reviewing the system Description and Operation. Reviewing the Description and Operation information will help you determine the correct symptom diagnostic procedure when a malfunction exists. Reviewing the Description and Operation information, and the vehicle RPO, will also help you determine if the condition described by the customer is normal operation. Refer to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis in order to identify the correct procedure for diagnosing the system and where the procedure is located.
| IMPORTANT | The following steps must be completed before using the symptom tables. |
- Determine whether the vehicle is equipped with an electrically assisted or active suspension system. Perform electrical diagnosis prior to beginning mechanical diagnosis. Refer to the following list in order to diagnose the system: «Diagnostic Starting Point - Tire Pressure Monitoring»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/warning-system/#tire-pressure-monitoring-system__diagnostic-starting-point-tire-pressure) «Diagnostic Starting Point - Automatic Level Control»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-automatic-level-control-alcm__diagnostic-starting-point-automatic-level)
- Review the system description and operation in order to familiarize yourself with the system functions. Refer to the appropriate description and operation: «Front Suspension Description and Operation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__front-suspension-description-operation) «Rear Suspension Description and Operation»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__rear-suspension-description-operation) «General Description»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__general-description)
Visual/Physical Inspection
- Inspect for aftermarket devices which could affect the operation of any of the Suspension subsystems.
- Inspect the easily accessible or visible system components for obvious damage or conditions which could cause the symptom.
- Inspect for proper tire size and inflation pressure. Refer to «Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
Symptom List
Refer to a symptom diagnostic procedure from the following list in order to diagnose the symptom
- «Ride Diagnosis»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__ride-diagnosis)
- «Vehicle Leads/Pulls»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__vehicle-leadspulls)
- «Body Leans or Sways in Corners»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__body-leans-or-sways-in-corners)
- «Suspension Bottoms»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-bottoms)
- «Torque Steer»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__torque-steer)
- «Memory Steer»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__memory-steer)
- «Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels__radial-tire-leadpull-correction)
- «Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-front-suspension)
- «Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__noise-diagnosis-rear-suspension)
- «Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__suspension-strut-shock-absorber-testing)
- «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__wheel-bearings-diagnosis)
Ride Diagnosis
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Verify the vehicle suspension package RPO. |
Vehicle Leads/Pulls
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle straight path. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the visual/physical inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Road test the vehicle in order to verify the complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect the tire/wheel assemblies for: Correct tire pressure-Refer to the tire placard. Correct tire size-Refer to the tire placard. Abnormal tire wear or damage Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Perform the Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect and correct/adjust the suspension and steering systems for: Vehicle trim height-Refer to Trim Height Specifications . Excessively worn, loose, or damaged components Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the brake system for brake drag. With the vehicle suspended on a hoist, brake drag can be identified by rotating each wheel several times and observing whether more force is needed to rotate the left wheel or the right wheel. Refer to Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement . Did you correct the condition? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the steering gear for unequal effort. The vehicle must be suspended on a hoist, the engine running, and the transmission in park or neutral. Grasp the tire assembly and manually simulate a turn from the left of center and the right of center observing whether more force is needed to turn to the left or to the right. If this condition exists, replace the steering gear. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 9 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Body Leans or Sways in Corners
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Verify the vehicle leans or sways in corners. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect the following components for wear or damage: Rear Coil Springs Front Coil Springs Are the components worn or damaged? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the stabilizer shaft link for wear or damage. Repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 2 |
| 5 | Replace the springs as necessary. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Suspension Bottoms
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: A loud bang or thump that can usually be felt and/or heard when the vehicle is driven over bumps. This condition is commonly noticed when the vehicle trim height is too low. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Verify that the suspension bottoms. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Inspect for vehicle overloading and correct the overloading condition as necessary. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the following components: Inspect the shock absorbers. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Inspect for damaged coil springs, torsion bar or leaf springs and replace as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . Did you complete the trim height inspection procedure? | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Torque Steer
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: On a dry, smooth, flat road, the vehicle has a left or right steering force only during acceleration. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road. Press the accelerator and determine if any additional steering input is required to maintain a straight ahead direction. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal. Does the vehicle exhibit torque steer when the accelerator is pressed? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Drive the vehicle on a straight, smooth, flat road at 64-97 km/h (40-60 mph). Remove your foot from the accelerator. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL in order to allow the vehicle to coast. Is any additional steering input required to maintain a straight ahead direction. Repeat this test with the vehicle traveling in the opposite direction in order to eliminate crosswind effects. Lead/pull caused by unlevel roads and crosswinds are considered normal. Does the vehicle direction change when the steering wheel is momentarily released? | Go to Vehicle Leads/Pulls | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the front suspension and powertrain mounts for worn or damaged components and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | |
Memory Steer
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: A lead or pull in the direction the driver previously turned the vehicle. Additionally, after turning in the opposite direction, the vehicle will want to lead or pull in that direction. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Verify that memory steer is present. Does the system operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Lubricate the tie rod ends and the ball joints if applicable. Inspect the suspension system for worn or damaged components. Repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect for binding strut bearings. Disconnect the strut from the steering knuckle. If the strut is abnormally difficult to rotate, repair or replace the upper bearing mount. Did you find and complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect for binding in the lower ball joints. If joint is binding, replace the joint. Did you find and complete the repair? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the wheel alignment and adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement . Did you complete the wheel alignment? | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | |
Noise Diagnosis - Front Suspension
Noise Diagnosis - Rear Suspension
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| DEFINITION: Any noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle that is induced by VEHICLE SPEED or DRIVING TERRAIN as related to the rear suspension. |
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Attempt to duplicate the condition. Road test the vehicle. Did you duplicate the condition? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Is the noise reactive to vehicle load or speed? | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 6 |
| 4 | Perform the following inspections: Inspect and adjust the tire inflation. Refer to Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label . Inspect for unusual tire wear. Refer to Vibration Analysis - Tire and Wheel . Inspect the wheel nuts for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the rear wheel bearings. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to duplicate the noise. Did you duplicate the noise? | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 9 |
| 7 | Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect the rear suspension components for looseness. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications (FE7) or Fastener Tightening Specifications (FE1, FE3) . Inspect the rear suspension components for damage and repair as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the rear shock absorber. Refer to Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle . Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 09 |
| 9 | Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear or equivalent. Bounce the rear of the vehicle, using the J 39570 or equivalent, in order to locate the source of the noise. If necessary, road test the vehicle. Repair or replace any defective component as necessary. Did you find and correct the condition? | Go to Step 10 | System OK |
| 10 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Tools Required
J 8001 Dial Indicator Set
Inspection Procedure
- Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Clean and inspect the ball joint seal for cuts or tears. If the ball joint seal is damaged, replace 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) .
- Support the lower control arm with a floor stand as far outboard as possible and raise the suspension to just below ride height.
- Install J 8001 or a suitable dial indicator in a way to measure vehicle lash in the ball joint.
- Gently lift or pry the suspension to induce ball joint movement.
- If the dial indicator reading is more than 1.6 mm (0.063 in), replace 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) .
Suspension Strut & Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Verify that the customer's concern is present. Does the vehicle operate normally? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | IMPORTANT: A light film of oil on the top portion of the shock reservoir is normal. Inspect each strut or shock absorber for external fluid leakage.Is a strut or shock absorber leaking? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Use your hands in order to lift up and push down each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. Locate a shock or strut that exceeds 2 cycles. Did you locate shock or strut that exceeds 2 cycles? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 6 |
| 5 | IMPORTANT: Inspect the vehicle trim height in order to correct any possible causes of shock/strut failures. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . Replace the strut or shock absorber. Refer to Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement or Shock Absorber Replacement (FE1, FE3) or Shock Absorber Replacement (FE7) .Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 6 | |
| 6 | Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| A light film of oil on the top portion of the shock reservoir is normal. |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Inspect the vehicle trim height in order to correct any possible causes of shock/strut failures. Refer to Trim Height Inspection . |
Wheel Bearings Diagnosis
| Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|
| 1 | Did you review the General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis |
| 2 | Road test the vehicle in order to verify the customer complaint. Does the vehicle operate normally? | | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| 3 | Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Inspect for tire or wheel damage. Refer to Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle . Did you find and correct the condition? | | Go to Step 7 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Install the J 39570 Chassis Ear. Road test the vehicle to verify the location of the wheel bearing noise. Did you locate the source of the wheel bearing noise? | | Go to Step 6 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | IMPORTANT: Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection. Mount and secure the J 8001 Dial Indicator. Ensure that the dial indicator contacts the vertical surface of the wheel as close as possible to the top wheel stud. Push and pull on the top of the tire in order to inspect the total travel indicated by the dial indicator. Is the measurement greater then the specified value? | 0.27 mm (0.005 in) | Go to Step 6 | System OK |
| 6 | Replace the wheel bearing. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FE7) or Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FE1, FE3) or Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FE1, FE3) or Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement (FE7) . Did you complete the repair? | | Go to Step 7 | |
| 7 | Road test the vehicle to verify the repair. Does the vehicle operate normally? | | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
| IMPORTANT |
|---|
| Support the vehicle by the lower control arms or the rear axle to prevent movement during wheel bearing/hub inspection. |
Trim Height Measurements
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.
Perform the following before measuring the trim heights
- Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label. Refer to «Vehicle Certification, Tire Placard, Anti-Theft, and Service Parts ID Label»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
- Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.
- Ensure the rear compartment is empty except for the spare tire.
- Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
- Close the doors.
- Close the hood.
- All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Trim heights should be within 13 mm (0.5 in) to be considered correct.
Z Height Measurement
The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension components.
- Lift the front bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands. Let the vehicle settle.
- Repeat this operation for a total of 3 times.
- Measure from the pivot bolt center line down to the lower corner of the lower ball joint in order to obtain the Z height measurement.
- Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands.
- Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
- Measure the Z dimension.
- The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
D Height Measurement
The D height dimension measurement determines the proper rear end ride height. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of suspension components.
- With the vehicle on a flat surface, lift upward on the rear bumper 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
- Measure from the front outboard control arm bolt center line to the bottom of the control arm wheel bearing and hub face in order to obtain the D height measurement.
- Push the rear bumper downward to 38 mm (1.5 in).
- Gently remove your hands. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
- Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
- Measure the D height dimension.
- The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and the low measurements. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the following conditions: Improper weight distribution Collision damage Worn or damaged suspension components
Scheme 17
Scheme 17: Measuring the P & R Dimension
Use the following procedure to check the P and R dimensions.
- Use your hands to lift the front bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Remove your hands and allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands to jounce the front of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Remove your hands and allow the vehicle to rise.
- The dimension (P) for the left and right side of the vehicle is measured from the bottom lip of the wheel opening to the ground measured at the center line of the front wheel.
- Compare the measurement to the specification table. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- If the measurement is outside of the specified range, replace the front springs. Refer to «Strut, Strut Component, and Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__strut-strut-component-spring-replacement) .
- Use your hands to lift the rear bumper approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- Remove your hands and allow the vehicle to lower.
- Use your hands to jounce the rear of the vehicle downward approximately 38 mm (1.59 in).
- The dimension (R) for the left and right side of the vehicle is measured from the bottom lip of the wheel opening to the ground measured at the center line of the rear wheel.
- Compare the measurement to the specification table. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- If the measurement is outside of the specified range, replace the rear springs. Refer to «Coil Spring Replacement (FE1 and FE3)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system) or «Coil Spring Replacement (FE7)»(/cadillac/dts/i-2005-2011/remont/suspension-rear/#rear-suspension-system__coil-spring-replacement-fe7) .
Special Tools
Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 8001 Dial Indicator J 39570 Chassis Ears
