GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Skylark 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the rear axle assembly (1) with suitable jackstands.
  3. Remove the left rear tire and the wheel assembly. Refer Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.

    4. Object Number: 169050 Size: SH
  4. Disconnect the brake pipe at the brake pipe brackets on the axle assembly. Refer to Brake Pipe Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes. This will ensure that the axle assembly is not suspended by the brake pipes and the hoses.

    5. Object Number: 169053 Size: SH
  5. Remove the lower shock absorber mount nuts (2,3).
  6. Lower the rear axle.
  7. Remove the springs and the insulators.
  8. Disconnect the parking brake at the equalizer unit. Refer to Parking Brake.
  9. Remove the right rear tire and the wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Disconnect the rear ABS wiring connector.
  11. Remove the right brake lines and the left brake lines.
  12. Remove the axle assembly attaching bolts (1) with an assistant.

    13. Object Number: 169052 Size: SH
  13. Remove the axle assembly (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 169052 Size: SH
  1. Position the rear axle assembly (1) into place.

    2. Object Number: 169053 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  2. Loosely install the attaching bolts (1).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the axle attaching bolts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft), plus 120 degrees at curb height.

  3. Install the right brake lines and the left brake lines.
  4. Connect the ABS wiring connector.
  5. Connect the parking brake cable at the right rear wheel cable connector and the cable equalizer.

    6. Object Number: 169050 Size: SH
  6. Install both springs (2) and insulators (1) while carefully raising the axle assembly and positioning the axle assembly in order to install the lower shock absorber mount stud and nut (5).
  7. Lower the shock absorber mount nuts (5).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber lower attaching nut to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).

  8. Install the left and the right side brake line bracket mount bolts to the body.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  9. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. Fill and bleed the rear brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  12. Adjust the parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Cable Service/Adjustment in Park Brakes.