Front Suspension: Description
MacPherson strut springs bear vehicle weight, and strut cartridges absorb shock. See Fig 1. Isolation mounts secure unibody to frame. Lower control arms pivot on rubber bushings. Upper end of strut rotates on a bearing. Lower end of strut is bolted to steering knuckle that rotates on ball joint. Lower control arm is anchoring point for stabilizer bar and tension strut rod.
Vehicle is also equipped with a ride control system which automatically controls the damping rate of the struts based on driving conditions. DO NOT use a hammer to loosen suspension components from the steering knuckle. Suspension components attached to the steering knuckle (i.e. ball joint, strut damper) are made of steel and have a special coating to prevent corrosion. See ELECTRONIC - CV ROAD SENSING - CADILLAC article.