DORMAN 949-534 Air Spring to Coil Spring Conversion Kit Instruction Manual

949-534
REMOVAL/INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS:
AIR SUSPENSION CONVERSION KIT

949-534 Air Spring to Coil Spring Conversion Kit

ATTENTION: Refer to the appropriate shop manual for your vehicle to obtain specific service procedures for this part. If you do not have a service manual or lack the skill to install this part, it is recommended that you seek the services of a qualified technician. Pay special attention to all cautions and warnings included in the shop manual. Read and follow all instructions carefully. This product is only designed to function properly on specific vehicle applications. Please verify that the vehicle requirements match the product specifications and application notes for this part.
REMOVAL/INSTALL OF AIR SUSPENSION CONVERSION KIT (949-534)
Cadillac DeVille 1999–97, Cadillac Eldorado 1998–97, Cadillac Seville 1997

GENERAL TECH TIPS:

• When servicing any vehicle, be sure to follow all safety procedures. First, make sure that when lifting the vehicle that you are using the appropriate jack for the weight of the vehicle. Make sure before going underneath any vehicle that it is properly supported with sturdy jack stands and on level ground so that the vehicle doesn’t fall or slide off of the jack and onto you. As with any automotive repair, make sure you have the appropriate tools to do the job so you don’t damage any parts on the vehicle. There is a list of tools needed included in these instructions. Safety glasses and mechanic gloves should also be worn for your protection.
• Be sure to follow the instructions in the order that they are given. The instructions are in a certain order for a reason and improper installation could lead to damage to your vehicle or the parts. Keep in mind that if you damage the parts during installation  you will be responsible for the replacement parts.
• Take precaution not to exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), or the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. It is important that all vehicle’s Owner Manuals recommendations are followed for your own safety and to prevent damage to the vehicle.
• Once you are ready to disable the ride light, you will need to disconnect the ground battery cable (-) to prevent electrical shock/malfunction.

PLEASE WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!

Tools required for removal and installation of Air Suspension Conversion Kit:

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flat-head)
• Wire cutters/strippers/crimping tool
• Allen wrenches
• Floor jack or automotive-lift jack stands

Cadillac Suspension Warning Light Disarming Check List

• Remove negative cable from battery before installing kit.
• Follow kit installation instructions ensuring all steps have been successfully completed.
• Install electronic components as instructed.
• Ensure height sensors remain connected.
• Reattach battery cable.
• Clear all present & past OBD codes. See owner’s manual about clearing codes. This process may require a scan tool.
• If installing a rear kit, pull the compressor fuse (30 to 50 amp) located in the engine or trunk compartments.

Front Strut Instructions

STEP 1: Safely raise the vehicle off the ground, and suitably support the vehicle.
NOTE: CONSULT THE VEHICLE’S OWNER’S MANUAL OR SHOP MANUAL TO DETERMINE THE PROPER WAY OF RAISING AND LOWERING YOUR VEHICLE. STEP 2: Remove the wheels. STEP 3: Remove the three nuts securing the strut to the body. STEP 4: Support the knuckle mount. NOTE: Whenever working near the drive axles, care must be taken to prevent inner tri-pot joints from being overextended. Overextension of the joint could result in separation of internal components which could go undetected and result in failure of the joint. Care should be taken to avoid scratching or cracking the spring coating when handling the front suspension coil spring. Damage can cause premature failure.
STEP 5: Disconnect the electronic suspension electrical connectors leading to the struts. Depending on the model this may be located on either the top of the strut, or inside the inner fender apron. STEP 6: Disconnect link rod at lower control arm for road sensing suspension (if equipped).
STEP 7: Mark strut in relation to steering knuckle for installation. On some models, the lower strut to the steering knuckle bolt serves as the Camber (alignment) set point. Mark old strut where noted. Try to match new strut as closely as possible.
NOTE: A four-wheel alignment is recommended upon completion. STEP 8: Remove brake line bracket and ABS bracket from the strut assembly.STEP 9: Remove the stabilizer link from strut (if equipped). STEP 10: Assure that the steering knuckle remains supported to prevent damage to drive shaft joints. STEP 11: Remove the fasteners securing the strut to the knuckle assembly. Support the knuckle assembly to prevent the drive shaft joint from separating.STEP 12: While pulling towards you and pushing on the strut, remove the bottom strut mount from the steering knuckle. STEP 13: Remove the old strut from the vehicle. STEP 14: Install the new strut by placing the bottom through first to clear the fender. STEP 15: Push the mount studs up through the strut tower. Hand start the nuts onto the studs. Do not fully tighten. STEP 16: Install and tighten the bolts connecting the strut to the knuckle assembly. STEP 17: Completely tighten the upper stud nuts.
STEP 18: Follow the suspension light disarm instructions that follow.
NOTE: Read all instructions carefully before attempting installation.
STEP 19: The bypass resistors are designed to connect to the factory vehicle harness at each wheel which controlled the strut dampening solenoids.
STEP 20: The supplied bypass resistor may be equipped with a plug connector which can simply be plugged into the vehicle’s harness for installation.
STEP 21: If our connector does not match the factory harness connector, both connectors may be cut off and the two wires from factory harness connected to our bypass resistor wires using butt connectors.
NOTE: The connection is not polarity specific, either wire from the factory harness may be connected to either wire on our bypass resistor. Also, these resistors are only meant to simulate the dampening solenoids of the factory strut units, not to disable the entire system. Check the vehicles ODB suspension codes to ensure that no other faults exist, or a suspension error message may be present.

Rear Strut Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Safely raise the vehicle off the ground, and suitably support the vehicle. NOTE: CONSULT THE VEHICLE’S OWNER’S MANUAL OR SHOP MANUAL TO DETERMINE THE PROPER WAY OF RAISING AND LOWERING YOUR VEHICLE. STEP 2: Remove the wheels. STEP 3: Remove air tube from the shock. STEP 4: Remove the two bolts securing the shock to control arm.
NOTE: Some models may have only one bolt securing the bottom of the shock. STEP 5: Remove the upper shock nut and remove the shock from the vehicle. STEP 6: Remove the air line to the shock. STEP 7: Keep the old factory washer from the top of the shock. You will reuse this shock washer. STEP 8: Remove the shock from the vehicle. Make a note of the shock bushings prior to removing them from the old shock.

Rear Coil Spring Removal Instructions

STEP 1: Disconnect the rear stabilizer bar from the knuckle.STEP 2: Place the jack under the control arm to relieve tension from pivot bolts, then remove the rear control arm bolts and nut. STEP 3: Slowly lower the jack until the bolt can be removed. Then remove the coil spring.

Rear Coil Spring Installation Instructions

Read the instructions carefully before attempting the installation. Feel free to call our Technical Support Line if you have problems during the install. IMPORTANT: To ensure proper orientation of the spring, rest the spring (without insulators) on a flat surface. The spring will stand up straight when resting on its top end, but will lean or tip when resting on its bottom end.

STEP 1: Install with the flat side up, and the pig tail at the lowest point on control arm. On the passenger side, the pig tail will point to the rear of the vehicle. On the driver’s side, the pig tail will point to the front of the vehicle. STEP 2: Slowly jack up the rear control arm and replace bolt. Reconnect the rear stabilizer bar and lower shock mount. Remove the jack.

Rear Shock Washer Set-up Instructions

STEP 1: Install lower bushing kit. STEP 2: Install in vehicle. STEP 3: Reuse original shock washer with new top bushing. STEP 4: Install and tighten the lower shock bolt. NOTE: A common area of interest on the rear of Cadillacs are the knuckle bushings. The common problems with these are noise and rear alignment issues, which are due to bad knuckle bushings. When installing the rear conversion kit on these vehicles, we recommend that you also replace the knuckle bushings. Our bushings are available at a fraction of the cost of OEM rear knuckles. The part number is 905-504.  NOTE: The rear springs may settle some during the first couple of weeks of use. You may have to adjust the front height sensors to match the level of your new rear springs. The rear springs can sit a little low if your rear shocks are bad. Test the rear shocks by pushing down on the rear of the car. If the rear bounces, then you need to replace the shocks also. (We have replacement shocks if this is encountered.)

Rear Electronic Bypass Instructions

STEP 1: Locate the resistors that are suppliedwith the kit. STEP 2: You must cut the plug ends off the old front and rear shocks or struts. STEP 3: Strip the wires and crimp to the resistors using the connector attached to the resistors.

Still need help?
Please call our Technical Support team for assistance from our team of certified automotive experts. 1-800-523-2492

Disclaimer:
Even though every attempt is made to ensure this information is complete and accurate, it is impossible to account for all possible circumstances or situations. Please consult with a qualified auto technician before attempting to perform any work you are not qualified to do. Automobiles can be hazardous to work on; be sure to take all necessary safety precautions. Failure to do so may result in property damage or personal injury. Certain motor vehicle standards and performance requirements may apply to your motor vehicle (such as Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Be sure that your work is performed in accordance with such standards and that you do not disable any motor vehicle safety feature.

Dorman Products, Inc.
Corporate Office and Customer Service: 1-800-523-2492
©2021 No reproduction in whole or in part without prior written approval.
949-534_Instructions

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