Tuesday, November 16, 2010

What is the easiest way to change spark plugs in an 06 Buick Rendezvous?

3 front plugs simple and easy to change, however the rear ones are another story! Anybody have any recommendations as to how to get to the rear plugs for someone who prefers to do their own work? (nearest garage is about a 3 hour drive so no idiot suggestions to take it to one)

2006 Buick Rendezvous CX, V6 3.5L.

I've already Googled and came up with very little, looking to hear from someone who has experience with this vehicle already.What is the easiest way to change spark plugs in an 06 Buick Rendezvous?
Gm actually makes it easy. Block the wheels. Put transmission in neutral. Disconnect the engine strut arm and install a tilting tool (http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-48260-Engine

Turn the crank and it literally rotates the engine so you can reach the plugs.What is the easiest way to change spark plugs in an 06 Buick Rendezvous?
gotta get them from underneath/need a lift
get hold of a universal swivel plug spanner with rubber ring in socket, it grips the plug when you take it out
I hated my Buick for the exact same reasons. You can't get to anything. Stupid battery is a side mount. You just can't get to anything. Checking or changing the oil was a task. Down the road she went. Couldn't get rid of it quick enough. Now that's my newer model. Love my '64 Buick Skylark. Pop the hood and there it is. There isn't an easy answer. I've done acrobatic works with that Buick. Come up from under neath? The new Buicks just suck. I feel your pain and I sold mine. Eff the hassle.
You will have to use some extensions on your 3/8'; ratchet wrench and an elbow or universal joint that allows the second extension to connect to the first extension so you can allow the plug socket and the extension connected to the plug socket to stay straight while you turn your wrench at an odd angle like maybe 45 degrees.



You may need a 3'; extension on the plug socket and maybe a 4';-6'; extension on the wrench to clear the clutter so you can turn the wrench and back the plug out of the head. Or you may need a 4';-6'; extension on the plug socket and a 3'; extension on the wrench. The elbow joint or universal joint will allow you to back it out safely without breaking the plug or stripping the head or installing the new plugs cross-threaded.



Patience is the key to doing it right without boogering up the head. As long as you have good purchase on the spark plug with the socket and your extensions and universal joint are connected properly and you can turn the wrench even partially you can get the plugs out slowly, one partial turn at a time.



When you are ready to put the new plugs in the head, recommend you do one plug at a time so you don't cross your wires, put a little anti-seize on the threads of the new plug(s) and start them by hand before you connect the wrench. This way you will not be forcing the new plugs into the hole crooked and will not cross-thread the plug into the head. Tighten them down to ';snug'; not superman tight. I like to use electrical grease on plug boots so they are less likely to stick to the spark plug insulators so next tune-up you don't have a hassle pulling to plug wires off the plugs.



Good Luck!

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