Cadillac 60 Series 1963 Shop Manual page 39

4-16
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
vestigate are correct tire pressure, and correct
shock absorber action. If these are correct, the
amount of friction in the front and rear suspen-
sion system should be checked.
The procedure for checking excessive friction
in the front and rear suspension is as follows:
1. Disconnect front shock absorbers.
2. With aid of a helper, lift up on the front
bumper and raise the front end of the car as high
as possible. Slowly release the bumper and allow
the car to assume normal standing height. Meas-
ure distance from floor to center of bumper. Then
push down on bumper, release slowly, and allow
car to assume normal standing height; again
measure the height of the bumper.
If the difference between these two measure-
ments is 7/8 inch or more, it indicates excessive
friction in the suspension system. Probable
causes could be excessive tightness at the sus-
pension arm inner mounts or spherical joints.
3. Perform the same operations as outlined in
Step 2, on the rear bumper. The difference be-
tween the two measurements should be less than
1/2 inch. If the difference exceeds the limit, in-
spect the upper yoke and lower control links for
damaged or worn parts.
7. Front Shock Absorber
Removal and Installation
a. Removal
1. Raise hood and remove shock absorber up-
per retaining nut, retainer, and rubber grommet
at upper suspension arm frame mounting bracket.
The shock absorber upper stem is square at the
top so that it may be held by a wrench to prevent
stem from turning when removing nut.
2. Remove bolt holding lower end of shock ab-
sorber to lower suspension arm.
3. Remove shock absorber through bottom of
lower arm.
b. Installation
1. Install retainer and rubber grommet on shock
absorber upper stem, and fully extend shock ab-
sorber rod.
2. Insert shock absorber assembly up into coil
spring and guide stem through tower in cross
member. Then place lower end in position on
lower suspension arm, and install bolt, lock
washer, and nut. Tighten nut to 100 foot-pounds.
3. Install grommet, retainer, and nut on shock
absorber upper stem, and tighten nut, holding
stem from turning with wrench.
8. Rear Shock Absorber
Removal and Installation
a. Removal
1. Raise rear end of car and place jack stands
under axle housing.
CAUTION: The shock absorbers act as r e -
bound stops for the rear suspension. Under _no
circumstances should rear end of car ever be
raised so that rear suspension is in rebound
position while disconnecting shock absorbers.
2. Remove shock absorber upper retaining nut,
retainer, and rubber grommet. The shock ab-
sorber upper stem is square at the top so that it
may be held by a wrench to prevent stem from
turning when removing nut.
3. Remove shock absorber lower retaining nut,
retainer, and rubber grommet, and remove shock
absorber. Compress shock absorber to remove
it from its mounts.
b. Installation
1. Install retainer and rubber grommet on shock
absorber upper stem.
2. Insert shock absorber assembly up into
frame bracket and guide stem through hole in
bracket.
3. Install grommet, retainer, and retaining nut
on upper stem. Turn dust tube cover into nut
until tight.
4. Install retainer and rubber grommet on lower
stem and guide stem through hole in mounting
bracket on axle housing.
Stem
Jrommet
Fig. 4-23 Rear Shock Absorber Mounting