SECTION 7-C 1958 BUICK CHASSIS SUSPENSION SERVICE, ADJUSTMENT, AND REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES

7-8 1958 BUICK TIRE SERVICE AND INSPECTION

1958 Buick Tire Inflation and Inspection

Maintenance of correct inflation pressure in all 1958 Buick tires is one of the most important elements of tire care. Correct tire pressure is also of great importance to ease of handling and riding comfort. Overinflation is detrimental to tire life but not so much as underinflation. Inflate all tires according to tire temperature as specified in paragraph 1-1.

Driving without valve caps contributes to underinflated tires. The valve cap keeps dirt and water out of the valve core and seals the valve against leakage. Whenever tires are inflated be sure to install valve caps and tighten firmly by hand. Make sure that rubber washer in cap is not damaged or missing.

If tires are checked at frequent intervals and adjusted to correct inflation pressure, it is often possible to detect punctures and make a correction before a tire goes flat, which may severely damage tire if car is in motion. Slight differences in pressure between tires will always be found, but a tire that is found to be 3 or more pounds below the lowest of its running mates can be suspected of having a leaking valve or a puncture.

All 1958 Buick tires should be inspected regularly to avoid abnormal deterioration from preventable causes. If tires show abnormal or uneven wear the cause should be determined and correction should be made.

See that no metal or other foreign material is embedded in the tread. Any such material should be removed to prevent damage to tread and tire carcass. Cuts in a tire which are deep enough to expose the cords will allow dirt and moisture to work into the carcass and ruin the tire unless promptly repaired.

1958 Buick Tubeless Tire Repairs

A leak in a 1958 Buick tubeless tire may be located by inflating the tire to recommended pressure (par. 1-1) and then submerging tire and wheel assembly in water, or by applying water to tire with a hose if wheel is mounted on car. Remove water from area where air bubbles show and mark the area with crayon. After removal of the puncturing object from tire, the puncture must be sealed to prevent entrance of dirt and water which would cause damage to the tire carcass.

A small puncture of less than 3/32″ diameter may be sealed without removal of tire from wheel by injecting sealing dough with a gun. Punctures up to 1/4″ diameter may be sealed by installation of a rubber plug with cement, after tire has been removed from wheel. Sealing dough with gun, and rubber plugs with cement are contained in tire repair kits available through tire dealers. These materials should be used as directed in the instructions supplied with the kits. If a puncture is larger than 1/4″ or there is other damage to the tire carcass, repairs should be made by authorized tire dealers in accordance with instructions of the tire manufacturer.

Demounting and Mounting of 1958 Buick Tubeless Tire

When demounting a 1958 Buick tubeless tire use care to avoid damaging the rim-seal ridges on tire beads. A “bead breaker” is recommended for loosening the beads. DO NOT USE TIRE IRONS TO FORCE BEADS AWAY FROM WHEEL RIM FLANGES. After both beads are broken loose from wheel rim flanges, remove tire in usual manner, starting at the valve stem, and using care to avoid damaging rim seal ridges.

When tire is removed, inspect it carefully to determine whether loss of air was caused by puncture or by improper fit of beads against rim flanges. If improper fit is indicated, check wheel as follows:

  • Straighten wheel rim flanges if bent or dented.
  • Clean rims thoroughly, using No. 3 coarse steel wool, to remove all oxidized rubber, soap solution, etc. Remove rust with wire brush.
  • Inspect butt weld and other areas of rim contacted by tire beads, to make certain there is no groove or high spot. Remove any groove or high spot by filing smooth.
  • Inspect valve stem and replace it if damaged. Make certain that valve stem is properly installed to provide an air tight joint.

Before mounting a tubeless tire on a wheel remove cardboard spacer, if tire is new. Moisten a cloth with mounting compound or soap solution and wipe rim-seal ridges of both beads to remove all foreign substance. Moisten base of both beads with mounting compound or soap solution to help beads snap into place when tire is inflated. Start tire over rim flange at point diametrically opposite valve stem, so that valve stem cannot prevent bead from dropping into the well as last section of bead is forced over the rim flange. Align balance mark on tire with valve stem.

Either a tire mounting machine or tire irons may be used; however, parts of tools contacting tire beads must be smooth and clean to avoid damaging rim-seal ridges. Take small bites if tire irons are used. DO NOT USE HAMMERS.

CAUTION: Due to the violence with which the outer bead seats to the rim, it is recommended that an extension gage with a clip-on chuck be used for mounting inflation. This will allow the operator to remain at a safe distance.

Remove valve core to increase flow of air during inflation. Hold tire and wheel assembly in vertical position and bounce on floor at various points around circumference to snap beads out against rim flanges. If a seal cannot be effected in the foregoing manner with the rush of air; apply a tourniquet of heavy sash cord around circumference to tire and tighten it with a tire iron to force beads outward.

Inflate tire until both beads are firmly seated against rim flanges, then remove air chuck, insert valve core and temporarily inflate to 50 pounds pressure. Leak test wheel and tire assembly under water, and if satisfactory reduce to recommended pressure (par. 1-1).

Interchanging 1958 Buick Tires

Tires tend to wear unevenly and become unbalanced as mileage accumulates. Uneven tire wear is frequently the cause of tire noises which are attributed to rear axle gears, bearings, etc., and work is sometimes needlessly done on rear axles in an endeavor to correct the noise.

Tire life will be increased and uneven wear and noise will be less likely to occur if the tires, including the spare, are balanced and interchanged at regular intervals of approximately 5000 miles. The recommended method of interchanging tires is shown in figure 7-7.

1958 Buick Method of Interchanging Tires

1958 Buick Method of Interchanging Tires

Use of Tire Chains on a 1958 Buick

Do not use tire chains on the 1958 Buick front wheels under any circumstances because they will interfere with the steering mechanism. Any of the conventional full-type non-skid tire chains can be used on the rear wheels.

Tire chains should be loose enough to “creep” but tight enough to avoid striking fenders or other parts. If chains remain in one position the tire side wall will be damaged. Tension springs (either metal coil springs or the rubber band type) must also be used in order to prevent chains contacting frame, etc. The use of tension springs will also reduce ordinary chain noise caused by loose cross links contacting pavement.

 

7-9 REPLACE AND ADJUST 1958 BUICK STABILIZER LINK GROMMETS

The construction of the 1958 Buick stabilizer links is clearly shown in figure 7-8.

1958 Buick Front Stabilizer Link-Sectional View

1958 Buick Front Stabilizer Link-Sectional View

To disassemble, remove nut from lower end of the link rod, then remove rod, spacer, retainers, and grommets. When new, the link grommets are 7/8″ free length. When assembling, install rubber grommets dry and use care to center the grommets in the seats on stabilizer shaft and lower control arm plate, also center the retainers on grommets before tightening rod nut. Tighten rod nut to the limit of thread on rod.

When the rod nut is tightened to limit of threads on rod, the overall dimension between sides of grommet retainers as shown at “A” in figure 7-8 should be 1 11/16″. If dimension “A” is not 1 11/16″ when nut is tight, adjust the nut to obtain this – dimension. This is important to insure proper riding qualities and stabilization.

 

7-10 REPLACE AND ADJUST 1958 BUICK FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS

Replacement of 1958 Buick Bearings

  1. Remove 1958 Buick wheel with hub and drum assembly. Remove oil seal packing from hub so that inner bearing can be properly cleaned and inspected.
  2. Wipe old grease out of hub and from steering knuckle spindle. Clean and inspect all bearing parts as described under Bearing Service (par. 1-10), and replace any that are faulty.
  3. If a bearing cup has to be replaced, drive the old cup out with a punch. Use care when installing the new cup to start it squarely into hub, to avoid distortion and possible cracking.
  4. When inspecting or replacing bearing cones (inner races) make sure that cones are free to creep on spindle of steering knuckle. The cones are designed to creep on the spindle in order to afford a constantly changing load contact between the cones and the ball bearings. Polishing the spindle and applying bearing lubricant will permit creeping and prevent rust forming between cone and spindle.
  5. Wash and thoroughly dry all bearing parts, because wheel bearing lubricant will not adhere to oily surfaces.
  6. Thoroughly pack both ball bearing assemblies with new wheel bearing lubricant, preferably using a bearing packer. If packer is not available, work lubricant into bearings by hand. In either case, remove any surplus lubricant.
  7. Apply a light coating of lubricant to spindle and inside surface of wheel hub to prevent rusting.
  8. Place inner bearing assembly in cup and install a new oil seal, driving seal squarely into hub with installer J-6541. Carefully install inner bearing cone in oil seal. NOTE: Never place cone on spindle because seal will be damaged as wheel is installed.
  9. Install wheel on spindle, then install outer bearing assembly, cone, safety washer and nut. See figure 7-9.
1958 Buick Front Wheel Hub and Bearings

1958 Buick Front Wheel Hub and Bearings

  • Adjust bearings as follows (subpar. b).
  • Adjustment of 1958 Buick Front Wheel Bearings

    1. Tighten spindle nut with 10″ wrench until bearings are preloaded at least one hex, then rotate wheel one revolution to make sure bearings are seated.
    2. Back off spindle nut until bearings are slightly loose; then tighten nut using an inch pound torque wrench to between 30 and 110 inch pounds and install cotter pin. If an inch pound torque wrench is not available, tighten nut until all bearing looseness is just removed, then tighten nut to the nearest of the two cotter holes and install cotter pin. Do not mistake loose king pin bushing, etc. for wheel bearing looseness.

    CAUTION: Bearing preload must not exceed 1/12 turn of spindle nut.

    1. Before installation of grease cap in hub, make sure that end of spindle and inside of cap are free of grease so the radio static collector makes good contact. Make sure that static collector is properly shaped to provide good contact between end of spindle and the grease cap.

     

    7-11 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF BALL JOINTS AND/OR STEERING KNUCKLE

    Removal and Replacement of Upper Ball Joint

    1. Raise 1958 Buick with jack under frame. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, set in manual override position and support car at frame in rear and at frame front on side opposite from that being worked on). Remove wheel and tire.
    2. Remove cotter pin from castellated nut on upper ball joint tapered stud.
    3. Loosen, but do not remove nut. Force of 1958 Buick chassis spring will be tending to disengage ball joint tapered stud from steering knuckle. Rap knuckle sharply in area of tapered stud to disengage stud from knuckle. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, return control to normal ride position).
    4. On coil spring jobs, support car weight under outer edge of spring seat and remove nut from ball joint tapered stud. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise suspension, support car weight on frame and also place jack under spring seat.)
    5. Support car weight on frame and lower spring seat to lower knuckle, hub and drum assembly slightly. Be careful to avoid damage to brake hose.
    6. Raise upper control arm and remove rubber bumper under upper control arm.
    7. Center punch the four 5/16″ rivets as close to the center as possible. Drill a 1/8″ hole through center of rivets.
    8. Drill a 1/4″ hole more than half-way but not all the way through each rivet.
    9. Use a 1/2″ drill or chisel to remove the rivet heads.
    10. Use a 1/4″ punch and hammer to drive rivets out.
    11. Assemble new ball joint to upper control arm with 5/16″ bolts inserted from bottom. (Nuts and lockwashers on top) Torque nuts to 15-20 ft. pounds.
    12. Reinstall rubber bumper.
    13. Turn tapered stud so cotter pin hole is fore and aft and assemble stamped and plastic dust shields over stud. Move knuckle up by jacking under outer edge of spring seat.
    14. Wipe tapered hole in knuckle and tapered stud clean and assemble stud to knuckle with castellated nut. Torque to 30-40 ft. pounds and install cotter pin. (On jobs equipped with air ride suspension, set in manual override position and operate engine until overdrive position is reached.
    15. Reinstall wheel and tire and remove frame support.

    Removal and Replacement of 1958 Buick Lower Ball Joint

    1. Raise 1958 Buick; remove wheel and tire. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension set in manual override position and provide frame support at all four corners of car).
    2. Disconnect stabilizer link and 1958 Buick shock absorber at lower end.
    3. Remove cotter pin and loosen nut on lower ball joint tapered stud.
    4. With car supported by frame, place jack under outer edge of spring seat. Wrap chain around upper control arm and under base of jack, fasten chain securely. See Fig. 7-10. Raise jack to place tension on lower ball joint stud.
    1958 Buick Separating Lower Ball Joint and Steering Knuckle

    1958 Buick Separating Lower Ball Joint and Steering Knuckle

  • Rap steering knuckle in area of stud to separate stud from knuckle. Lower jack slightly; remove nut and chain. NOTE: Interference may exist between nut and backing plate. After partially removed, raise jack slightly or mp.ve knuckle in relation to lower control arm to provide clearance. (On jobs equipped with Air Poise Suspension, return control to normal ride position.) Raise jack; separate stud from knuckle. Lift knuckle, hub, and drum assembly and support in raised position by placing suitable prop between upper control arm and frame.
  • Lower jack carefully; (on jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, remove spring nut at bottom of plunger bearing to allow lower control arm to be lowered leaving air spring attached to frame). Remove front chassis spring if coil spring equipped.
  • With outer end of lower control arm resting on floor and car supported in safe manner, center punch the four 3/8 rivets and drill a 1/8” hole through center of each rivet. Drill a 5/16” hole more than half-way but not all the way through each rivet. Use a 5/16 punch to drive the rivets out.
  • Install a new ball joint using 3/8″ bolts in package; longer bolts at inner location. Assemble bolts head down. (Nuts and lock washers on top). Torque to 35-40 ft. lbs.
  • On coil spring jobs, tape rubber cushion to top of spring. (On power steering jobs left side a 1/8″steel shim is used at top of coil spring also).
  • (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, locate plunger pilot and bearing in socket.) If coil spring equipped, position spring correctly in frame cross member and raise lower control arm to contact spring. Rotate spring if necessary to locate end of spring in drain hole of spring seat. Wire or otherwise suitably retain spring in spring seat. Raise lower control arm with jack placed under outer edge of spring seat. Remove prop under upper control arm; lower knuckle.
  • Wipe stud and hole in knuckle clean; assemble stamped and plastic dust shields on stud and start stud into knuckle hole. Before inserting stud completely turn cotter pin hole fore and aft and start nut on stud. Tighten castellated nut securely and install cotter pin.
  • Reassemble grommets, retainers and nuts on lower end of shock absorber and stabilizer link, and on air spring jobs, reinstall spring nut on plunger bearing.
  • On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension set in manual override position and operate engine until override position is reached.
  • Reinstall wheel and tire and remove frame support.
  • Removal and Replacement of 1958 Buick Steering Knuckle

    1. Follow steps 1-2 and 3 of sub paragraph (a) above and heavily lubricate tapered stud of upper ball joint.
    2. Disengage lower stud using procedure outlined in steps 1 through 6 or sub paragraph (b) above.
    3. With weight of knuckle hub and drum assembly tending to disengage knuckle from upper stud, rap knuckle in stud area to separate. Do not remove nut.
    4. Remove dust cap, spindle nut and safety washer. Slide drum and hub assembly and outer bearing off spindle.
    5. Remove inner wheel bearing and bearing cone.
    6. Remove cotter pin and nuts from two lower bolts. (Backing plate to steering knuckle and steering arm). Remove nuts and backwashers from two upper bolts. Remove all four bolts.
    7. Slide backing plate assembly off knuckle and support out of the way to avoid damage to brake hose and prevent grease or dirt getting on brake lining.
    8. Remove upper ball joint nut and steering knuckle.
    9. To replace knuckle, wipe stud of upper ball joint clean, assemble to knuckle with cotter pin hole fore and aft, torque nut to 30-40 ft. lbs. and install cotter pin.
    10. Wipe lower ball joint stud clean and assemble to knuckle as outlined in steps 9-10-11 and 12 of sub paragraph (b) above.
    11. Assemble new „O“ ring seal on steering knuckle spindle and slide backing plate assembly into position.
    12. Install two backing plate to steering knuckle and steering arm bolts with longer bolt at rear location. Torque nuts to 90-100 ft. lbs. and install cotter pins. Install two backing plate to knuckle bolts, nuts and lock washers. Torque nuts to 65-75 ft. lbs.
    13. Examine grease seal in hub, replace if necessary, using installer J-6541.
    14. Wipe spindle clean and slide on inner bearing cone. Make certain inner bearing has sufficient bearing grease and position in the cone. Slide drum and hub assembly into position carefully to avoid damage to grease seal or bearing.
    15. Assemble outer bearing cone, safety washer and nut on spindle. Adjust bearing preload as outlined in paragraph 7-10, sub paragraph (b).
    16. On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, set in manual override position and operate engine until override position is reached.
    17. Reinstall wheel and tire and remove frame support.

     

    7-12 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF UPPER CONTROL ARM SHAFT OR ARM, SHAFT AND BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY

    NOTE: Upper control arm shafts, bushings and ball joints are available separately. However, upper control arms are available only as an assembly (arm, shaft, bushings and ball joint).

    1. Separate upper ball joint from knuckle according to steps 1 through 5 of Par. 7-11, sub par a.
    2. Remove shaft to frame bracket nuts, carefully noting number, location and thickness of adjusting shims between shaft and frame bracket. Remove arm assembly.

    NOTE: If work is being performed on right side it will be necessary to remove generator and generator bracket (disconnect battery ground strap).

    If shafts and bushings only are being replaced, clamp arm assembly in vise and remove old bushings and shaft.

    1. Assemble new grease seals on shaft and position shaft in arm. Start new bushing in original threads of arm and thread shaft into bushing to aid in alignment. Torque bushing to 70-75 ft. lbs. torque.
    2. Start second bushing into original threads of arm with shaft threaded into opposite bushing. See Fig. 7-11.
    1958 Buick Upper Control Arm Bushing Replacement

    1958 Buick Upper Control Arm Bushing Replacement

  • After bushing has been threaded part way into arm, rotate shaft to engage threads of second bushing as an aid in piloting the bushing squarely into position.
  • Torque bushing to 70-75 ft. lbs. Shaft should be free enough to turn by hand. Install grease fittings and lubricate bushings.
  • Rotate shaft to make distance between shaft bolt holes and arm equal both sides as nearly as possible. See Figure 7-12.
  • 1958 Buick Upper Control Arm Shaft Position

    1958 Buick Upper Control Arm Shaft Position

  • Install arm assembly by reversing removal procedure, being careful to locate the steel washers under the heads of the shaft to frame bracket bolts. Pay particular attention to number, location and thickness of adjusting shims between shaft and frame bracket. Torque shaft to frame bracket bolts to 90-100 ft. lbs.
  • When reassembling upper ball joint to knuckle, follow instructions outlined in Par. 7-11 sub par a, steps 13-14-15.
  • Check and adjust front end alignment as necessary.
  •  

    7-13 CHECKING AND REPLACING 1958 BUICK CHASSIS SPRINGS

    Checking 1958 Buick Spring Trim Dimensions

    Optional equipment, undercoating, etc., changes the car weight and must be considered when checking spring trim dimensions. Because of the many possible variations in loading due to optional equipment it is not possible to give dimensions for all; therefore, the spring trim dimensions given below are for the standard car only, without optional equipment or undercoating and with car at curb weight. 1958 Buick curb weight includes gas, oil, water, and spare’ tire but no passengers.

    Before measuring 1958 Buick spring trim dimensions, bounce both ends of car up and down several times to make sure there is no bind in suspension members, and to let springs take a natural position. When car is at rest, measure the trim height at point “Y” for front spring or point “Z” for rear spring, as indicated in figure 7-13.

    1958 Buick Trim Height Chart

    1958 Buick Trim Height Chart

    • Front Springs. On a car having service miles the 1958 Buick front spring trim dimension “Y” should be as shown in Figure 7-13 chart.

    NOTE: When checking NEW car add 1/4″.

    When the 1958 Buick front spring trim dimension is found to be too low, correction may be made by installing special shims (Group 7.425), %” thick, between upper end of spring and the frame. If more than three shims are required, replace the spring.

    • Rear Springs. On a car having service miles the rear spring trim dimension should be as shown on Figure 7-13 chart.

    NOTE: When checking NEW car add 3/8″.

    If 1958 Buick rear spring trim dimension is less than specified or additional height is required to prevent excessive “bottoming” in exceptional cases, install additional spring insulators (group 7.545), divided between upper and lower ends of spring. If more than three additional insulators are required replace the spring. Installation of new springs should not increase spring trim dimension “A” more than 1″ over specified maximum limit.

    Removal and Installation of 1958 Buick Front Spring

    1. Raise car; remove wheel and tire. (On jobs equipped with 1958 Buick Air-Poise Suspension, first set in manual override position) On all jobs, provide frame support at all four corners of car.
    2. Disconnect stabilizer link and 1958 Buick shock absorber at lower end.
    3. Remove cotter pin and loosen nut on lower ball joint tapered stud.
    4. With car supported by frame, place jack under outer edge of spring seat. Wrap chain around upper control arm and under base of jack, fasten chain securely. See Figure 7-10. Raise jack to place tension on lower ball joint stud.
    5. Rap steering knuckle in area of stud to separate stud from knuckle. Lower jack slightly; remove nut and chain. NOTE: Interference may exist between nut and backing plate. After partially removed, raise jack slightly or move knuckle in relation to lower control arm to provide clearance. (On jobs equipped with Air Poise Suspension, return control to normal ride position.) Raise jack; separate stud from knuckle. Lift knuckle, hub and drum assembly and support in raised position by placing suitable prop between upper control arm and frame.
    6. Lower jack carefully; (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, remove spring nut at bottom of plunger bearing, disconnect flared tube nut at inboard side of spring and remove two retaining bolts, one inboard and one outboard of upper control arm shaft. Remove air spring). If coil spring equipped, remove spring.
    7. To replace coil spring, tape rubber cushion to top of spring. (On power steering jobs left side a 1/8″ steel shim is used at top of coil spring also.) If a new air spring is being installed, transfer the plunger bearing and pilot guide from original spring if these parts are in serviceable condition. (Apply lithium soap grease to bearing surface). Slide rubber grease retainer into position over pilot guide and pilot.

    To install air spring assembly in frame cross member: Be certain a new rubber sealing ring is correctly seated in connector of air spring. Position spring in frame cross member and install one retaining bolt loosely. Start flared tube nut into spring assembly. Install second retaining bolt. Tighten both bolts. Tighten flared tube nut to 5-10 inch lbs. torque.

    1. If coil spring equipped, position spring correctly in frame cross member and raise lower control arm to contact spring. Rotate spring if necessary to locate end of spring in drain hole of spring seat. Wire or otherwise suitably retain spring in spring seat. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, locate plunger pilot and bearing in socket.) Raise lower control arm with jack placed under outer edge of spring seat. Remove prop under upper control arm; lower knuckle.
    2. Wipe stud and hole in knuckle clean; assemble stamped and plastic dust shields on stud and start stud into knuckle hole. Before inserting stud completely, turn cotter pin hole fore and aft and start nut on stud. Tighten castellated nut securely and install cotter pin.
    3. Reassemble grommets, retainers and nuts on lower end of shock absorber and stabilizer link, and on air spring jobs, reinstall spring nut on plunger bearing.
    4. On jobs equipped with 1958 Buick Air-Poise Suspension, set in manual override position and operate engine till override position is reached.
    5. Reinstall wheel and tire and remove frame support.

    Removal and Installation of 1958 Buick Rear Spring

    1. Raise car and support frame. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, set in manual override position and support frame at all four corners. Return control to normal ride position.
    2. Disconnect both 1958 Buick rear shock absorbers at lower end. Disconnect height control valve links. CAUTION: Air ride jobs must not have the frame raised above the axle further than position limited by shock absorber travel without disconnecting height control valve links or damage to the height control valves will result.
    3. Remove upper and lower spring clamps. Remove spring. On jobs equipped with Air Poise Suspension, remove plunger bearing plate to axle housing bracket bolts and remove plunger assembly by sliding off axle bracket. Disconnect air supply flared tube nut; remove bracket and screw at lower edge outboard side of spring and bolt through welded bracket at upper inboard side of spring. Remove spring.)
    4. When replacing coil spring, check number stamped on one end coil to be sure spring is correct for the car model as specified in Group 7.503 of the Master Parts List.
    5. On coil spring jobs, be sure spring insulator at upper location is in good condition; then attach upper end of spring using spring clamp, bolt insulator, flat washer, lockwasher and nut in order named. Attach lower end of spring to axle housing bracket with spring clamp, lockwasher and nut. (On jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension, be certain a new sealing ring is properly seated in air supply connector; then position spring assembly in frame member and install clamp and bolt at lower outboard edge of spring and bolt through bracket at top inboard location. Connect air line flared tube nut and tighten to 5-10 inch pounds torque. Position plunger assembly in diaphragm and install two bearing plate to axle housing bracket bolts.
    6. On coil spring jobs, lower car and attach shock absorbers with normal car weight on rear wheels to clamp rubber bushings in a neutral position. (On jobs equipped with Air Poise Suspension, reattach shock absorber lower ends and tighten bolts hand tight. Reconnect height control valve links. Place system in manual override position and start engine. When lift is accomplished, remove frame support; return to normal ride position. When car reaches normal trim, torque shock mounting bolts to 60-80 ft. lbs. torque).

    Use of 1958 Buick Special Overload Rear Coil Springs

    Special 500 pound overload rear coil springs are available for service installation in cases where heavy loads are carried or heavy trailers are towed with a 1958 Buick. Overloading any series rear axle in excess of 500 pounds is not recommended.

    In estimating rear spring overloads, place rear wheels of car on scale, with car at curb weight and no load in rear compartment other than spare wheel and tire. After obtaining weight, hook trailer to car, or place desired load in rear compartment, and read scale again. The additional weight is the amount of overload on springs and rear axle.

    Trailer design, and distance that trailer coupling is located to rear of rear axle center line, are the major factors governing effective trailer overload. Instructions for attaching trailers to Buick cars may be obtained from Buick Motor Division Factory Service Department.

    1958 Buicks equipped with Air-Poise Suspension will automatically compensate for loads on the rear wheels up to 500 pounds in excess of normal. These cars should never be loaded beyond this point, however, as serious damage to Air-Poise components will result.

     

    7-14 REPLACE OR REBUSH 1958 BUICK LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY

    If a 1958 Buick lower control arm is bent or broken it should be replaced with a new assembly which includes the ball joint, shaft, bushings, and dirt seals. The riveted parts of the assembly are not furnished separately. If only the shaft and bushings or ball joint require replacement they can be obtained separately.

    Use all of the following steps for replacement of control arm shaft and bushings. Use only steps 1, 9 and 10 for replacement of control arm and shaft assembly.

    1. Remove 1958 Buick front chassis spring (par. 7-13) then remove lower control arm assembly from frame front cross member.
    2. Unscrew bushings and remove shaft from control arm.
    3. Check the distance between inner ends of control arm. The normal dimension is 11 1/4” plus or minus 1/32″, from inside to inside. See figure 7-15.
    1958 Buick Installing First Bushing

    1958 Buick Installing First Bushing

  • Install a rubber seal over each threaded end of new control arm shaft.
  • Insert one end of shaft with the seal in place in one control arm end and force opposite end of shaft into the other control arm end. A piece of wood approximately 1 1/4″x2 1/2″x24″ long can be used as a pry. See figure 7-14.
  • 1958 Buick Springing Arm Over End of Shaft

    1958 Buick Springing Arm Over End of Shaft

  • Fasten control arm securely in vise close to one end to prevent springing or distortion. NOTE: Apply a liberal amount of white lead or Lubriplate to both bushings before installing in arms.
    1. Start first bushing on shaft and into control arm at the same time. Turn bushing until head is tight against arm and tighten to a minimum of 150 ft. lbs. torque. See figure 7-15.
    2. Center the shaft between the arms and install the second bushing as in Step 7, turning shaft as required to thread into the bushing so that no binding exists.

    After bushings are installed shaft must be free enough to turn by hand.

    1. Before installing lower control arm and shaft assembly, turn shaft to locate the bolt holes at both ends so they are equally distant from the inside surface of the arms, then bolt shaft to frame front cross member. If installing new control arm assembly, leave shaft in position determined by locating wire.
    2. Install 1958 Buick front chassis spring (par. 7-13). Install grease fittings and lube bushings. Check caster, camber, and toe-in. Adjust as necessary (par. 7-17).

     

    7-15 1958 BUICK SHOCK ABSORBER SERVICE AND REPLACEMENT

    Checking 1958 Buick Shock Absorbers

    Both front and rear shock absorbers are filled and sealed in production and cannot be refilled in service.

    Removal and Installation of 1958 Buick Front Shock Absorber

    1. Remove upper and lower mounting stem nuts, grommet retainers and grommets. See Figure 7-16.
    1958 Buick Front Spring and Shock Absorber Installation

    1958 Buick Front Spring and Shock Absorber Installation

  • Compress shock absorber and disengage from mounting bracket and spring seat extension. Remove remaining grommets and retainer.
  • Make certain that shock absorber being installed is correct for car model as indicated by part number stamped on outer tube. See Master Parts List Group 7.345.
  • Install grommet retainer and grommet on upper mounting stem, insert through hole of mounting bracket and install grommet, grommet retainer and nut. Use same procedure for assembling lower mounting stem to spring seat extension. Torque nuts to 10-15 ft. lbs. torque.
  • Removal and Installation of 1958 Buick Rear Shock Absorber

    1. Raise rear of 1958 Buick. (On air ride jobs the height control valve links must be disconnected and the control positively must not be set in manual override position. The 1958 Buick shock absorber acts as the stop to limit travel of the rear axle away from the frame and for this reason, serious damage to the air spring will result if the manual override position lift is attempted with shock absorber disconnected.)
    2. Remove lower shock absorber mounting eye bolt, nut, washer, spacer and rubber bushings.
    3. Remove upper shock absorber mounting eye bolt, nut, spacer and rubber bushings. Remove shock absorber.
    4. Inspect all rubber bushings and replace if not in good condition. If shock absorber operation is faulty, it must be replaced as it cannot be repaired. CAUTION: Rear shock absorbers on jobs equipped with Air-Poise Suspension have an extended length which is approximately one inch shorter than standard shock absorbers. Standard shock absorbers should never be used on Air-Poise jobs as serious damage to air springs or height control valves may result.
    5. Make certain that new shock absorber is correct for car model as indicated by part number stamped on the outer tube. See Master Parts List Group 7.345 for standard and optional parts.
    6. Place spacers and rubber bushings in shock absorber mounting eyes. Hold shock absorber in position and install pivot bolts and nuts.
    7. Lower rear end of car. Then tighten pivot bolts to 60-80 ft. pounds torque.

    NOTE: Car weight must be on rear wheels when tightening shock absorber ends to clamp rubber bushings in a neutral position.

    Shock absorber calibrations as furnished in production have been carefully engineered to provide the best ride control over a wide range of driving conditions. Substitution of other calibrations should not be attempted under any circumstances, unless authorized by Buick Motor Division.

     

    7-16 1958 BUICK WHEEL AND TIRE BALANCE

    Wheel and tire balance is the equal distribution of the weight of the wheel and tire assembly around the axis of rotation. Wheel unbalance is the principal cause of tramp and general car shake and roughness, and contributes somewhat to steering troubles.

    All 1958 Buick wheel and tire assemblies are statically balanced to within 6 inch ounces when assembled at the factory. After installation on the car, the complete assembly may be dynamically balanced if necessary.

    The original balance of the 1958 Buick tire and wheel assembly may change as the tire wears. Severe acceleration, severe brake applications, fast cornering and side slip wear the tires out in spots and often upset the original balance condition and make it desirable to rebalance the tire and wheel as an assembly. Tire and wheel assemblies should be rebalanced after punctures are repaired.

    Because of the speed at which cars are driven it is important to test the wheel and tire assembly for dynamic balance. Dynamic balancing of a wheel and tire assembly must be done on a machine designed to indicate out of balance conditions while the wheel is rotating. Since procedures differ with different machines, the instructions of the equipment manufacturer must be carefully followed.

    In some cases wheel and tire balance does not always overcome wheel balance complaints because the brake drums themselves are out of balance. Balancing drums with wheels and tires as an assembly is not always satisfactory because the balance is destroyed when wheels and tires are removed or interchanged. On cars where trouble is experienced in maintaining proper wheel balance, it is suggested that all drums be individually checked for static balance and corrected, if necessary, as described under Brake Drum Balance (par. 9-12).

     

    7-17 1958 BUICK FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT

    Wheel alignment is the mechanics of properly adjusting all the factors affecting the position of front wheels so as to cause the car to steer with the least effort and to reduce tire wear to a minimum.

    Correct alignment of the frame is essential to proper alignment of front and rear wheels. Briefly, the essentials are that the frame must be square in plan view within specified limits, that the top and bottom surfaces of front cross member must be parallel fore and aft, and the bolt holes for support upper arms and lower control arm shafts must be of correct size and location. Checking frame alignment is covered in Group 12.

    It should also be understood that wheel and tire balance has an important effect on steering and tire wear. If wheels and tires are out of balance, “shimmy” or “tramp” may develop or tires may wear unevenly, and give the erroneous impression that the wheels are not in proper alignment. For this reason, the wheel and tire assemblies should be known to be in proper balance before assuming that wheels are out of alignment.

    Close limits on caster, front wheel camber, and theoretical king pin inclination are beneficial to car handling, but require only reasonable accuracy to provide normal tire life. With the type of front suspension used, the toe-in adjustment is much more important than caster and camber in so far as tire wear is concerned. Caster and camber adjustments need not be considered unless visual inspection shows these settings to be out, or unless the car gives poor handling on the road.

    In the majority of cases, services consisting of inflating tires to specified pressure and interchanging tires at recommended intervals (par. 7-8), balancing all wheels and tires (par. 7-16) adjusting steering gear (par. 8-4), and setting toe-in correctly (subpar. e, below) will provide more improvement in car handling and tire wear than will front end alignment adjustments as usually made on front end alignment equipment.

    The use of accurate front end alignment is essential to determine whether front suspension parts have been damaged by shock or accident, and to obtain correct alignment settings after new parts have been installed.

    Inspection Before Checking 1958 Buick Front Wheel Alignment

    Before any attempt is made to check or make any adjustment affecting caster, camber, toe-in, theoretical king pin inclination, or steering geometry, the following checks and inspections must be made to insure correctness of alignment equipment readings and alignment adjustments.

    1. The 1958 Buick front tires should have approximately the same wear and all tires must be inflated to specified pressures (par. 1-1).
    2. Check 1958 Buick front wheel bearings for looseness and adjust, if necessary (par. 7-10).
    3. Check for run-out of wheels and tires and correct to within limit of 1/8″ run-out at side of tires, if necessary.
    4. Check wheels and tires for balance and correct if out of balance (par. 7-16).
    5. Check for looseness at ball joints and tie rod ends; if found excessive it must be corrected before alignment readings will have any value (par. 7-5).
    6. Check shock absorber action and correct, if necessary (par. 7-5).
    7. Car must be on a level surface. Place a 3/8″ square pin 3 29/32″ long between the frame and front lower control arm at each front wheel as shown in Figure 7-17, making sure that the pin is standing vertical. Use sandbags or other suitable weight when necessary to hold car down on pins.
    1958 Buick Alignment Heights and Specifications Chart

    1958 Buick Alignment Heights and Specifications Chart

  • Bring the rear of the car to the proper height. If the gas tank is full, if the trunk is empty except for spare tire and jack, and if the car is bounced and allowed to settle, it may then be considered at the proper height. If these conditions cannot be met, a 3/8″ square pin 5 19/64” long should be placed between the axle housing and frame at each rear wheel location as shown in Figure 7-17. Use sandbags or suitable weights when necessary to hold the car down on the pins.
  • It is also advisable to check the condition and accuracy of any equipment being used to check front end alignment, and to make certain that instructions of the manufacturer are thoroughly understood.
  • Checking Caster and Camber Settings

    Since caster and camber are both adjusted by shimming in the same locations, both of these settings must be checked before changing either setting.

    CAUTION: Regardless of equipment used to check caster and camber, car must be on level surface both transversely and fore and aft. Since camber and caster vary in proportion to the height of the front springs, it is very important that the correct alignment height is maintained while checking. (par. 7-17a.).

    Alignment height is used only when checking and adjusting caster and camber and should not be confused with trim height which is used to establish proper spring dimensions.

    When equipment is used which bears against the tire or wheel rim to obtain readings, it is very essential that the tires or wheels be checked for run-out. Readings must be taken at points which have no run-out or which lie in the same plane.

    Caster and camber should be within the limits shown in figure 7-17. Note that the caster angles at both front wheels need not be exactly the same but must be within 1/2 degree of each other. Likewise, the camber angles on both sides must be within % degrees of each other. If caster and camber are not within the specified limits, adjust as described below.

    Adjustment of Caster and Camber

    Caster and camber may be adjusted by shimming at either the upper or lower control arm shaft attaching points. If only a small adjustment is needed to bring alignment within limits, lower control arm shaft shimming should provide sufficient adjustment. If a major adjustment is needed, shimming at the upper control arm shaft is recommended.

    Production adjustment is done at the upper shaft locations using shims of .060”, .080″ and .100″. The .080″ shims are copper-plated for identification. Both round (non-removable) and horseshoe (removable) shims are used and at least one of the horseshoe type is used in each of the four upper locations. The horseshoe shims are listed under Group 6.178 of the Master Parts list. No lower control arm shaft shims are installed in production but are available under Group 6.172 in thicknesses of .040″ and .120″.

    Adding shims at the front locations (either upper or lower shaft) will change caster toward negative with practically no change in camber. Adding shims at the rear locations (either upper or lower shaft) will change caster toward positive and camber toward negative. Adding equal shims at both front and rear locations, (either upper or lower shaft) will not change caster but will change camber toward negative.

    Lower control arm shimming requires loosening the bolts (lower control shaft to frame), one end of shaft at a time, and installing or removing shims between shaft mounting lugs and frame. Maximum shim stack thickness at any one lower location must be limited to .160″. Tighten and torque all bolts, re-check alignment and correct toe-in if necessary. NOTE: Whenever shims are added at the lower location, 300M bolts (1/2″-20″-1 3/4″ long) must be used.

    To shim at the upper control arm shaft locations, it is necessary to wedge the bolt heads to prevent turning, and loosen both bolts to free the shims for removal or replacement. On the right side the generator must be removed with mounting bracket. On the left side it is advisable to disconnect the battery negative cable.

    1958 Buick Upper Control Arm Shims

    1958 Buick Upper Control Arm Shims

    After installing or removing upper shims (limit .380″ in any one stack) tighten and torque upper shaft bolts and re-check alignment before installing generator, etc. If alignment is within limits replace generator bracket and generator and connect battery negative cable. Correct toe-in if necessary. It is imperative to adhere strictly to the torque specifications given in paragraph 7-1.

    Checking Theoretical King Pin lnclination

    CAUTION: When checking theoretical king pin inclination, car must be on a level surface, both transversely and fore and aft. It must be maintained at specified alignment height while checking (par. 7-17a).

    With camber known to be within specified limits, theoretical king pin inclination should check within specified limits given in figure 7-17.

    If camber is incorrect beyond limits of adjustment and theoretical king pin inclination is correct, or nearly so, a bent steering knuckle is indicated.

    If camber and theoretical king pin inclination are both incorrect by approximately the same amounts, a bent upper or lower control arm is indicated.

    There is no adjustment for theoretical king pin inclination as this factor depends upon the accuracy of the front suspension parts. Distorted parts should be replaced with new parts. The practice of heating and bending front suspension parts to correct errors is not recommended as this may produce soft spots in the metal in which fatigue and breakage may develop in service.

    Checking and Adjusting Toe-In

    CAUTION: Car must be at curb weight and running height, (DO NOT USE ALIGNMENT PINS-bounce front end and allow it to settle to running height). Steering gear and front wheel bearings must be properly adjusted with no looseness at tie rod ends. The car should be moved forward one complete revolution of the wheels before the toe-in check and adjustment is started and the car should never be moved backward while making the check and adjustment.

    1. Turn steering wheel until lower spoke is vertical, with front wheels in straight ahead position.
    2. Measure the horizontal distance from the near edge of front boss of lower control arm shaft to the front edge of brake backing plate, on each side. Adjust tie rods, if necessary, to make measurements equal on both sides.
    3. Using a suitable toe-in gauge, measure the distance between outside walls of tires at the front at approximately 10″ from the floor. See figure 7-17 dimension “A.” Mark points where gauge contacts tires. NOTE: An accurate check also can be made by raising and rotating front wheels to scribe a fine line near the center of each tire, then, with tires on the floor and front end at running height, measure between scribed lines with a suitable trammel.
    4. Roll the car forward until measuring points on tires are approximately 10″ from the floor at the rear, and measure the distance between points used in Step 3 above. The measurement at the front (dimension “A”) should be 1/16″ to 1/8″ less than the measurement at the rear (dimension “B”). See figure 7-17.
    5. If toe-in is not within specified limits, loosen clamp bolts and turn adjusting sleeves at tie rod ends as required. Decrease toe-in by turning left sleeve in same direction as wheel rotates moving forward and turn right sleeve in opposite direction. Increase toe-in by turning both sleeves in opposite direction.

    CAUTION: Left and right adjusting sleeves must be turned exactly the same amount but in opposite directions when changing toe-in, in order to maintain front wheels in straight ahead position when steering wheel lower spoke is straight down. Tie rod sleeve clamps must be positioned straight down to 45° forward to provide frame clearance.

    1. After correct toe-in is secured tighten clamp bolts securely.

    CAUTION: The steering knuckle and steering arm “rock” or tilt as front wheel rises and falls. Therefore, it is of vital importance to position the bottom face of tie rod end parallel with machined surface at outer end of steering arm when tie rod length is adjusted. Severe damage and possible failure can result unless this precaution is observed.

    Checking 1958 Buick Steering Geometry (Turning Angles)

    CAUTION: Be sure that caster, camber, and toe-in have all been properly corrected before checking steering geometry. Steering geometry must be checked with the weight of the car on the wheels.

    1. With the front wheels resting on full floating turntables, turn wheels to the right until the outside (left) wheel is set at 20 degrees. The inside (right) wheel should then set at angle specified in figure 7-16.
    2. Repeat this test by turning front wheels to the left until the outside (right) wheel sets at 20 degrees; the inside (left) wheel should then set at angle specified in figure 7-17.
    3. Errors in 1958 Buick steering geometry generally indicate bent steering arms, but may also be caused by other incorrect front end factors. If the error is caused by a bent steering arm it should be replaced. Replacement of such parts must be followed by a complete front end check as described above.