Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Installing new front struts on a Buick LeSabre is a precise operation that may require two people. These struts -- shock absorbers with exterior springs -- are essential to a smooth and safe ride. The struts need to be properly aligned to keep the suspension stable, so you will need to consult with the person who removed the original struts if it wasn't you. If you are installing a front strut on one side of the car, there's a good chance you must install one on the other side.

Instructions

    1

    Make sure the front end of the LeSabre is properly raised and supported on jack stands.

    2

    Insert the strut into the fender well -- this may require two people -- and insert the three studs at the top through the holes at the top of the shock tower. Install the nuts from inside the engine compartment without tightening them.

    3

    Slide the car's steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts that connect the two parts, making sure the bolts' flats are horizontal. Line up all man-made alignment marks on the components and tighten the bolts to 140 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

    4

    Connect the tie-rod end to the steering knuckle. Tighten the castle nut to 35 foot-pounds. Install a cotter pin through the hole in the nut. If the pin won't go through, tighten the nut further until the pin goes through.

    5

    Install the wheel on the car, tightening its lug nuts by hand, and lower the car off the jack stands with the floor jack. Tighten the lug nuts once the car is on the ground, using the lug wrench.

    6

    Tighten the strut's upper mounting nuts within the engine compartment to 18 foot-pounds.

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