Buick 15835457 Rear Spring

If the front suspension shock absorber/coil springs show signs of wear such as leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, sagging or cracked coil springs, they should be disassembled and overhauled as needed. The shock absorbers themselves cannot be serviced and should be replaced if faulty, while the springs and related components can be replaced individually. It is important to replace components on both sides of the vehicle at the same time to maintain balanced characteristics. When removing the assembly from the vehicle, it is important to clean away external dirt without damaging the protective coating on the spring. The coil spring compressor tools should be installed and fully engaged to compress the spring and relieve tension from the upper mount. The strut piston rod should be held with a wrench while unscrewing the nut, avoiding the use of an impact wrench to prevent damage. The upper mount, spring, boot, bump stop, and lower spring seat should be removed in that order. If a new spring is being installed, the original spring must be carefully released from the compressor, while a re-used spring can be left in compression. After disassembling the strut assembly, all components should be examined for wear and damage, replacing them as necessary. The shock should be checked for fluid leakage, pitting along the piston rod, and damage to the shock body. Testing the operation of the shock should be done by moving the piston through a full stroke and short strokes, ensuring smooth and continuous resistance. If there are any issues or visible signs of wear or damage, replacement is required. To reassemble, the strut rod and bumpers should be lightly lubricated with silicone oil or white lithium grease. The lower spring seat, bump stop, dust boot, spring, and upper mount seat should be installed in that order. The piston rod nut should be tightened to the specified torque with the spring compressed. Finally, the tension on the spring should be released, and the strut assembly can be re-installed in the vehicle.

To remove the coil spring and jounce bumper, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the vehicle on jackstands. Make sure to block the front wheels to prevent any rolling. Once the vehicle is securely supported, remove the wheel. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack and detach the stabilizer bar link and shock absorber from the lower control arm. Remove the lower control arm-to-knuckle nut and bolt, as well as the upper control arm-to-lower control arm link bolt. Slowly lower the floor jack until the coil spring is fully extended and carefully maneuver the spring and jounce bumper out from the suspension arms. Don't forget to retrieve the spring seat. Inspect the spring seat, jounce bumper, and coil spring for any wear or damage, and replace as necessary. For installation, simply reverse the removal steps. Use the floor jack to raise the outer end of the lower control arm to simulate normal ride height and tighten all fasteners to the specified torque values.

Lower the knuckle using the floor jack, being careful not to overextend the inner CV joint. Then remove the top nuts and pull out the strut.