Suspension - New Warning Auxiliary Spring Service
88pontiac19Bulletin Number: 89-3-2
Reference Number: 833405
Publish Date: 9/88
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE -
Subject: REMOVING THE REAR SUSPENSION AUXILIARY SPRING AND BRACKET USING J 37098 TOOL
Models
Affected: 1988-89 GRAND PRIX
SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE
Update explains new information regarding the tool usage in Section 3D, pages 3-4 of the 1988 and 1989 Service Manual.
CAUTION: THE AUXILIARY SPRING IS COMPRESSED WITH CONSIDERABLE FORCE BETWEEN UPPER AND LOWER RETAINING BRACKETS. THREAD DAMAGE TO THE LOWER BRACKET WILL PREVENT PROPER INSTALLATION AND USE OF TOOL J 37098, WHICH MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
To prevent personal injury, the entire rear auxiliary spring assembly should be removed when performing rear suspension service, as follows:
Tool required: J 37098 Rear Suspension Auxiliary Spring Compressor
With vehicle on a hoist, and tire/wheel assembly removed:
1. Scribe strut to knuckle.
2. Pry dust plug from auxiliary spring upper bracket.
3. Remove debris from auxiliary spring, and spring lower bracket, using compressed air, blowing from top and bottom.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT PERSONAL INJURY, ALWAYS USE PROTECTIVE EYE WEAR WHEN WORKING WITH COMPRESSED AIR.
4. Remove jack pad.
FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 2:
5. Install tool J 35778, rear leaf spring compressor, and compress transverse spring to release spring pressure from knuckle. Do not remove transverse spring or retention plates (Figures 1 and 2).
FIGURE 3:
6. Install J 37098 into auxiliary spring and thread tool into lower bracket a minimum of THREE COMPLETE SCREW REVOLUTIONS (Figure 3).
CAUTION: IF J 37098 WILL NOT ENGAGE THREE COMPLETE SCREW REVOLUTIONS, IT MAY NOT PERFORM SAFELY. CAREFULLY REMOVE TOOL AND CONTACT THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER IF ADDITIONAL SERVICE ADVICE IS DESIRED.
THE AUXILIARY SPRING ASSEMBLY OR TOOL J 37098 SHOULD NOT BE PULLED, TWISTED, OR USED AS A LEVERAGE POINT OTHERWISE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT.
7. Hand tighten only J 37098 bearing and nut assembly to the top of the auxiliary spring upper bracket.
8. Remove nut and bolt from auxiliary spring lower bracket and lateral link.
9. Remove strut attaching nuts (two) at rear of knuckle.
10. Remove strut/knuckle bolts.
FIGURE 4:
11. Remove auxiliary spring and bracket assembly with J 37098 installed and place away from work area (Figure 4).