Lacetti » Maintenance and repair
The car suspension is an intermediate link between the wheel and the body. Its elements absorb shock from hitting a bump, allow the wheel to move up and down and prevent the body from swaying.
Shock absorbers are responsible for the second and third functions. On the Chevrolet Lacetti they are hydraulic gas-filled. This article will tell you what shock absorber struts are installed on sedans, station wagons and hatchbacks and how to independently determine their serviceability and replace them.
Main signs of malfunction of Chevrolet Lacetti suspension components
Pay attention to the condition of the suspension and perform a preventive inspection if the following signs of malfunction appear:
- the appearance of extraneous noise (knocking, creaking, humming, etc.);
- uneven steering efforts;
- inadequate behavior of the suspension while driving;
- uneven tire wear;
- squealing when turning;
- different steering efforts when turning right and left;
- shifting the trajectory of movement on a flat road.
When do you need to change shock absorber struts?
Driving a car with a faulty shock-absorbing system is uncomfortable and dangerous. These elements of this unit directly affect the behavior of the car on the road and its handling. In order to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users, it is necessary to promptly replace faulty components of the vehicle's chassis.
Signs of faulty shock absorber struts are:
- increased body sway;
- car stalling when turning;
- severe deterioration in controllability;
- vibration is felt even on a flat road;
- car squat when braking;
- shock absorber leaking and emptying;
- uneven wear of wheels.
A more accurate determination of the serviceable condition of the shock absorber can be made by performing multi-level diagnostics. For this purpose, the auto repair shop has the necessary stand and other professional equipment. The technician will fix your car and take measurements of its performance during intense rocking. Special sensors will record the readings, and then a decision on repairs will be made.
Front suspension
The front suspension diagram is shown in the figure:
The ball joints, hubs, and struts are subject to the greatest wear. The ball joint must be replaced every 100 - 150 thousand kilometers. Compounding the difficulty of replacing the ball joint is the fact that it is secured to the arm with rivets. The most problematic part of the hub assembly is the bearing. Despite the fact that the bearing has a long service life, given the state of Russian roads, it can fail after 50,000 - 100,000 kilometers. Replacing a wheel bearing is a complex technological operation.
A photo of the independent suspension is shown in the figure:
The car uses the classic MacPherson suspension design. The main load when driving on uneven road surfaces falls on the shock-absorbing struts, which absorb vibrational energy. The Chevrolet Lacetti uses a gas-filled hydraulic shock absorber.
The shock absorber strut consists of 11 components (part number 4564584).
When servicing a shock absorber strut, the technical condition of the shock absorber, spring, and thrust bearing is checked. Routine maintenance involves replacing the upper and lower gaskets.
The mounting locations for the subframe are shown in the figure:
The attachment points for the subframe to the lever are 1 and 3, the stabilizer is 5, the steering mechanism is 6. The ball joint is attached to the lever using 3 rivets. When diagnosing the suspension, the condition of the fastening elements, the degree of tightening of the bolts and nuts, and the integrity of the subframe (absence of traces of significant corrosion) must be checked.
Photo of the steering knuckle mounting points (items ST96488824, 96454298).
Place of attachment of the tie rod end - 1, to the shock absorber bracket - 5, to the brake shoe guide - 6, ball joint pin - 8. Place of installation of the wheel speed sensor - 2. When carrying out repair work, it is sometimes advisable to change the design of the steering knuckle assembly. If such a replacement is made with a contract spare part, it should be inspected by a specialist before purchasing.
Chevrolet Lacetti manual
Chevrolet Lacetti Removing the shock absorber strut and disassembling it
We remove and disassemble the shock absorber strut when it is necessary to replace its upper support, bearing, spring, compression stroke buffer, or the efficiency of the telescopic strut has decreased.
If the telescopic strut or spring is faulty, both struts or springs must be replaced so that the performance of the shock absorber struts on both sides of the vehicle is the same.
In the engine compartment, remove the cover of the upper pillar mounting.
Holding the shock absorber rod with a “9” head and a “17” z-shaped wrench, loosen the tightening of the nut of the upper strut fastening. We hang and remove the wheel. We securely fix the car on a factory-made stand. We disconnect the ball joint of the stabilizer bar from the bracket on the shock absorber strut body (see Removing the stabilizer bar). Remove the bracket securing the front wheel brake hose coupling to the bracket on the shock absorber strut body and remove the coupling from the hole in the bracket (see Replacing the front wheel brake hose).
We remove the rubber bushing of the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the bracket hole on the shock absorber strut body.
Using a 17mm socket, unscrew the nut of the bolt securing the strut housing to the steering knuckle, holding the bolt from turning with a spanner of the same size. Similarly, unscrew the nut of the other bolt.
Using a punch we knock out the bolts.
We remove the steering knuckle from the strut housing bracket. Completely unscrew the nut of the upper mounting of the strut to the body...
Remove the thrust washer from the mudguard cup. To disassemble the rack, clamp it by the bracket in a vice. We install two ties on the spring diametrically opposite each other so that they tighten at least four turns of the spring.
By evenly rotating the screws of the couplers, we compress the spring until its lower and upper turns stop pressing on the support cups.
When performing this operation, it is necessary to control the reliability of the clamping of the spring coils, since if the tie breaks, the spring will be released abruptly and with great force, which can lead to injury.
Using a “17” Z-shaped wrench, unscrew the nut securing the upper strut support, holding the shock absorber rod from turning with the “9” head. uh
Remove the upper strut support...
...and the centering sleeve assembled with the upper spring support cup.
Using a screwdriver, press the two latches...
...remove the upper spring support cup...
Remove the upper rubber gasket from the centering sleeve.
Remove the compression stroke buffer from the shock absorber rod.
We remove the spring with ties...
...and the lower rubber gasket. We check the condition of the telescopic stand by fully extending and retracting the rod. If dips, jamming or jerking are felt when moving the rod, the rack must be replaced. Significant leakage of liquid and damage to the chrome coating layer of the rod are also not allowed. We replace damaged and worn parts with new ones and assemble and install the shock absorber strut in the reverse order.
When installing the spring on the strut, we orient the support cup, gasket and lower coil of the spring, as shown in the photo.
When installing the centering sleeve, we orient it so that the end of the upper coil of the spring is located opposite the protrusion with a slot on the upper support cup of the spring. Tighten the nuts securing the upper support of the shock absorber strut and strut to the body, as well as the nuts of the bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle to the prescribed torques (see Appendices).
Source
Rear suspension
The rear suspension components of the Chevrolet Lacetti (disassembled) are shown in the figure:
The hub assembly and shock absorber strut are the most susceptible to wear. The service life of these devices is usually about 120,000 - 150,000 kilometers.
Photo of the rear suspension assembly.
The rear shock absorbers are hydraulic gas-filled.
The structure and elements of the shock absorber strut.
During routine maintenance of the rear shock absorber strut, the right and left gaskets and the telescopic strut are replaced (in case of critical wear).
Chevrolet Lacetti hub:
The hub includes a wheel speed sensor and a bearing. This unit cannot be disassembled during the repair process; it is changed as a unit (article 96639607). The price of a complete hub is from 5,000 rubles, an analogue (manufacturer catalog number WB0517) is about 3,000 rubles.
Price, originals, analogues, articles
| Name | Article/OEM number | Price, rub.) |
| Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 16V | ||
| Rear shock absorber | 333419 | |
| KYB (Kayaba) Excel-G | 333420 | from 3000 |
| Right left | ||
| —/— | 339029 | —/— |
| Kayaba gas | 339030 | |
| Magnum Technology | AG0017MT | from 2500 |
| (sedan) | AG0018MT | |
| —/— | AG0019MT AG0020MT | —/— |
| —/— | Monroe G7288 | from 3000 |
| —/— | Profit 2004-0437 Profit 2004-0438 | from 2500 |
| —/— | Profit 2004-1196 Profit 2004-1197 | from 2500 |
| Shock absorber Sachs | 313466 | |
| Super Touring | 313467 | from 2500 |
| (sedan) | 313468 | |
| —/— | SFE22X172A SF20X200A | from 3100 |
| —/— | 313469 317139 317140 317151 317152 | |
| Chevrolet Lacetti 1.6 Chevrolet Lacetti 1.8 (after 2008 onwards) Chevrolet Lacetti 1.8 (before 2008 onwards) Chevrolet Lacetti 2.0 | ||
| Shock absorber KYB Excel-G (Kayaba) | 333419 333420 339029 | from 3000 |
| Kayaba | 339030 | |
| AG0017MT | ||
| Magnum Technology (sedan) | AG0017MT AG0018MT AG0019MT AG0020MT AG0017MT AG0018MT AG0019MT AG0020MT | from 2500 |
| —/— | Monroe G7288 Monroe G7289 Monroe G8089 Monroe G8090 | —/— |
| —/— | Profit 2004-0437 Profit 2004-0438 Profit 2004-1196 Profit 2004-1197 | —/— |
| Shock absorber Sachs | 313466 | |
| Super Touring | 313467 313468 | from 2500 |
There is no data available regarding the quality of other manufacturers. All actions are carried out by the owner at personal responsibility. It is better not to experiment, but to supply those parts recommended by the manufacturer.
Suspension diagnostics and repair
The main symptoms and causes of the malfunction, diagnostic methods and methods of troubleshooting and repair are given in the table:
| Symptom of malfunction | Possible reasons | Diagnostic and troubleshooting methods |
| The car steers to the right or left | Incorrect toe adjustment | Diagnostics and adjustment on the bench |
| Knock in the area of the front wheel (when driving over rough terrain, when turning) | Worn ball joint, faulty tie rod ends | Determine which of the ball joints is faulty and replace the ball joint. |
| Check the steering rods; if faulty, replace them | ||
| Noise in the front wheel area | Wheel bearing wear | Replace the wheel bearing |
| Noise in the rear wheel area | Wear of rear hub bearings | Replace the rear hub assembly |
| Extraneous sounds when driving over rough terrain | Shock absorber malfunction | Replacing shock absorbers |
| Suspension rattles when driving on uneven road surfaces | Wear of suspension components (gaskets, shock absorbers, etc.), weakening of fastening elements | Carrying out complete diagnostics of the suspension, replacing worn components |
| Knock from behind | Wear of rear suspension components (struts, rods, spacers) | Rear suspension diagnostics, replacement of worn-out devices |
Carrying out timely suspension repairs is an indispensable condition for the safe operation of a Chevrolet Lacetti. In this case, only high-quality parts and assemblies should be used, and the technological map of restoration work should be strictly followed.
Replacing Chevrolet Lacetti shock absorbers
Removing and installing shock absorber struts on the Lacetti can be done on your own if you have a tool and an assistant. In general, the repair is not difficult, but you need to know about some subtleties so as not to do the job twice.
Part numbers
Shock absorbers:
Front left GM 96407819, KYB 339030, Boge 32-Q60-A
Front right GM 96407820, KYB 339029, Boge 32-Q61-A
Rear left GM 96407821, KYB 333420, Monroe R26321, Mando EX96407821
Rear right GM 96407822, KYB 333419, Monroe G7288, Mando EX96407822
Front shock absorber bump stop 96549925, Febest CHD-LAC, Boge 89-187-0 (2 pieces included), 900187 (2 pieces included)
Rear shock absorber bumper
Front shock absorber boot
Rear shock absorber boot sedan 96561749 station wagon 96407216
Set of front bump stop and boot (for both struts) KYB 910063, Monroe PK282.
Rear shock absorber protective kit (bump stops and boots for both struts) KYB 910065, Sachs 900177
Front shock absorber support bearing 94535236, INA 713 0010 00, Ruville 865316, Febi, 01874, Boge 87-035-L, SNR M253.02
Rear shock absorber support sedan, hatchback 96457360, Car-Dex Korea CM-D601
Lower front shock absorber spring rubber
Rear shock absorber spring rubber sedan, hatchback lower 96561747 upper 96561748, station wagon lower 96408290 upper 96457423.
Rear shock absorber rod nut GM 94515419
In case of wear, you need to install new bumpers and anthers, spring rubber bands. If oil leaks from the shock absorber, it ends up on the bump stop and the lower spring rubber. After such an impact, the old bumper does not fit tightly on the rod. In this case, it is better to replace it, since dirt may accumulate between the rod and the bump stop. The elastic band of the spring under the influence of oil can elongate so much when exposed to oil that it does not fit on the cup. No matter how you adjust it, it still bulges.
Along with installing new front shock absorbers, it makes sense to install new bearings. They are so cheap that this should be done as a preventative measure. Of course, if the supports are torn or begin to crack, they also need to be replaced.
Tool
For work you will need: two spring ties, a hexagonal head for 9, a curved spanner or a special deep socket for a spanner for 17, open-end wrenches, spanners or heads for 14 and 19.
Replacing Lacetti front shock absorbers
To work, you will need a press or spring ties.
The front boot is plastic and indestructible. And the bump stop may fail.
The price of work at the Turbo car service is 500 rubles. for one rack.
The KYB nuts included with part numbers 339030 339029 will most likely not be needed. Their height is greater than the original ones and does not allow fixing the plastic cover on the rod. You will have to install the old nut.
Replacing Lacetti rear shock absorbers
Working on the rear suspension is easier on one side - you don’t need to tighten the spring, but on the other hand it’s more difficult - you need to remove the upholstery. To gain access to the upper mount of the rear shock absorber on a sedan , you need to fold back the rear seat carefully, slightly prying it with a flat screwdriver and twisting it, pull out the six pins that secure the decorative plastic, remove the central part and bend the side one. Access to the nuts is sufficient to unscrew and tighten the support nuts. With some skill and the availability of tools, you can tighten the rod nut without removing the strut.
In the hatchback, access is through the trunk. You will need to remove more plastic parts. For ease of operation, the rear seat belt reel can also be removed.
The rear springs compress easily. No zip ties are required.
Attention! When installing KYB shock absorbers, a problem with the rod nut may occur. Its design differs from the original one in the absence of an internal groove. Because of this design difference, a seemingly fully tightened nut does not secure the support. When driving, the shock absorber knocks on any bumps. The knock can also be detected when the rear is rocking.
You need to install the old original nut or buy a new one.
The cost of replacement at the Turbo service center is 500 rubles. for one rack.
What does the market offer?
It is possible that the original struts are the best that can be installed on the Lacetti. However, each driver has his own preferences, his own driving style and his own financial capabilities, and original GM shock absorbers are very expensive and, as a rule, are sold only by official dealers.
Therefore, we have selected the most popular options for shock absorber struts. Among them there are hard and soft, and expensive, and cheaper. Be that as it may, it is up to each individual to decide.
- Nipparts N5530904G . Gas moderately rigid strut. A fairly well-known young company that supplies spare parts both to some conveyors and to the spare parts market. The price of one rack is in the range of 2.4–2.6 thousand rubles . There are few public reviews, but dealers always have them in stock.
Packaging of Sachs stands. Worthy of attention.
It's hard to find a car enthusiast who hasn't heard of this brand!
Sequencing
Installing new springs has a similar algorithm with replacing the front (rear) shock absorbers. To avoid repetition, the process should not be described until the stand is removed from under the car.
After dismantling the shock absorber, remove the spring and inspect the seat, bowl, and support. We install a new spring, compress several turns with a special puller for ease of installation. Then we fix the structure in its original place. By analogy, we carry out actions with the second rack. Subject to the manufacturer's recommendations, subsequent replacement is no earlier than after 150,000 km.
To increase the service life of suspension elements, service center mechanics recommend choosing a moderate driving style of the vehicle and medium speed modes. When carrying out technical inspections, buy only original parts with factory catalog numbers.
Price, originals, analogues, articles
| Name | Article/OEM number | Price, rub.) |
| Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4 16V | ||
| Screw spring | 4217713 | from 1700 |
| sedan | LESJOFORS | |
| —/— | Profit 2010-0003 | —/— |
| —/— | KYB(Kayaba) | from 1500 |
| RG3218 | ||
| —/— | KYB(Kayaba) | from 1700 |
| RG6557 | ||
| Chevrolet Lacetti (1.6, 1.8, 2.0) | ||
| Screw spring | 4217715 | from 1700 |
| front, rear | LESJOFORS | |
| —/— | Profit 2010-0012 | —/— |
| —/— | KYB(Kayaba) | from 1500 |
| RG3225 | ||
| —/— (sedan) | KYB(Kayaba) | from 1700 |
| RG6589 |
Chevrolet Lacetti manual
Chevrolet Lacetti Removing the shock absorber strut and disassembling it
We remove and disassemble the shock absorber strut when it is necessary to replace its upper support, bearing, spring, compression stroke buffer, or the efficiency of the telescopic strut has decreased. If the telescopic strut or spring is faulty, both struts or springs must be replaced so that the performance of the shock absorber struts on both sides of the vehicle is the same.
In the engine compartment, remove the cover of the upper pillar mounting.
Holding the shock absorber rod with a “9” head and a “17” z-shaped wrench, loosen the tightening of the nut of the upper strut fastening. We hang and remove the wheel. We securely fix the car on a factory-made stand. We disconnect the ball joint of the stabilizer bar from the bracket on the shock absorber strut body (see Removing the stabilizer bar). Remove the bracket securing the front wheel brake hose coupling to the bracket on the shock absorber strut body and remove the coupling from the hole in the bracket (see Replacing the front wheel brake hose).
