OEM 2008 Cadillac XLR Leaf Spring

2008 Cadillac XLR Leaf Spring Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to replace the front transverse leaf spring on 2008 Cadillac XLR?

  A: First steps to replace the front transverse spring start with vehicle lift and support. Pull off tire assembly while removing wheels from the vehicle. When replacing the transverse spring measure the front spring adjuster bolt gap for future installation of vehicle trim height. Install the transverse spring into the transverse spring compressor (J 33432-A) for compression. Start by taking out the mounting bolts of the lower shock absorber from one lower Control Arm and disconnect the stabilizer shaft link from this Control Arm. Use the ball joint separator (J 42188) on the lower ball joint stud nut to loosen it before separating the lower ball joint from the Steering Knuckle. Discard the lower ball joint stud nut by taking the ball joint separator (J 42188) off and suspended lower control arms using jackstands. Begin by making notes of the cam bolt positions before taking out the cam bolts and lower Control Arm. The next task involves removing transverse spring bolts, retainers and taking out the transverse spring from the vehicle while discarding the old transverse spring bolts. Remove the transverse spring compressor tool (J 33432-A) when changing the transverse spring. The transverse spring compressor (J 33432-A) requires installation on the new transverse spring before placing it onto the crossmember. Fasten transverse spring retainers and new bolts onto the crossmember by tightening them to 62 n.m (46 lb ft). Reposition the lower Control Arm onto the front crossmember before tightening the cam bolts at their marked locations without final torque until the wheel alignment process is completed. Mount the ball joint stud to the Steering Knuckle while torquing the nut to 30 n.m (22 lb ft) after rotating it an additional 180 degrees. Position a jackstand under the support part of the lower Control Arm before you tighten the shock absorber lower mounting nuts to 28 n.m (21 lb ft). Connect the stabilizer shaft link to the lower Control Arm by applying 72 n.m (53 lb ft) of torque to the nut. Reinstall the tire and wheel assemblies after removing the transverse spring compressor (J 33432-A) then conduct the front trim height adjustment and front wheel alignment.