Contents Wiring diagrams Section: Suspension Front All sections

Front Suspension System Cadillac SRX II

Suspension Front 10 illustrations ~1392 words

Fastener Tightening Specifications

ApplicationSpecification
MetricEnglish
Front Lower Control Arm Ball Stud Nut30 N.m + 120 Degrees22 lb ft + 120 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Bolt55 N.m + 90 Degrees41 lb ft + 90 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Front Bolt (Qty:2)100 N.m + 90 Degrees74 lb ft + 90 Degrees
Front Lower Control Arm Rear Bolt (Qty:2)110 N.m81 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Nut (Bearing)75 N.m52 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Mount Nut50 N.m37 lb ft
Front Suspension Strut Nut (Knuckle to Strut) (Qty:2)110 N.m + 150 degrees + 15 degrees81 lb ft + 150 degrees + 15 degrees
Front Wheel Hub Bolt (Qty:3)110 N.m81 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut (Qty:2)75 N.m55 lb ft
Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bolt (Qty:2)45 N.m33 lb ft

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Stabilizer Shaft Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the stabilizer links from the front cradle. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement . Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
1Front Stabilizer Shaft Tip: It maybe necessary to maneuver the stabilizer shaft in such away as to remove it from the vehicle.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
1Front Stabilizer Shaft Link Nut (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 75 N.m (55 lb ft)
2Front Stabilizer Shaft Link
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Remove the stabilizer links from the stabilizer shaft. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement . Remove the rear bolts of the front drivetrain and front suspension frame and lower to gain access to the stabilizer shaft insulators. Refer to Drivetrain and Front Suspension Frame Replacement .
1Front Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Bolt (Qty: 2) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Tighten: 45 N.m (33 lb ft)
2Front Stabilizer Shaft Clamp
3Front Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Procedure: Install the stabilizer bar insulator so that the chamfer edge is facing toward the outside of the vehicle. This will put the slits in the bushing facing opposite directions.
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedures Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation . Loosen the wheel drive shaft from the wheel bearing/hub. Refer to Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Left Side or Front Wheel Drive Shaft Replacement - Right Side .
1Front Wheel Hub Bolt (Qty: 3) CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure Remove the front brake rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement . Discard the bolt and use NEW only. Tighten: 110 N.m (81 lb ft)
2Front Wheel Hub
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: Steering Knuckle Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Separate the outer tie rod end from the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Linkage Outer Tie Rod Replacement . Remove the wheel speed sensor. Refer to Front Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement . Remove the front wheel bearing from the steering knuckle. Refer to Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement . Separate the lower control arm from the steering knuckle. Refer to Lower Control Arm Replacement . Remove the front suspension strut mounting bolts from the steering knuckle. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
1Steering Knuckle Procedure: Check the front end alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications

Special Tools

CH 47975-A: Ball Joint Remover

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Support the steering knuckle with a suitable stand.
  4. Disconnect the electric front suspension accelerometer link from the lower control arm, if equipped.
  5. Loosen the front lower control arm ball stud nut (2) from the ball joint.
  6. Using the CH 47975-A: remover, separate the front lower control arm (3) from the steering knuckle (1).
  7. Remove the CH 47975-A: remover.
  8. Remove the front lower control arm rear nuts (1) and the front lower control arm rear bolts (2).
  9. Remove front lower control arm front bolts (1) and the brackets (2).
  10. Remove the front lower control arm (1) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the front lower control arm (1) in the frame.
  2. Install the front lower control arm front mounting brackets (2) bolts (1) and tighten to 100 N.m (74 lb ft) plus an additional 90 degrees.
  3. Install the front lower control arm rear bolts (2) and the front lower control arm rear nuts (1).
  4. Tighten the front lower control arm rear bolts (2) to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).
  5. Install the front lower control arm ball stud nut (2) to the ball joint and tighten to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) plus an additional 130 degrees.
  6. Reconnect the electric front suspension accelerometer link to the lower control arm, if equipped.
  7. Remove the support from the steering knuckle.
  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  9. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the front lower control arm rear bolts. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  3. Remove and discard the front lower control arm bushing bolt (1). Replace with NEW only.
  4. Before removing the lower control arm bushing (1), note the location of the marking on the bushing (1).
  5. Position the control arm away from the underside of the vehicle to remove the bushing (1) from the lower control arm.
  1. Ensure that the lower control arm bushing (1) installed with the markings on the bushing (1) are facing the rear of the vehicle.
  2. Reposition the lower control arm in away to install the bushing (1).
  3. Install the NEW lower control arm bushing bolt (1).
  4. Install the front lower control arm rear bolts. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system)
  5. With the vehicle at curb height, tighten the lower control arm bushing bolt (1) to 55 N.m 41 lb ft plus 90 degrees.
  6. Verify the front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/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/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  4. Using J 43631 remove the wheel stud at the inner most notch.
  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 brake rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
  5. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) . Lower the vehicle.

Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Strut)

Note. The strut assembly DOES NOT have to be removed from the vehicle to perform the following inspection procedure.

Note. A light film of oil on the top portion of the strut is normal. DO NOT replace the strut for this condition.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: Strut and Shock Absorber Inspection (Strut)

Condition 1

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

Condition 2

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

Condition 3

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

Condition 4

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

Inspection

  1. Verify the customer's concern is present. If the concern is present, continue to the next step. If the concern is not present, then the vehicle is operating normally.
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  3. Visually inspect each of the shock absorbers or struts for external fluid leaks. Refer to the following conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 for visual inspection. If conditions 1 or 2 are found, continue to step 4. If conditions 3 or 4 are found, replace strut. Refer to «Strut Assembly Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-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 under «DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
  5. Use your hands in order to lift up and push down on each corner of the vehicle 3 times. Remove your hands from the vehicle. If the corner motion exceeds 2 cycles, replace the strut. If the strut does not exceed 2 cycles, NO repair is necessary.

CH 49375: Wrench

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/hoistjack/#general-information) .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  3. Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the strut. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  4. Disconnect the head lamp level sensor link from the lower control arm, if equipped. Refer to «Headlamp Leveling Front Suspension Height Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/exterior-lights/#lighting-system) .
  5. Support the lower control arm and the steering knuckle.
  6. Disconnect the electrical harness/sensor from the strut, if equipped.
  7. Remove the front compartment side sight shields. Refer to «Front Compartment Side Sight Shield Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
  8. Using the CH 49375: wrench, remove the front suspension strut mount nut (1) and the front suspension strut mount washer (2).
  9. Remove the front suspension strut bolts (4) and the front suspension strut nuts (3).
  10. Remove the front suspension strut assembly (1) from the vehicle
  1. Position the front suspension strut assembly (1) in the vehicle.
  2. Using the CH 49375: wrench, install front suspension strut mount washer (2) and the front suspension strut mount nut (1), then tighten the front suspension strut mount nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
  3. Install the front suspension strut bolts (4) and the front suspension strut nuts (3).
  4. Tighten the front suspension strut bolts to 190 N.m (140 lb ft)
  5. Re-connect the electrical harness/sensor from the strut, if equipped.
  6. Reconnect the head lamp level sensor link to the lower control arm, if equipped. Refer to «Headlamp Leveling Front Suspension Height Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/exterior-lights/#lighting-system) .
  7. Remove the support from the lower control arm and the steering knuckle.
  8. Install the front stabilizer shaft link. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
  10. Install the front compartment side sight shields. Refer to «Front Compartment Side Sight Shield Replacement»(/cadillac/srx/ii-2009-2012/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bolted-exterior-body-panels-and-closures) .
  11. Remove the support and lower the vehicle.

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: Strut, Strut Component, or Spring Replacement
CalloutComponent Name
Preliminary Procedure Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle . Remove the strut assembly. Refer to Strut Assembly Replacement .
1Front Suspension Strut Nut CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution . Procedure: Using the CH 48845: compressor, compress the front strut assembly. Tighten: 70 N.m (52 lb ft) Special Tools: CH 48845: Spring Compressor For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
2Front Suspension Strut Washer
3Front Suspension Strut Mount Bearing
4Spring Seat Upper
5Front Spring
6Front Shock Absorber Boot
7Front Suspension Strut Bumper
8Insulator Front Spring Lower
9Front Suspension Strut
CAUTION
Refer to Fastener Caution .

Illustration Tool Number/Description CH 43631 J 43631 Ball Joint Remover CH 49375 J 35669 Wrench CH 47975-A Ball Joint Remover CH 48845 KM 6066 J 48848 Strut Spring Compressor CH 49375 J 35669 Wrench

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: Special Tools

Scheme 9

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

Scheme 10