Cadillac steering & suspension repair questions and answers
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249 Questions
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How can you tell if front shocks are bad front is setting to lowCarnell - 2002 Cadillac Escalade - Steering & Suspension - 6/27/2011-
6/27/2011 JimmEasiest in the 'bounce test'. With the vehicle sitting still on relatively falt surface, push down on the front corners of the vehicle. The front end should dip, rebound and settle. Any more than this action is one indication the front shocks are bad.
Another indication is by mileage / age - if the front shocks have more than 30,000 miles use - then it may be time for replacement. Finally, you can check the front tires - the tires may wear with a noticeable cupping or scalloped shape to the tire tread, that you may either see or feel.
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Which shocks shall I buy?Classic - 1995 Cadillac DeVille - Steering & Suspension - 6/26/2011Car has 144,000 miles and shocks no doubt need replacing. Will I be disappointed if I choose the less expensive shock sets that 'bypass' the (Speed Sensing Suspension (SSS) feature? I'd like to keep the vehicle 'stock', but maybe not at any price!!-
6/16/2011 JimmCheck out the many on-line auto parts sources, such as; www.RockAuto.com or www.autopartswarehouse.com. They list two (2) rear shocks for your application, from around $120.00 (each) for non-electronic suspension, to around $420.00 (each) for the electronic adjustable type. Wow! The front shocks are around $26.00 (each) to around $46.00 (each) for the non-electronic types.
The electronic types range in price from $1100.00 each (!) WOW! How much do you like the electronic suspension control?
6/17/2011 ClassicJimm-Thanks for the info. Good question on 'How much do you.........control'? Well, being an Elec Engr, I am impressed by the computerized approach to 'comfort'. I had a 1996 DeVille Concours that was a 'dream' to drive. It had the Speed Sensing Suspension. That feature 'speaks' "control" to me and I like that in a motorcar. My question is, "How much diff will I notice in the 'adjustable' vs the non-electronic"? I'm finding it difficult to justify the cost difference. Arnott is choice. -
6/26/2011 exp.devillemanIM NOT SURE ON THE 95 DEVILLE BUT ON THE 93 DEVILLE EVEN WITH THE CCR SUSPENSION YOU CAN REPLACE THEM WITH A STANDARD FRONT STRUT. CCR STANDS FOR COMPUTER CONTROLLED RIDE WITCH IS ELECTRIC.
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Can i change air shock in rear to regular shockray - 1992 Cadillac DeVille - Steering & Suspension - 6/22/2011-
6/22/2011 exp.devillemanyes you can there is some parts companys on the internet that make standard rear struts,your caddy's ride will not be as smooth and if your caddy has CCR (computer command ride) type suspension it will have to be disconnected or the air compresser will come on even if the car is not running and drain your battery. the best possible solution is find some good used air shocks or install manually control air shcks. i have done this on my deville, new OEM shocks for the ccr suspenion are expensive.
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THE STEERING AFTER 30 MINS OF DRIVING BINDS UP & CLICKS WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT BUT IS FINE AGAIN AFTER COOLS DOWNDoug - 2002 Cadillac Escalade - Steering & Suspension - 6/21/2011STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT IS ALSO ON AND NOT SURE IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT. THE STEERING IS PERFECT FOR THE FIRST 20 MINS OF DRIVING THEN IT BINDS UP. IF IT SITS FOR 1 HOUR AND THEN YOU GET IN TO DRIVE IT IT TAKES ANOTHER 20 MINS FOR THE STEERING TO ACT ... -
My cadi has a sevice suspension light its equipped with auto leveling air shocks all the air bags are good. any thought?mad@cadi - 1999 Cadillac Seville - Steering & Suspension - 6/17/2011-
6/17/2011 JimmTry and have the fault code scanned at a local auto parts retailer; Advance Auto, Auto Zone, etc. Typically, they can scan the fault code for free. Post the results and code here to decipher and help diagnose the problem further. Few questions; how many miles are on the vehicle and / or - on the shocks?
6/21/2011 mad@cadi200000 miles well taken care of
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Air shocks in rear want release air rear stays upCarnell - 2002 Cadillac Escalade - Steering & Suspension - 6/14/2011-
6/14/2011 HouseCallAutothats not enough to diagnose it. The air suspension system sets fault codes which have to be accessed using a professional shop grade scan tool. The codes cannot be accessed with the inexpensive $50 code readers because they are only capable of reading P-codes which are engine codes. The suspension sets C-codes. That is where to start. if you give me a fault code I'll tell you what is wrong *probably*
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My car wont says starting disabled due to theft systemscott - 1993 Cadillac Seville - Steering & Suspension - 6/8/2011-
6/7/2011 exp.devillemantry cleaning the contacts in the ignition lock cylinder with electric component cleaner,sometimes that is the cause with the pass-key antitheft system.another possible cause is that your'e ignition lock cylinder is wearing out. -
6/8/2011 cadiemanyoull need to check the resistance of the key chip with a multi meter.than insert the key and remove the l/side under dash panels.you will see a orange 2 wire harness coming out the bottom of the steering column the wires are white.check the resistance across those white wires.it should read the same as the key. if not the cylinder is bad.if it reads the same your problem is in the security system.
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Warning light says service ride control? any help?Rooster - 1993 Cadillac Seville - Steering & Suspension - 6/7/2011Service ride control warning is on, but nothing appears to be wrong with vehicle.-
6/7/2011 exp.devillemando you notice any change in the handling around corners or over bumpy roads? has the ride height of your car changed in the rear of car? need more info.
12/29/2012 dbolingNO CHANGE IN HANDLING AMD RIDE HEIGHT HAS NOT CHSNGED
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Rattle in right front, axle bushing has been replased, nothing loose upper or lower, brakes have been ck everthing ok,c.a.r.s. inc. - 2004 Cadillac DeVille - Steering & Suspension - 6/7/2011 -
My vehicle makes a noise sounding like cahins dragging when i make a right turn or even when im driving..cperry - 1999 Cadillac DeVille - Steering & Suspension - 6/5/2011-
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6/5/2011 Rustyi drained my power steering fluid and replaced it with Lucas brand power steering fluid on recomendation of a mechanic and in 3 or 4 days the Lucas fluid works its way thru my system and CURED the noise.
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When i hit a bump there is a knock in the front and if im traveling fast it kind of pulls to the side when i hit a bumphendo172003 - 1995 Cadillac Seville - Steering & Suspension - 6/2/2011-
6/1/2011 slickstersound like a swaybar bushing or mount not really too $$$ to fix barring a broken swaybar -
6/1/2011 exp.devillemanit sounds like a bad ball joint or upper strut bearing mount. a broken sway bar link useually does not cause pulling to one side.a broken sway bar link and or bent sway bar would cause excessive body roll around corners.
2/6/2012 genowas it balljiont or struts -
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5/24/2011 cadiemanis the cylinder turning all the way off?do u have any problems starting?try pushing the shift handle foward and take out the key.does it go to acessory"?"
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Rear Air Shocks aren't leveling and car sags Took car to Monroe Brake, Shock, Muffler Shop for on lift inspection.Dave - 1990 Cadillac Eldorado - Steering & Suspension - 5/20/2011I brought my car in for an on lift inspection and was found that the rear frame support had deteriorated, overly rusted and giving way and needed to be replaced. How could a car deteriorate this bad and become a road hazard? This isn't due to normal wear .Anyone ...-
5/16/2011 cadiemanthese parts show snow salt damage.have it checked by a decent shop not muffler joe. youll need to check the level ride.the pump and sensor are r/r behind the tire the sensor is hooked to the axle.youll need to pop it loose and push the arm up.turn the key on and the level ride light will come on.youll see the rear pump up.then spray down the shock with soapy water to test for a leaking shock.then resure the sensor.with 2 people sitting on rear bumper the light will come on and u will feal the car going up in the back and the the light will should shut off.their is a way to adjust the sensor also.gl
5/16/2011 DaveI never seen the light come on. The pump is squashed up behind the sub frame and I can't get my hands up there to make any type of inspection or adjustment. It just rotten out and needs to be replace, so you can assume the condition that it is in. -
5/16/2011 BillI think it was in either 1999 or 2000 GM totally redesigned their vehicle frames, eliminating a bunch or weld joints that will rust out given proper humidity,road salts, etc. Not sure about a recall. You can look it up on this page under vehicle recalls. Believe it or not your vehicle is 21 years old and sounds like it is running good. You might even get a CarFAX on the vehicle to see if maybe was in a collision.
5/16/2011 DaveHow do I get info on call backs. Like to know if the sub frame (front and rear) is one of them since you mention Cadillac changed the sub frame design in the anticipation of sub frame failures. You think Cadillac would stand behind their product and replace the sub frame given to the severity of the sub standard design and the failed condition that the sub frame is in. I may difficulty finding a similar sub frame for my car given the year. Once I find one how should I re-condition it? -
5/18/2011 cadiemanu need to listen go back and read what i wrote.find the linkage to the axle its by the motor.pop it off and push it up then it will pump up.then u will have to ck. the shock bags for leaks with soapy water.the bags are shot more then likely.
5/18/2011 DaveWhat does the air shock sensor look like? Is it behind the right tire? Is it adjustable so I can move it up or down? I don't recall noticing it when I replace the rear brakes. -
5/18/2011 cadiemanlook down under more like near the fuel tank.youll see a square sensor that has a arm and linkage that hooks to the axle
5/18/2011 DaveThat square box located near the fuel tank on the driver's side box is all rusted from yeas of corrosion by sand and salt. It would need to be replaced.
So how do I find out if Cadillac had a re-call on the sub frames? -
5/18/2011 BillOk, I know my answer was lost in here somewhere. I gave info on factory recalls, and suggested CarFax. -
5/18/2011 cadiemani agree bill im telling him how to check the air ride system.all i hear is rust rust rust im done
5/18/2011 DaveI realize your trying to assist me. The car is sagging so low that trying to inspect them without jacking it up is difficult to inspect. The shocks appear wet and the shocks show corrosion as well. As long as I owed the car the shocks never worked. -
5/18/2011 cadiemanu will need to get the car jacked up on the r/r to inspect.the shocks sound shot.dealer is expenive.if u look up parts on the internet companys are selling shocks that will work on your car.gl -
5/20/2011 cadiemanthis suspension piece your talking about rusting is removeable.its held on by 2 frame bolts.and all the connecting parts to it.remove all them and the unit can be removed.it comes with shocks,spindles and center frame.
5/23/2011 DaveI'm looking for a replacement sub frame. I'll undercoat it before I reinstall it.
I just may substitute a gas shock kit in place of the conventional air OEM shocks.
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AIR RIDE SYSTEM NOT WORKING. CAR DOESN'T LEVEL. FRONT IS LOWER THAN REARdavid - 2004 Cadillac DeVille - Steering & Suspension - 5/18/2011-
5/17/2011 Spoon SportsThere are various sensors in the system. If you seriously want to diagnoise and/or repair it yourself, you proably should have the factory service manuals. First, I would check on eBay for ones being sold. Next, all GM manuals (and Ford and Chrysler) can be bought at www.helmsinc.com Helms 'publishes' manuals for all the US car manufactors. A set of new ones will be around $135 or so. eBay should be about half of this.
Sorry chief, this is complicated than you ever can perceive :( -
5/18/2011 cadiemanu need to ck. the air ride.there is linkage on the rear axle near the right side.youll need to pop the linkage off.then push it up.with the key on the compressor will start running. spray the shock bags with soapy water to ck. for leaks
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