Strut Cartridge - Removal Procedure Update

9224buick04

Bulletin:
91-3-15

Date:
May '91

Ref. No.:
91-188-3

Corp. Ref. No.:
133203


SUBJECT:
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE - SECTION 3C - NEW SPECIAL TOOL
FOR STRUT CARTRIDGE REMOVAL (REVISED PROCEDURE)

MODELS AFFECTED:
1988-91 REGALS


SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE - SECTION 3C

Service Manual Reference:

1991 Regal - Page 3C-2
1990 Regal - Page 3C-3
1989 Regal - Page 3C-3
1988 Regal - Page 3C-1

The following procedure has been revised to include a new special tool (J 38844). J 38844 will be shipped as part of the 1991 Essential Tool Program. This tool was developed to eliminate the possibility of the front suspension spring moving out of alignment when removing the strut cartridge.








Strut Cartridge

Figures 1 through 9

Tools Required:

J 38844 Strut Alignment Tool
J 35668 Strut Extension Rod
J 35669 Strut Rod Nut Remover and Installer
J 35671 Strut Cap Nut Wrench

CAUTION:
DO NOT SERVICE THE STRUT CARTRIDGE UNLESS THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE IS ON THE SUSPENSION. THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE KEEPS THE COIL SPRING COMPRESSED, OTHERWISE THE RELEASED COIL SPRING COULD CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.

Remove or Disconnect

1. Scribe strut cover to body to assure proper camber adjustment.


2. Strut mount cover plate (2) by removing three cover plate nuts (1), refer to Figure 1.
3. Strut shaft nut (4) using No. 50 torx bit and J 35669, refer to Figure 2.
4. Strut mount bushing (5) by prying with suitable tool, refer to Figure 3.
- Use J 35668 to apply pressure on strut shaft (13) as necessary to relieve bushing (compression) side load.
5. Jounce bumper (7) by attaching J 35668 to strut shaft and pulling out jounce bumper. Refer to Figure 4.
6. Install J 38844, refer to Figure 5.
- Use information shown on label of J 38844 to install in correct position. Refer to Figure 6.
7. Compress strut shaft (13) down into cartridge, refer to Figure 7.
8. Strut cartridge closure nut (14) by unscrewing closure nut using J 35671, refer to Figure 8.
9. Strut cartridge (111), refer to Figure 9.
10. Oil from strut tube using suction device.

Install or Connect

1. Self-contained replacement cartridge (111).
2. Strut cartridge closure nut (14) using J 35671. Tighten
- Strut closure nut to 110 N-m (82 lbs.ft.).
3. Install J 35668.
4. Remove J 38844.
5. Jounce bumper (7).
6. Raise strut shaft and remove J 35668.
7. Strut mount bushing (5).
- Use a soap solution to lubricate bushing for ease of installation.
- If necessary, install J 35668 after bushing is partially installed and position strut shaft as required to assist in bushing installation.
8. Strut shaft nut (4) using No. 50 torx bit and J 35669. Tighten
- Strut shaft nut to 98 N-m (72 lbs.ft.).
9. Strut mount cover and nuts.
- Align scribe marks. Tighten
- Cover nuts to 24 N-m (18 lbs.ft.)