Rear Strut Level Control Air Bladder - Replacement
Bulletin No. T 87-36File in Group 3D
Number 7
Corp. Ref. No. 713401
Date Nov. '86
SUBJECT: REAR STRUT ELECTRONIC LEVEL CONTROL AIR BLADDER REPLACEMENT
MODELS AFFECTED: 1985-87 FWD DE VILLE AND FLEETWOOD
Rear strut Electronic Level Control air bladder service kits are now available from GMWDD using part number 22062506. All rear struts on De Villes and Fleetwoods which leak air at the ELC/bladder should be serviced using this kit rather than replacing complete strut assemblies.
Tool Required:
J-34649 Sealing Ring Compressor
Remove or Disconnect
1. Strut from car.
Figure 1 - Scribing Mount and Tube for Reassembly:
2. Scribe upper mount and outer tube for Reference on reassembly, see Figure 1.
3. Mount strut in vise using hardwood blocks for additional clamping pressure.
Figure 2 - Removing Upper Mount from Strut:
4. Upper mount from strut, see Figure 2.
Figure 3 - Removing Outer Clamp:
5. Outer clamp with hacksaw, see Figure 3.
6. Cut air bladder from outer tube and slide inner tube up.
Figure 4 - Removing O-Ring:
7. "O" ring seal from inside top of outer tube, Figure 4.
Figure 5 - Removing Inner Clamp:
8. Inner clamp with hacksaw, see Figure 5.
9. Air bladder from inner tube.
INSTALL OR CONNECT
Figure 4 - Removing O-Ring:
1. Lubricate new "O" ring and "O" ring groove with silicone lubricant and install new "O" ring in groove, Figure 4.
Figure 6 - Lubricating New Air Bladder:
2. Silicone lubricant to inside top of new air bladder and entire outside of air bladder, Figure 6.
3. Fold bottom of air bladder before installing on inner tube.
Figure 7 - Installing Inner Clamp:
4. Air bladder over inner tube, continue folding bottom up. Position top of air bladder as indicated in Figure 7.
IMPORTANT: Do not use tools to fold the air bladder. Use of tools can cause damage to the air bladder resulting in leaks.
Figure 7 - Installing Inner Clamp:
5. Inner clamp to top of air bladder at specified dimension, see Figure 7.
6. Tighten inner clamp with J-34649.
7. Fold bottom of air bladder up and fold top of 102 mm (4") section down.
8. Apply silicone lubricant to polished diameter of inner tube shaft.
9. Outer tube over air bladder and push down against folded portion of air bladder.
IMPORTANT: Outer tube must be completely seated over shaft.
10. Upper mount to strut and position as indicated.
IMPORTANT: Line up scribe marks on upper mount and outer tube on reassembly.
Figure 8 - Orientating Air Fitting:
Upper mount and tube air fitting must be properly oriented with respect to bottom strut mount, see Figure 8.
Figure 9 - Lubricating Outer Tube:
11. Silicone lubricant to outer tube, see Figure 9.
12. Air bladder over bottom of outer tube by folding up over tube and continue pushing over tube.
Figure 10 - Tightening Hose Clamps:
13. Hose clamp over grooved area of air bladder and tighten securely, see Figure 10.
14. Inspect for leaks with soap solution by supporting strut and connecting system air line to pressurize strut.
15. Strut to car.
For warranty purposes, use one of the following:
E5750 Rear Strut - Right Side 1.2 hours
E5751 Rear Strut - Left Side 1.2 hours
E5757 Rear Strut - Both Sides 1.6 hours
ADD .6 hours (each side) to replace Electronic Level Control Bladder.