Spring Height Adjuster Condition

[RubyRod]

You might want to check the condition of your Spring Height Adjusters. These are the little round rubber bumpers that rest on the top of the lower A-Arms and thread into the end of the transvers springs. I just had to replace my front adjusters due to SEVERE deterioration. See image...

These are the same adjusters as on the C6 'vettes. They're plentiful and easy to obtain. Miserable to replace but at least you can replace them.

 

[RandB]

Hi @RubyRod Did you do this yourself or have someone do it?
Just wondering how difficult it is.

TIA

 

[RubyRod]

I ended up having someone do it. I gave it a go but several of the bolts were frozen and I couldn't get my impact gun on them. Given the limitations on lifting the car with a jack I couldn't get my breaker bar on them where I could get sufficient leverage. Hammering on a wrench wouldn't budge them. At that point I realized I was overmatched and took it to a shop nearby. So far so good.

Depending on your experience with suspension work, available tools, and risk tolerance you might be able to replace them. I'd give a try and see how far you get. If you get stuck you can always re-assemble and search for a shop.

The trick when looking for a shop is finding one that understands that these "adjusters" are available separately and are the same parts as the C6 'vettes. These are aftermarket parts only. The GM parts list for the XLR doesn't show the adjusters as separate parts. They are included as part of the spring "assembly" and have no separate GM part number. It also helps if the shop has experience working on the 'vette transverse springs. It's an unusual suspension system.

Good luck

 

[justdennis]

I recommend spraying the thread's on the adjuster bolts early and often, with some type of rust inhibitor. They have been known to snap or spin the grommet loose from the leaf spring and you really can't use heat to help removal.

 

[mickeytee]

You cannot turn them with tension on the spring