wheel BUICK CENTURY 1994 Service Manual

If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts,
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way,
you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for your Buick
model.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer
calibration, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire
or tire chain clearance
to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
Tire Chains
NOTICE:
Use tire chains only where legal and only when
you must. Use only
SAE Class “S” type chains
that are the proper size for your tires. Install
them on the front tires and tighten them as
tightly
as possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer’s instructions.
If you can hear the
chains contacting your vehicle, stop and
retighten them.
If the contact continues, slow
down
until it stops. Driving too fast with chains
on will damage your vehicle.
244
ProCarManuals.com

basecoat. Always use waxes and polishes that are
non-abrasive and made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish.
I
I NOTICE:
Machine compounding or aggressive polishing
on a basecoatklearcoat paint finish may dull the
finish or leave swirl marks.
Aluminum Wheels (If So Equipped)
Your aluminum wheels have a protective coating similar
to the painted surface
of your buick. Don’t use strong
soaps, chemicals, chrome polish, abrasive cleaners
or
abrasive cleaning brushes on them because you could
damage this coating. After rinsing thoroughly,
a wax
may be applied.
NOTICE:
If you have aluminum wheels, don’t use an
automatic vehicle wash that has hard silicon
carbide cleaning brushes. These brushes can
take
off the protective coating.
White Sidewall Tires
Your Buick dealer has a GM White Sidewall Tire
Cleaner.
You can use a stiff brush with the cleaner.
Weatherstrips
Silicone grease on weatherstrips will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Apply
silicone grease with a clean cloth
at least every six
months. During very cold, damp weather more frequent
application may be required. (See “Recommended Fluids
& Lubricants’’ in the Index.)
Sheet Metal Damage
If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal
repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material
to the parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion protection.
Foreign Material
Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter can
damage your vehicle’s finish if they remain on painted
surfaces. Use cleaners that are marked safe for painted
surfaces
to remove foreign matter.
250
ProCarManuals.com

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
I 1111 11111 11 11 I I 111 I 11 111n1 111 I 11111 111 I 11111111 11 1111 111 11 I 111111 II I
I
ENGINE A4 f ASSEMBLY
CODE MODEL YEAR PLANT
mII I1 111111111 I111 111 1111l111111111111111111111111111111111111l111 II=
SAMPLE4UXRM072675 I
This is the legal identifier for your Buick. It appears on
a plate in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the
driver’s side.
You can see it if you look through the
windshield from outside your vehicle. The VIN also
appears on the Vehicle Certification and Service Parts
labels and the certificates of title and registration.
Engine Identification
The eighth character in your VIN is the engine code.
This code will help you identify your engine,
specifications, and replacement parts.
Service Parts Identification Label
You’ll find this label on your spare tire cover in the
coupe
or sedan. In the wagon, you’ll find the label on
the wheel well (remove the spare tire cover to expose
the wheel well). It’s very helpful if
you ever need to
order parts. On this label is:
0 your VIN,
0 the model designation,
paint information, and
0 a list of all production options and special.
equipment.
Be sure that this label is not removed from the vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

Century Dimensions
Inches Unless Otherwise Noted
Overall:
Length .................
Width ..................
Height .................
Wheelbase ..............
Front Tread .............
Rear Tread ..............
Interior Front:
Leg Room ..............
Head Room .............
Shoulder Room ..........
Hip Room ..............
Sedan
189.1
69.4 54.2
104.9
56.7 58.7
42.1 38.6
55.9
50.0
Wagon
190.1 69.4 54.2
104.9
58.7
56.7
42.1 38.6
55.9
50.0
Interior Rear:
Leg Room ..............
Head Room .............
Shoulder Room ..........
Hip Room ..............
Trunk Capacity:
Cu . Ft .................
Passengers:
Front ...................
Rear ...................
Rear-Facing Third Seat ....
Sedan
Wagon
35.9 34.8
38.3 38.9
56.0 56.0
54.3
54.3
16.2
3
3
.
Base Curb Weight:
Lbs .................... 2974 41.6
3
3
2
3134
257
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I
~
Follow Schedule I if your car is MAINLY driven under one or more of the following conditions:
0 When most trips are less than 4 miles (6 kilometers).
0 When most trips are less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) and outside temperatures remain below fr\
eezing.
0 When most trips include extended idling and/or frequent low-spee\
d operation as in stop-and-go traffic.
0 Towing a trailer.*?
0 When operating in dusty areas.
Schedule I should also be followed if the car is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applications. \
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance Miles (kilometers) or
Services Following Months, Whichever
Schedules I and 11) Occurs First KILOMETERS (000)
WHEN TO PERFORM MILES (000)
3
Item No.
Every30oOmi.(50@)km)or months 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1. Engine oil & Filter Change
5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80
3. Tire & Wheel Rotation &
Every other oil change 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2. Chassis Lubrication
every 15 ooo mi. (25 ooo km)
At 6 OOO mi. (10 000 km) and
or as necessary
4. Engine Accessory Drive
5. Cooling System Service"
Inspection
0 0 0
Belt(s)
Inspection* Every 30 OOO mi.
(50 000 km) or 24 months. 0
266
ProCarManuals.com

Scheduled Maintenance Services Schedule I1
I Follow Schedule I1 ONLY if none of the driving conditions specified in Schedule I apply.
TO BE SERVICED
(See Explanation of
Scheduled Maintenance
Services Following Schedules
I and 11)
Item No.
1. Engine Oil Change*
Oil Filter Change"
2. Chassis Lubrication
3. Tire & Wheel Rotation & Inspection
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection*
5. Cooling System Service*
MILES (000)
WHEN TO PERFORM
Miles (kilometers) or
Months, Whichever
Occurs First
or as necessary
Every
30 000 mi. (50 OOO km) or 24 mos.
268
ProCarManuals.com

Explanation of Scheduled Maintenance
Services
Below are explanations of the services listed in Schedule
I and Schedule
11.
The proper fluids and lubricants to use are listed in
Section D. Make sure whoever services your vehicle uses
these. All parts should
be replaced and all necessary
repairs done before you or anyone else drives the vehicle.
NOTE: To determine your engine’s displacement and
code, see “Engine Identification” in the Index.
1. Engine Oil and Filter Change* -- Always use SH
or SG Energy Conserving I1 oils of proper viscosity.
The
“SH or SG’ designation may be shown alone or
in combination with others, such as “SH/CD’ or
“SH, SG, CD,” “SG/CD,”etc. To determine the
preferred viscosity for your vehicle’s engine (e.g.,
SAE 5W-30 or SAE 10W-30), see “Engine Oil” in
the Index.
2. Chassis Lubrication -- Lubricate the transaxle shift
linkage, parking brake cable guides, underbody
contact points and linkage. If your vehicle is equipped with grease fittings, lubricate the suspension and steering linkage. 3.
Tire and Wheel Rotation and Inspection -- For
proper wear and maximum tire life, rotate your tires
following the instructions in this manual. See “Tires,
Inspection
& Rotation” in the Index. Check the tires
for uneven wear or damage. If you see irregular or
premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Check
for damaged wheels also.
4. Engine Accessory Drive Belt(s) Inspection --
Inspect the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and
proper tension. Replace as needed.
5. Cooling System Service* -- Drain, flush and refill
the system with new or approved recycled coolant
conforming to GM Specification 1825M. Keep coolant
at the proper mixture as specified.
See “Coolant” in the
Index.
This provides proper freeze protection and boil
protection, corrosion inhibitor level and maintain
proper engine operating temperature.
Inspect hoses and replace if they are cracked,
swollen or deteriorated. Tighten screw type hose
clamps. Clean the outside of the radiator and air
conditioning condenser. Wash the pressure cap and
neck
To help ensure proper operation, we recommend a
pressure test
of both the cooling system and the
pressure cap.
270
ProCarManuals.com

CHECK OR SERVICE
Steering, Suspension and
Front-Wheel-
Drive Axle Boot
and Seal
Inspection
Exhaust System
Inspection
Throttle Linkage
Inspection
WHAT TO DO
Inspect the front and rear suspension and
steering system
for damaged, loose or
missing parts, signs of wear, or lack of
lubrication. Inspect the power steering
lines and hoses for proper hookup,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Clean and
then inspect the drive axle
boot seals
for damage, tears or leakage.
Replace seals if necessary.
Inspect the complete exhaust system.
Inspect the body near the exhaust
system. Look for broken, damaged,
missing or out-of-position parts as
well
as open seams, holes, loose connections,
or other conditions which could cause a
heat build-up
in the floor pan or could let
exhaust fumes into the vehicle. See
“Engine Exhaust”
in the Index.
Inspect the throttle linkage for
interference
or binding, and for
damaged
or missing parts. Replace
parts as needed.
CHECK OR
SERVICE
Brake System
Inspection
WHAT TO DO
Inspect the complete system. Inspect
brake lines and hoses for proper
hookup, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface condition.
Also inspect drum bmke linings for
wear and cracks. Inspect other brake
parts, including drums, wheel
cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
Check parking brake adjustment.
You
may need to have your brakes inspected
more often if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
NOTE: A low brake fluid level can
indicate worn disc brake pads which
may need
to be serviced, Also, if the
brake system warning
light stays on or
comes on, something may be wrong
with the brake system. See “Brake
System Warning Light”
in the Index. If
your anti-lock brake system warning
light stays on, comes on
or flashes,
something may be wrong with
the
anti-lock brake system. See “Anti-Lock
Brake System Warning Light”
in the
Index.
276
ProCarManuals.com

Part 9 Index
I-
.
Brake Fluid .................................. 228
Electrical Equipment
.......................... 254
Engine Coolant
........................ 187.189. 223
Engineoil
................................... 213
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 226
Sound Equipment
............................. 126
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 220
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 227
Air Bag (Supplemental Restraint System)
.............. 37
Air Bag Readiness Light
........................... 38
Aircleaner
..................................... 218
Airconditioner
................................. 122
Air Conditioner Refrigerant
........................ 259
Alcohol. Driving Under the Influence
................ 140
Alcohol
in Gasoline .............................. 209
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
....................... 250
Antenna Care
............................... 136. 137
Antifreeze
...................................... 223
Anti-lock Brake System
........................... 145
Active Light
................................. 115
Warning Light
................................ 114
Appearance Care
............................... -245
Ashtrays and Lighter
............................. 108
Appearance Care and Maintenance Materials .......... 252 Assistance.
Roadside
............................. 285
Audio Systems
.................................. 125
Automatic Door Locks
............................. 68
Automatic Lap-Shoulder Belt
30
Automatic Overdrive .............................. 81
Automatic Transaxle
.............................. 79
Fluid
....................................... 220
Shifting
...................................... 79
Battery
....................................... 231
Jump Starting
................................ 174
Warning Light
................................ 118
Blizzard
....................................... 163
Blowout. Tire
................................... 193
Brake ......................................... 228
Adjustment
.................................. 230
Anti-lock
.................................... 145
Fluid
....................................... 228
Block
Heater (Engine Coolant Heater)
............ 78. 218
Master Cylinder
.............................. 228
Parking
...................................... 82
PedalTravel
................................. 230
Replacement
................................. 231
ProCarManuals.com

System. Anti-lock Warning Light ................. 114
System Warning Light
......................... 113
Wear
....................................... 230
Brakes. Trailer
.................................. 168
Braking in Emergencies
........................... 147
Break-In. New Vehicle ............................ 74
Bulb Chart
...................................... 258
Bulb Replacement ....................... .232.233. 234
Bulbs. Halogen
.................................. 232
Braking
........................................ 144
Canadian Roadside Assistance
................... -286
Capacities and Specifications Chart
.............. 259. 260
Carbon Monoxide
................................ 86
Cargo Security Cover
............................. 105
Carrier. Luggage
................................ 106
Cassette Tape Player
............................. 125
Cassette Tape Player Care
......................... 136
Cautions. Safety
.................................. 10
CB Radio. Adding
............................... 126
Cellular Telephone. Adding
........................ 126
Chains. Tire
.................................... 244
Changing a Flat Tire
.............................. 194
Checking Brake Fluid
.................................. 228
Engine Coolant
............................... 223
Engineoil
................................... 213
Power Steering Fluid
.......................... 226
Restraint Systems
.............................. 63
Transaxle Fluid
............................... 220 Underhood
.................................. 212
Windshield Washer Fluid
....................... 227
Chemical Paint Spotting
........................... 251
Child Restraints
.................................. 50
Children and Safety Belts ......................... -48
Circuit Breakers and Fuses ........................ 254
City Driving
.................................... 156
Cleaner. Air .................................... 218
Cleaning Aluminum Wheels
............................ 250
Antenna
..................................... 137
Cassette Player
............................... 136
Fabric
...................................... 245
Glass ....................................... 248
Inside Your Buick
............................. 245
Leather
..................................... 248
Outside Your Buick
........................... 249
Power Antenna
............................... 137
Safety Belts
.................................. 248
Instrumentpanel
.............................. 248
Underbody Maintenance
........................ 251
vinyl
....................................... 247
White Sidewall Tires
........................... 250
Windshield and Wiper Blades
.................... 249
Clock Setting
............................ 127.129. 132
Comfort Controls
................................ 121
Compact Disc Care
.............................. 136
Compact Spare Tire
.............................. 205
Compartment. Rear Locking Storage
................. 108
Control of a Vehicle
.............................. 144
Controls. Features and
............................. 65
Cigarette Lighter
................................ 109
292
..... _- ...
ProCarManuals.com