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(221)
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
REPLACEMENTS
6-23
plugs are removed. Blow off all loose dirt from
the surrounding area of chassis so that dirt
will not be brushed off into filler opening while
filling shock absorbers. A few grains of dirt
can readily plug a shock absorber valve and
seriously affect performance of the unit.
a. Filling Front Shock Absorbers
Remove filler plugs and add fluid until it
overflows, using only G. M. or Delco Shock Ab-
sorber
Fluid.
Install plugs loosely to exclude
dirt and bounce front of car up and down by
front bumper to force out any air in cylinders.
Repeat addition of fluid and bouncing of car
until no more fluid can be added, then install
filler plugs securely. An air space is built into
the front shock absorber body above the filler
opening to provide for expansion of the fluid
when hot.
b. Filling Rear Shock Absorbers
Remove filler plugs and add G. M. or Delco
Shock Absorber Fluid until level is
¥2"
to
2%2"
below filler openings. Install plugs loosely to
exclude dirt and bounce car up and down by
rear bumper to force out any air in cylinders.
Add additional fluid, if necessary, until fluid
level is
¥2"
to
2%2"
below filler openings, then
install filler plugs securely.
Shock absorbers require some air space for
expansion of fluid when hot, otherwise fluid
may be forced out. This air space must be pro-
vided in rear absorbers by leaving fluid level
¥2"
to
2~,b"
below filler opening. Correct level
in rear absorbers may be conveniently obtained
by use of Shock Absorber Gun KMO 1026 and
Adapter J 1611. Use gun to fill absorber and
place the adapter on gun nozzle to suck out
surplus fluid.
c. Checking for Fluid Leaks in Shock
Absorbers
An empty or almost empty shock absorber
indicates leakage which should be located and
corrected.
To check for leaks, clean off the entire body
with an air hose, then fill shock absorber as
described above. Drive car
over
a r
ough
road
for a few blocks, then inspect the unit with a
good light. A slight leak at the seal around cam
shaft is of little consequence and is due to ini-
tial expansion after filling. Leakage at end
caps of front shock absorber will require re-
moval of unit for installation of new gaskets.
Leakage at gaskets of rear shock absorbers
may be corrected by installation of new gas-
kets without removal of the unit.
6-24 REPLACE SHOCK ABSORBERS OR
VALVES
In front shock absorbers, the end cap gas-
kets may be replaced to correct fluid leaks, and
the valves may be replaced, if the proper spe-
cial tools are available in the shop.
In rear shock absorbers, the cover or gasket,
rebound and compression valves, valve nuts
and gaskets may be replaced with ordinary
hand tools. The intake valves in pistons cannot
be replaced.
If
any other parts replacements or repairs
are required in either a front or rear shock ab-
sorber, a complete replacement unit is required.
Replacement shock absorbers are available
through Buick Parts Warehouses on an ex-
change basis.
Shock absorber calibrations as furnished in
production, and as given in Chassis Suspension
Specifications (par.
6.1)
have been carefully
engineered to provide the best ride control over
a wide range of driving conditions. Substitu-
tion of other calibrations should not be at-
tempted under any circumstances, unless au-
thorized by Buick Motor
Division.
a. Removal and Installation
A front shock absorber can be removed by
removing the knuckle support upper pivot pin
(par. 6-16) and the three shock absorber at-
taching bolts. The outer bolt (located at upper
end of chassis spring) may be removed with a
socket wrench and extension through the open-
ing in lower control arm spring seat. When
shock absorber is installed by reversing re-
moval procedure, caster, camber, and toe-in
must be checked and adjusted (par. 6-30).
A rear shock absorber can be removed by
disconnecting link from shock absorber arm,
and removing shock absorber from brake back-
ing plate after removal of brake
drum.
b. Removal of Front Shock Absorber Valves
1.
Thoroughly clean outside of shock ab-
sorber,
then mount it on Holding Fixture J
895. Do not hold shock absorber in a vise.
2. Remove end cap, using End Cap Wrench
J 766. See figure 6-30. Do not use a pipe wrench
as this will ruin the cap.
3. Remove fluid. With a screwdriver, remove
retainer ring that holds the valve in place. Lift
out the valve assembly, return spring, and the
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