Buick Regal: Shock Absorber, Shock Absorber Component, or Spring Replacement

Special Tools

• CH-42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket
• CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor
• CH-48845-10 Strut Spring Compressor Bridge Adapter

Equivalent regional tools:Special Tools

Disassembly Procedure

1. Remove the front suspension strut assembly from the vehicle.

2.

WARNING: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, use the proper tools to support and compress the coil spring prior to removal of the strut shaft nut when removing the coil spring. The coil spring is under extreme pressure and can become a projectile should the spring separate from the strut before all of the tension is relieved.

Place and center the front suspension strut assembly (3) into the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1).

3. Position the coil spring as far down onto the lower arms of the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1).

4. Use a grease pencil to leave a visible mark on the spring where each of the three lower arms of the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1) make contact for reference purposes if replacing the coil spring.

NOTE: The CH-48845-10 Strut Spring Compressor Bridge Adapter (2) is used to compress the front coil spring from the top of the front suspension strut mount to provide added stability and aid in compressing the front suspension strut to sufficiently release tension rather than using the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1) as a stand alone.

5. Adjust the CH-48845-10 Strut Spring Compressor Bridge Adapter (2) so that the opening of the adapter sufficiently captures the front strut mount.

6. Position the CH-48845-10 Strut Spring Compressor Bridge Adapter (2) so it does not contact the alignment posts on the front strut mount.

7. Install and secure the CH-48845-10 Strut Spring Compressor Bridge Adapter (2) to the three upper compressor arms of the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1).

8. Ensure that the coil spring assembly is level by using the adjustment screws on the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor.

9. Adjust the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1) and remove any clearance between the CH-48845-10 Strut Spring Compressor Bridge Adapter (2) and the front strut mount ensuring that it is properly positioned.

10. Using the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1), compress the front coil spring enough to remove tension from the front strut mount.

11.

NOTE: Before removing the strut rod mount nut, support the front suspension strut to prevent it from falling.

While holding the strut rod from turning using a 12 point spline bit, use the CH-42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket (1), and loosen the front strut rod mount nut.

12.

Front Strut Rod Mount Nut(1) - Remove.

13. Front Suspension Strut(3) - Remove.

14. Front Coil Spring Lower Insulator(2) - Remove.

15.

Using the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1), release tension on the front coil spring (2).

16. Remove the front coil spring (2) and remaining components from the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1).

17.

Front Strut Mount(1) - Remove.

18. Front Coil Spring Insulator(2) - Remove.

19.

Front Strut Boot(2) - Remove.

20. Front Suspension Strut Bumper(1) - Remove.

21. Inspect the components and replace as necessary.

Assembly Procedure

1.

Front Suspension Strut Bumper(1) - Install.

2. Front Strut Boot(2) - Install.

3.

Front Coil Spring Insulator(2) - Install.

4. Front Strut Mount(1) - Install.

5.

If replacing the front coil spring (2), transfer the grease pencil marks made on the old front coil spring (2) to the new front coil spring (2).

6. Align the grease pencil marks to the lower arms and center the front coil spring (2) and the associated components to the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1).

7. Ensure that the spring is level in the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1) by using the adjustment screws.

8. Using the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1), apply tension on the front coil spring (2).

9.

Front Coil Spring Lower Insulator(2) - Install.

NOTE: Support the front suspension strut until the front suspension strut nut is loosely installed.

10. Front Suspension Strut(3) - Install.

NOTE: Adjust the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor as necessary so enough of the threaded portion of the front suspension strut rod is exposed.

11. Front Strut Rod Mount Nut(1) - Loosely install.

12.

CAUTION: Refer to Fastener Caution.

Using the CH-42991 Strut Rod Nut Socket (1), tighten the front strut rod mount nut to 70 N.m (52 lb ft).

13.

Using the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1), release all tension on the front coil spring and the front strut mount.

14. Remove the front suspension strut assembly (3) from the CH-45400 Strut Spring Compressor (1).

15. Install the front suspension strut assembly to the vehicle.

SHOCK ABSORBER DISPOSAL

WARNING: Use the proper eye protection when drilling to prevent metal chips from causing physical injury.

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.

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