Fastener Tightening Specifications
| Application | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| Metric | English | |
| Crossmember Mounting Nuts | 110 N.m | 81 lb ft |
| Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Stud Nut | ||
| First Pass | 30 N.m | 22 lb ft |
| Final Pass | 180 degrees | |
| Lower Control Arm Mounting Bolt Nuts | 170 N.m | 125 lb ft |
| Power Steering Gear Mounting Bolts and Nuts | 100 N.m | 74 lb ft |
| Shock Absorber Lower Mounting Nuts | 28 N.m | 21 lb ft |
| Shock Absorber Upper Mounting Nut | 26 N.m | 19 lb ft |
| Stabilizer Shaft Insulator Clamp Bolts | 58 N.m | 43 lb ft |
| Stabilizer Shaft Link Nuts | 76 N.m | 56 lb ft |
| Transverse Spring Retainer Bolts - Use New Bolts | 62 N.m | 46 lb ft |
| Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Stud Nut | ||
| First Pass | 20 N.m | 15 lb ft |
| Final Pass | 225 degrees | |
| Upper Control Arm Mounting Bolts | 65 N.m | 48 lb ft |
| Wheel Hub/Bearing Mounting Bolts | 130 N.m | 96 lb ft |
Fastener Tightening Specifications
Removal Procedure
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts from the stabilizer shaft.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator clamps from the front crossmember.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
- Install the stabilizer shaft, insulator clamps and bolts to the crossmember.
- Install the stabilizer shaft links to the stabilizer shaft.
- Install the stabilizer shaft link nuts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).
- Install the stabilizer shaft insulator clamps and bolts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).
- Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link nuts.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the stabilizer shaft and lower control arm.
- Install the stabilizer shaft link into the stabilizer shaft and lower control arm.
- Install the stabilizer shaft link nuts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts to 76 N.m (56 lb ft).
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator clamps from the front crossmember.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft insulators from the stabilizer shaft.
- Install the stabilizer shaft insulators to the stabilizer shaft.
- Install the stabilizer shaft insulator clamps and bolts. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts to 58 N.m (43 lb ft).
- Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
Front Transverse Spring Replacement
Tools Required
- J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
- J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- If the transverse spring is to be replaced, measure the front spring adjuster bolt gap (1). This measurement will be used in the installation procedure to setup the vehicle trim height.
- Install the J 33432-A to the transverse spring.
- Compress the transverse spring.
- Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolts from one of the lower control arms.
- Disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
- Loosen the lower ball joint stud nut (2) on the lower control arm. Do not remove the nut.
- Separate the lower ball joint from the steering knuckle using J 42188 .
- Remove the J 42188 .
- Remove the lower ball joint stud nut and discard.
- Support the lower control arms with jackstands.
- Mark the position of the cam bolts for reference at reinstallation.
- Remove the cam bolts from the lower control arm.
- Remove the lower control arm.
- Remove the transverse spring bolts and retainers.
- Discard the old transverse spring bolts.
- Remove the transverse spring from the vehicle.
- Remove the transverse spring compressor from the transverse spring, if the spring is to be replaced.
- Install the J 33432-A to the transverse spring.
- Install the transverse spring to the crossmember.
- Install the transverse spring retainers and bolts, use new bolts, to the crossmember. Tighten: Tighten the transverse spring retainer bolts, use new bolts to 62 N.m (46 lb ft).
- Install the lower control arm to the front crossmember.
- Install the cam bolts to the position that was marked during disassembly. Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set to the final torque specification at this time.
- Install the lower control arm ball joint stud to the steering knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N.m (22 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.
- Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
- Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolts. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
- Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).
- Remove the J 33432-A from the transverse spring.
- Remove the jackstands from the lower control arms.
- Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Adjust the front trim height. Refer to «Trim Height Specifications»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#suspension-general-diagnosis__trim-height-specifications) .
- Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .
Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Replacement
The upper ball joint is replaced as part of the steering knuckle. Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement .
Tools Required
J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
Note. The Front and Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensors are not interchangeable. When you are replacing a Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor be sure to use the correct Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor part number. Do not mount the Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor in the front steering knuckle. The Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor features a splined hole through the center of the bearing which mates to the drive axle. The Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor requires the support of the drive axle and the drive axle nut clamped joint to properly carry the vehicle loads. Mounting the Rear Wheel Hub/Wheel Speed Sensor in the front steering knuckle can cause bearing failure and possible damage to the vehicle.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
- Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
- Support the lower control arm using a jackstand.
- Separate the outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
- Separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
- Remove the wheel hub mounting bolts.
- Remove the hub and bearing assembly from the steering knuckle.
- Install the hub and bearing assembly into the steering knuckle.
- Install the wheel hub mounting bolts. Tighten: Tighten the wheel hub mounting bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
- Install the lower control arm ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
- Remove the jackstand.
- Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
- Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
- Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Refer to «Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
- Install the brake rotor and caliper. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the brake caliper and rotor. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
- Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
- Support the lower control arm using a jackstand.
- Separate the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
- Separate and remove the upper control arm ball joint stud from the steering knuckle using J 42188 . Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
- Using J 42188 separate and remove the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle. Refer to «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
- Remove the steering knuckle from the vehicle.
- Install steering knuckle to the upper control arm and the lower control arm. Refer to «Upper Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) and «Lower Control Arm Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__lower-control-arm-replacement) .
- Remove the jackstand.
- Install the steering linkage outer tie rod ball stud to the steering knuckle. Refer to «Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system) .
- Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).
- Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
- Install the brake rotor and caliper. Refer to «Front Brake Rotor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__front-brake-rotor-replacement) and «Front Brake Caliper Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system) .
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Check the front wheel toe and adjust as necessary. Refer to «Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/mechanical-hydraulic/#disc-brake-system__diagnostic-starting-point-disc-brakes) and «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) .
J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Disconnect the electronic suspension control (ESC) sensor links. Refer to «Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
- Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
- Loosen the ball joint stud nut but do not remove the nut.
- Using J 42188 separate the upper ball joint stud from the upper control arm.
- Remove J 42188 from the ball joint stud.
- Remove the ball joint stud nut from the ball joint stud.
- Remove the upper control arm bolts and shims. Note the number and position of the shims for installation purposes.
- Remove the upper control arm from the vehicle.
- Install the upper control arm to the vehicle.
- Install the upper control arm shims.
- Install the upper control arm mounting bolts to the upper control arm and frame rail. Tighten: Tighten the upper control arm mounting bolts to 65 N.m (48 lb ft).
- Install the upper ball joint stud into the upper control arm. It will be necessary to use an Allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut. Tighten: Tighten the upper control arm ball joint stud nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft) plus 225 degrees.
- Connect the ESC sensor links. Refer to «Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/electronic-suspension/#suspension-control-system-suspension-damping) .
- Remove the jackstand.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
Lower Control Arm Replacement
Tools Required
- J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
- J 33432-A Transverse Spring Remover
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Using the J 33432-A , remove the front transverse spring. Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__front-transverse-spring-replacement) .
- Disconnect the electrical connector from the wheel speed sensor.
- Remove the shock absorber from the lower control arm.
- Remove the stabilizer shaft link from the lower control arm.
- Loosen the ball joint stud nut but do not remove the nut.
- Using J 42188 separate the lower ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
- Remove J 42188 and the ball joint stud nut (2).
- Remove the ball joint stud from the steering knuckle.
- Mark the position of the cam bolts for orientation when installing.
- Remove the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining the control arm to the crossmember.
- Remove the lower control arm from the vehicle.
- Install the lower control arm to the vehicle.
- Install the cam bolts, washers, and nuts retaining control arm to the crossmember. Place the cam bolts at the position marked during disassembly. Due to a required wheel alignment, tighten the cam bolts but do not set to final torque specifications at this time.
- Support the lower control arm with a jackstand.
- Install the lower ball joint stud to the steering knuckle.
- Install the lower control arm ball joint stud nut. It may be necessary to use an allen wrench to keep the ball joint stud from spinning while tightening the ball joint stud nut. Tighten: Tighten the lower control arm ball joint stud nut to 30 N.m (20 lb ft) plus 180 degrees.
- Install the stabilizer shaft link to the lower control arm. Tighten: Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nut to 72 N.m (53 lb ft).
- Install the front transverse spring. Refer to «Front Transverse Spring Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__front-transverse-spring-replacement) .
- Remove the spring compressor tool J 33432-A .
- Connect the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Tighten: Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
- Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
- Remove the jack stands.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Perform a front wheel alignment. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Measurement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-system__wheel-alignment-measurement) . Tighten: Tighten the lower control arm cam bolt nuts to 170 N.m (125 lb ft).
Tool Required
J 43631 Ball Joint Separator. See Special Tools .
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Remove the front wheel hub/speed sensor assembly. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
- Install tool J 43631 onto the wheel hub and stud. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
- Turn the forcing screw in until the stud is pushed out of the wheel hub.
- Place a new stud in the wheel hub.
- Install some washers onto the wheel stud.
- With the flat side of a wheel nut (2) against the washers, tighten the wheel nut until the wheel stud head seats against the wheel hub flange.
- Remove the wheel nut and washers.
- Install the wheel hub/speed sensor assembly into the steering knuckle. Refer to «Front Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system) .
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
Shock Absorber Replacement (W/F55)
Tools Required
- J 33432-A Transverse Spring Compressor
- J 43822 Shock Support Tool. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
- Disconnect the front shock ESC harness connector.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/hoistjack/#general-information__lifting-and-jacking-the-vehicle) .
- Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Using only hand tools, remove the upper mounting nut, insulator retainer and insulator.
- Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts.
- Using a pry bar, compress the shock absorber from the bottom upward.
- While the shock is in the compressed position, install the J 43822 . See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
- Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
- Remove the J 43822 from the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
- Remove the insulator and insulator retainer from the shock absorber.
- Install the J 43822 to the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
- Install the insulator and insulator retainer to the shock absorber.
- Position the shock absorber between the upper shock support and lower control arm.
- Install the insulator, insulator retainer and nut to the upper shock shaft. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 26 N.m (19 lb ft).
- Remove the J 43822 from the shock absorber. See «Special Tools»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/suspension-front/#front-suspension-system__special-tools) .
- Using the J 33432-A , compress the coil spring.
- Raise the lower control arm to the shock absorber lower mounting and install the bolts and nuts. Tighten: Tighten the nut to 28 N.m (21 lb ft).
- Remove the J 33432-A from the coil spring.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(/cadillac/xlr/i-2003-2009/remont/wheel-tire-system/#tires-and-wheels) .
- Lower the vehicle.
- Connect the ESC harness connector. Check the connection by lightly pulling upwards on the connector.
Shock Absorber Disposal
| CAUTION | Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do not remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube. If the snap ring is removed, the contents of the shock absorber will come out with extreme force which may result in personal injury. |
| CAUTION | To 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. |
- Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 in) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a centerpunch.
- Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely extended.
- 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.
- Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the tube (3) with a centerpunch.
- 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.
- 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.
General Description
The front suspension uses a single lightweight fiberglass transverse spring mounted to the lower control arms.
The upper control arms are made of high-strength forged aluminum. The lower control arms, the crossmember and the steering knuckles are made of cast aluminum.
The hub and bearing assembly is a sealed unit. The hub and bearing assembly eliminates the need for wheel bearing adjustment. The hub and bearing assembly requires no maintenance.
The high-strength tubular steel stabilizer shaft provides stability.
The shock absorbers attach at the upper end to the frame and attach at the lower control arm. The shock absorber helps keep the wheel in contact with the road surface under most road conditions. The shock absorber reduces crash-through at full jounce and rebound.
The electronically controled shock absorbers are gas charged to reduce aeration (foaming) of the shock fluid. Aeration of the shock fluid results in unlimited damping control.
Special Tools
Special Tools Illustration Tool Number/ Description J 33432-A Leaf Spring Compressor J 42188 Ball Joint Separator J 43631 Ball Joint Remover J 43822 Shock Remover/Installer
Scheme 1
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
See also:
• Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
• Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
• Fastener Notice
• Trim Height Specifications
• Wheel Alignment Measurement
• Front Brake Rotor Replacement
• Front Brake Caliper Replacement
• Rack and Pinion Outer Tie Rod End Replacement
• Diagnostic Starting Point - Disc Brakes
• Electronic Suspension Front Position Sensor Replacement
• Steering Knuckle Replacement
• Lower Control Arm Replacement
• Front Transverse Spring Replacement
• Special Tools