According to the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), struts should be replaced every 50,000 miles. This applies to the struts on your Cadillac. They may also need to be replaced if there is damage to them, especially if you're consistently driving over uneven or poor road surfaces. Struts are designed to absorb the impact of the road and still allow for good handling. Replacing the struts on your Cadillac is a relatively easy job with the right steps.
Loosen the lug nuts with a wrench and socket, but do not remove them. Jack up the front of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels off of the vehicle.
Loosen and remove the three nuts at the top of the strut tower; these are located under the hood directly above the wheels.
Loosen and remove the two bolts at the bottom of the strut assembly with a ratchet and socket.
Pry the bottom of the shock from the steering knuckle and pull it off the vehicle.
Place the hooks of the strut spring compressor over the spring and turn the nuts on the compressor to compress the spring.
Loosen the retaining nut at the top of the strut assembly with a combination wrench.
Remove the upper strut mount and pull the spring from the strut.
Place the old spring onto the new strut and bolt the strut mount to the top with a wrench. Pull the spring compressor off once it is held on only by the strut..
Release the spring compressor by loosening the nuts on the compressor with the wrench.
Push the studs at the top of the strut mount through the holes where it came out. Hand-tighten the three nuts at the top of the strut.
Push the bottom of the strut into the steering knuckle and line up the holes. Press the bolts through the holes and tighten them using the ratchet and socket.
Repeat Steps 3 through 12 for the strut on the other side.
Place the wheels back on the vehicle and put the lug nuts on hand-tight.
Lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack. Torque the wheel with the torque wrench and socket to the manufacturer's specifications in the repair manual for your Cadillac.
