Q: What is the importance of exercising caution and following instructions when removing a coil spring?
A: Removing a coil spring can be a hazardous task, so it is crucial to exercise extreme caution and adhere closely to the provided instructions to avoid any serious injuries. It is essential to utilize a reliable and top-notch spring compressor and meticulously follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the tool's proper usage.
Q: How to replace the front struts and Coil Springs?
A: To remove the struts, first, check for signs of wear such as leaking fluid or loss of dampening capability. Consider options like rebuilt or new strut assemblies that may be available on an exchange basis. Once ready, remove the strut and spring assembly and mount it in a vise, cushioning the vise jaws with rags or blocks of wood. Use a spring compressor to relieve pressure from the spring seat, following the tool manufacturer's instructions. Loosen the damper shaft nut while holding the shaft stationary with the proper tool. Lift off the bearing cap, upper spring seat, and upper insulator, inspecting the bearing in the spring seat for smooth operation and replacing if necessary. Carefully remove the compressed spring assembly and set it aside. For installation, assemble the new strut starting with the lower spring insulator and spring, followed by the upper spring insulator, spring seat, and bearing cap. Position the spring seal and bearing cap with the flats facing the steering knuckle flange. Install and tighten the damper shaft nut to the specified torque. Finally, install the strut and spring assembly and have the front-end alignment checked and adjusted if needed.
Q: How do you remove the rear Coil Springs on Cadillac DeVille and DTS?
A: To remove the 1999 Deville model, start by loosening the rear wheel lug nuts and blocking the front wheels. Then, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands placed under the frame. Remove the rear wheels. If you're removing the left-side coil spring, detach the ELC height sensor link from the Control Arm. Install a suitable interior-style spring compressor through the bottom of the control arm and onto the coil spring, compressing it enough to relieve all pressure from the spring seats. Detach the rear stabilizer bar link from the control arm and the lower end of the Shock Absorber from the control arm, as well as the airline from the shock absorber. Place a floor jack under the inside edge of the control arm to support it. Paint alignment marks to indicate the position of the coil spring pigtail in the insulator slot. Remove the control arm pivot bolts and detach the control arm from the frame crossmember. Slowly lower the jack and remove the spring and insulators, carefully removing the spring compressor from the spring. For installation, replace any damaged or worn insulators and position them correctly in the control arm and upper body. Before tightening the control arm pivot bolts, raise the outer end of the control arm to simulate normal ride height. Tighten all suspension fasteners to the torque specifications and the wheel lug nuts as well. For the 2000 and later Deville/DTS models and all Seville models, the removal process is slightly different. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands. Block the front wheels and remove the rear wheel. Detach the stabilizer bar link from the control arm and support the lower control arm with a floor jack placed under the end of the control arm. Detach the shock absorber from the control arm and the toe link from the control arm. Slowly lower the floor jack until the control arm comes to rest against the suspension support, and then remove the coil spring. For installation, make sure the insulator is in place on the control arm when installing the coil spring. Ensure that the pigtail at the upper end of the spring is pointing to the rear for the left coil spring and forward for the right coil spring. Tighten all suspension fasteners to the torque specifications and the wheel lug nuts as well.
Q: How do you remove and install front strut and Coil Springs?
A: To remove the strut, first apply the parking brake and block the rear wheels. Loosen the wheel lug nuts and raise the front of the vehicle, supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and mark the relationship of the strut to the Steering Knuckle. Remove the brake hose bracket and ABS wiring harness bracket from the strut. Then, remove the strut-to-knuckle nuts and knock the bolts out with a soft-face hammer. On 1999 models, disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the strut. Separate the strut from the steering knuckle, being careful not to overextend the inner CV joint or stretch the brake hose. If equipped, unplug the electrical connector from the strut. Have an assistant support the strut assembly and remove the three strut upper mounting nuts or bolts. Remove the assembly through the fender well. For inspection, check the strut body for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other obvious damage that would require repair or replacement. Check the coil spring for chips and cracks in the spring coating, as this can cause premature spring failure. Inspect the spring seat for hardening, cracks, and general deterioration. If wear or damage is evident, replace the strut. To install the strut, first install the strut coil spring assembly. Once the strut is in place in the strut tower, install the upper mounting nuts or bolts to prevent the strut coil spring assembly from falling back through. This may require an assistant due to the weight and awkwardness of the strut. If equipped, reconnect the electrical connector to the strut. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts, with the bolt heads pointing towards the front of the vehicle. Install the nuts, align the marks, and tighten them to the specified torque. On 1999 models, reconnect the stabilizer bar link to the strut and tighten the nut to the specified torque. Reconnect the brake hose and ABS harness brackets to the strut, tightening the bolts securely. Install the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. Finally, tighten the three upper mounting nuts or bolts to the specified torque. Have the front-end alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.