1. Gather Materials:
- New shock absorbers (front)
- Socket set
- Wrenches
- Safety glasses
- Jack and jack stands
- Screwdriver
- Wire brush
2. Raise and Secure the Vehicle:
- Park your Buick on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Use a jack and jack stands to lift the front of your vehicle until the tires are off the ground.
- Ensure that the vehicle is securely supported and stable before proceeding.
3. Remove the Tires:
- Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts securing the front tires.
- Take off the tires and set them aside.
4. Support the Front End:
- Use jack stands to support the lower control arm on each side to take some load off the strut mount assembly.
5. Disconnect Sway Bar Links (optional):
- Some Buicks have sway bars connected to the struts or control arms. If your Buick has sway bars, you will need to disconnect the links to provide more room to work.
6. Disconnect Brake Lines (optional):
- If the brake lines are routed close to the strut, you might want to disconnect them to move them out of the way. Use caution and ensure that you have a way to reconnect the brake lines properly after reinstalling the strut.
7. Disconnect the Upper Strut Mount:
- Open the hood and locate the strut tower.
- Locate the nuts securing the upper shock mount.
- Use a wrench to loosen and remove these nuts.
- Hold the upper strut mount firmly to keep it from spinning while you loosen the nuts.
8. Remove the Lower Strut Bolts:
- Return to the underside of the vehicle.
- Locate the strut mounting bolts securing the shock absorber to the lower control arm or other mounting points.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
9. Remove the Old Shock:
- Once all the bolts are removed, you can carefully lower the shock absorber and strut assembly from the vehicle.
10. Compress the New Shock:
- Before installing the new shock absorber, you will need to compress it.
- Most shocks come with instructions for compressing them.
- Compressing the shock will make it easier to install.
11. Install the New Shock:
- Carefully align and insert the new shock absorber into the strut tower.
- Make sure that the upper mount is properly aligned.
12. Secure the Upper Strut Mount:
- Install the nuts that secure the upper strut mount and firmly tighten them.
13. Secure the Lower Strut Bolts:
- Reinstall the lower strut mounting bolts and tighten them securely.
14. Reconnect Brake Lines (if applicable):
- If you disconnected brake lines, reconnect them now and ensure they are securely fastened.
15. Reconnect Sway Bar Links (if applicable):
- If you disconnected sway bar links, reattach them now.
16. Reinstall the Tires:
- Place the tires back on the vehicle and secure them with the lug nuts.
17. Lower the Vehicle:
- Slowly lower the vehicle using the jack and jack stands.
18. Test the Suspension:
- Test the suspension by gently pushing down on the front end of the vehicle. It should move smoothly and rebound without any excessive bouncing.
Remember that replacing struts is a more involved task and may require additional steps depending on the vehicle's specific design. If you are unsure about any part of this process, it's best to consult a professional mechanic or refer to a more detailed repair manual for your specific vehicle model.
