Q: How to disassemble and reassemble a strut and coil spring assembly on Buick LaCrosse?
A: Before working on worn struts or coil springs, consider replacement options. Check part availability and cost before disassembling the vehicle. To disassemble, remove and mount the assembly in a vise. Use a spring compressor to relieve pressure and unscrew the damper shaft nut. Check rubber parts for wear and replace them if needed. Carefully set aside the compressed spring. To reassemble, extend the damper rod and install the rubber bump stop and dust boot, then place the compressed coil spring onto the lower seat of the damper. Install the upper insulator, spring seat, and upper mount, tightening to the specified torque. Remove the spring compressor tool and install the assembly.
Q: How do you remove the rear shock absorber on 2010 and later Buick LaCrosse?
A: To remove the shock absorber, block the front wheels and loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands before removing the wheels. Remove the fasteners from the inner fender splash shield and move the liner out of the way to access the upper mounting bolts. Support the lower Control Arm with a floor jack and remove the shock absorber upper mounting bolts, discarding them as new ones will be needed during installation. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt, also discarding it. Finally, remove the shock absorber.
A: To remove the front strut, start by loosening the lug nuts on the front wheels and raising the vehicle with jackstands. Remove the wheels and detach the stabilizer bar link, ABS wheel speed sensor harness, and brake hose from the strut if applicable. On certain models, remove the brake disc. Mark the relationship of the strut to the knuckle and remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts. Separate the strut from the Steering Knuckle, being careful not to overextend the inner CV joint. Support the lower Control Arm if needed. On specific models, remove the control arm-to-strut yoke nut and bolt and disconnect the tie-rod end from the steering knuckle. Support the strut and spring assembly and remove the upper mounting nut(s). Remove the assembly from the fender well and separate the yoke and steering knuckle from the bottom of the strut body. To inspect the strut, check for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage. Inspect the coil spring for chips or cracks in the coating and the spring seat for cuts and deterioration. To install the strut, attach the yoke and steering knuckle assembly to the strut on specific models. Guide the strut assembly up into the fender well and insert the upper mounting studs or strut damper shaft through the hole(s) in the strut tower. Install the nut(s) to secure the strut. For certain models, slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and install the bolts and nuts, aligning the marks made during removal. Connect the yoke to the control arm and the tie-rod end to the steering knuckle on specific models. Complete the installation by reversing the removal steps. Install the wheels and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts. Finally, tighten the upper mounting nut(s) and have the front wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.
Q: How do you remove the rear shock absorber on 2009 and earlier Buick LaCrosse?
A: To remove the strut, start by moving the side trim in the trunk compartment to expose the strut upper mounting fasteners. Loosen the mounting fasteners without removing them and pull off the rubber cap on top of the strut if it is equipped. Next, loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, block the front wheels, and raise the rear of the vehicle on jackstands. Remove the rear wheels and support the rear suspension with a floor jack. Detach the stabilizer bar link from the strut and mark the relationship of the strut to the knuckle. Remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and bolts, separate the strut from the rear knuckle, and remove the upper mounting nuts to take out the strut. Make sure to secure the rear knuckle to prevent damage. To inspect the strut, check for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other damage. Also, inspect the coil spring for chips or cracks in the coating and the spring seat for cuts or deterioration. If any issues are found, proceed to the strut disassembly procedure. For installation, guide the knuckle into the strut flange and place the upper part of the strut in position to mount to the body. Install the upper mounting nuts finger-tight and use a soft-face hammer or mallet to install the bolts. Align the marks made and tighten the nuts to the specified torque. Install the stabilizer bar link, wheel, and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts. Finally, tighten the upper mounting nuts to the specified torque and have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.