WARNING: Incorrect statement in the video – top 3 nuts on the strut to strut tower connection should only be 16 ft-lbs! Not 35-45 ft-lbs.
This is a detailed how to for replacing MacPherson style struts on many rear wheel drive cars. This installation is specifically done on my 2015 Cadillac CTS VSport. It is the same as the 2014-2019 Cadillac CTS (all RWD models). It is also very similar to 2014-2019 Cadillac ATS and 2016+ Chevy Camaro.
This procedure is also exactly what you need for a how-to install lowering springs!
The install covers everything from removing the strut, using a spring compressor tool, and installation.
**Time links:
When to replace struts: 00:38
How much will it cost? 1:46
What other parts should I replace? 3:21
Overview of replacement: 5:20
Tools Required: 6:30
Removal: 7:35
Disassembly: 12:35
Assembly: 16:12
Installation: 20:11
Conclusion: 24:33
**Part Numbers and Sources
Contact www.404parts.com with these part numbers for a great price and fast shipping. For other GM vehicles email or call 404parts.com for part numbers.
2014-2019 Cadillac CTS VSport Parts:
Front Right Strut: 84427195
Front Left Strut: 84427196
Upper Strut Mount (x2): 22918275
Updated Top Nut Kit:
23357885 (x2)
23321381 (x2) This can be screwed on with 12mm Hex or jam a 3/8’s socket extension in it.
**Torque Specs for Cadillac CTS VSport ONLY:
3 Upper Strut Mount Nuts: 16 ft-lbs
Top Strut Nut: 35-45 ft-lbs
Strut to Knuckle Bolts/Nuts: 111 ft-lbs +80-95 degrees
Sway Bar Endlink Nut: 74 ft-lbs (I think)
**CTS-V Lowering Springs that fit the VSport:
https://www.renickperformance.com/collections/cts-cts-v-suspension/products/cts-v-lowering-spring-kit-by-swift-springs
WEAPON-X: Lowering Springs [CTS V gen 3, CTS Luxury, V Sport, Premium]
Contact http://www.speedzoneweb.com/ for their 2016+ CTS-V springs
**Special tools suggested from this video:
Basic Torque Wrench: https://amzn.to/3c5tabb
Offset Wrenches: https://amzn.to/3a9jb2H
Breaker Bar: https://amzn.to/2TlVDRM
Strut Compressor Tool: https://amzn.to/2TjdOYb
Strut Nut Socket Tool (18mm): https://amzn.to/2HXq9Mc
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!!ATTENTION!! I apologize for an incorrect torque spec in the video! The top 3 little nuts holding the strut to the strut tower should only be torqued to 16 lb-ft!
For future reference, torque specs are largely based on the size of the nut on bolt being torqued. A nut/bolt combo like this would usually not ever be more than 20 ft-lbs!
Always come back here to learn. For the front struts on the 14, has the part numbers been updated or other versions compatible? These struts seem to be hard to come by now, on top of the price hike if they can be found. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your channel!
I’m confused. I thought new struts come with coil spring and everything. Why are the coils removed? Do Cadillacs require to take off old springs, and put onto new struts? Thanks in advance
Is there any video of replacing the rear shock absorber?
Hey bro, so how low did you go in the front and how low did you go on the rear? I have 18 inch rims and I’m thinking 2 inches on the rear inch and a half in the front. What do you recommend?
111 ft lbs for the big bolts and 16 for the small ones thank you!
Thanks dude! I'm swapping out my struts on my ATS this weekend and this video was a great refresher!
How do we know if we need new struts or just upper strut mounts?
Ok, so what it does it mean if it's super stiff, the opposite of bouncy. Like a hay wagon with no suspension..
Just did my struts in my ATS-V following this video. Good video and really like the channel. However when you installed the strut mount bolts you say “they should be torqued to 35-45 ft lbs.” that is the torque spec for the center larger bolt. The smaller ones are 16 ft lbs. I later saw you had this deep in the video description but since I was just watching this I followed that (should have realized that’s way to much for those little bolts) and snapped a stud. My fault but just feedback for the video. Also you never specifically show when you torque the center shat bolt.
Loving the work you're doing. I couldn't find anything this detailed for me to work on my 2020 ct5-v. Your rear spring video worked just as well for it as well. Thanks for your effort!
So, I've got a 2017 CTS LGX… Since the 2016+ Camaro and the 2016+ CTS are so similar, are the struts for each bolt-on compatible? They have different part numbers, but they look incredibly similar. I'm wondering if they have the same strut body, just with different damping rates and such. The Camaro has a quick-strut option from FCS, but the CTS does not. Could I just get the quick strut (or perhaps an aftermarket "performance" strut) for a Camaro, and bolt it onto my CTS?
I used this today to do my strut mount, I wasn't sure if I could impact off the upper nut, or what the torque specs were reinstalling the strut to spindle. You answered all that.
Great Video your channel is way cool. I have a 16 2.0 Premium with the Mag struts and need to replace will these V strut part #s fit the 2.0?
I swapped the front strut and start hearing loud clunking on the driver side, I took em apart and inspect everything there was nothing wrong my guess it’s the sway bar links
Awesome video brother!
Great video. I’m having trouble getting the sway bar end link nut off. I’m holding the 18mm and tightening the Allen but it’s not budging at all. Tried some pb blaster too
Did u have to reset computer for the mag ride so u dont get any truble codes?
Thanks for the video! Just hoping to clarify something regarding the upper strut mount nut, after you re-installed the upper strut mount on the strut you showed the strut bellow was loose because you said the nut had been started but had not been torqued down yet. Do you torque it down after everything is re-installed on the vehicle/right before you re-install the dust caps? Or do you torque it down beforehand? Is there a torque spec?
I have a 2014 vsport, all the links for the lowering springs all say 2016+ ..will they still fit?
Seems best to do with brake job as taking off same parts?
Alright im gonna check amazon see if they gota headlight for my led blade out. I will rewind this video and find out how to name drop for ya.
404parts barely had any slection of parts???
Really appreciate the detailed video and clear video footage. Also, small thing but it's nice you actually mention the vehicle make and model. Many car DIY videos do not and give no glimpse of what car is being worked on and it's nice to know context.
Can anyone help me I’m currently studying motor vehicle engineering at college and I’m struggling to work from home as I’ve got to learn new things and answers questions and I’m finding it really hard using google if you could help it would make my day thanks
Finally swapped my struts out. A world of a difference. Feels so good to be back. Next will be the interior trim swap. Most welted even being garage kept.
Bro how low did you go on the front and rear springs?
I just did this job today. Getting the strut out was cake. However, compressing my spring enough (3.6 AWD) was a pain. I could not compress it enough to relieve the tension. I ended up getting a second set of compressors. This allowed me to compress the coils and then grab onto the top plate to get a bit more compression at the top. A bench compressor would have been so much easier.
Your videos are incredibly useful. Logically laid out, clear audio and description, and fun to watch. I've referenced your content more than a few times for my CTS. Thank you!