GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

The suspension support is a separate sub-frame which supports all of the other rear suspension components. The suspension support is attached to the body at four points. The suspension support can be removed from the vehicle without removing or disconnecting the following parts:

    • The spring
    • The shock absorbers
    • The control arms
    • The knuckle
    • The hub and bearing assembly
    • The rotors

Important: Since the right rear brake crossover pipe is mounted to the suspension support, it is important that all necessary precautions described in the following procedure are taken in order to ensure that the pipe is not damaged during the suspension support removal or installations procedures.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheel.

  3. Object Number: 161660  Size: SH
  4. Suspend the left caliper. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  5. Remove the other rear suspension components as required.

  6. Object Number: 602459  Size: SH
  7. Remove the intermediate parking brake cable from the equalizer (2) and move the intermediate cable clear of the suspension support.
  8. Remove the rear brake crossover pipe and the left rear brake hose from the bracket.
  9. Disconnect the rear chassis wiring harness from the main body wiring harness.
  10. Support the rear suspension support with suitable jackstand.

  11. Object Number: 191697  Size: SH
  12. Remove the suspension support forward arm bolts, upper mounting bolts and lower insulators.
  13. Important: While lowering the support, carefully watch the position of the brake calipers, brake hoses and crossover pipes in order to prevent damage during the removal procedure.

  14. Lower the jackstand.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 161660  Size: SH
  1. Position the suspension support under the vehicle on suitable jackstand. Align the suspension support with the vehicle body directly below the installed position.
  2. Install the upper suspension support insulators on the suspension support.
  3. 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.

    Important: While raising the suspension support, carefully watch the position of the brake calipers, brake hoses and crossover pipes. Reposition the brake calipers, brake pipes, and brake hoses as required in order to prevent interference or damage to the brake components.

  4. Slowly raise the suspension support into the vehicle. Align the suspension support with the vehicle body as it is raised.
  5. Important: 

       • Install both forward arm bolts in the proper direction, with the nuts installed on the right side of the arm.
       • The cup-shaped washer is used on the left forward arm bolt installation only.

  6. Install the suspension support forward arm bolts, nuts and washers, upper mounting bolts and insulators.
  7. Tighten

        • Tighten the right side suspension support forward arm nut to 63 N·m (46 lb ft).
        • Tighten the left side suspension support forward arm bolt to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).
        • Tighten the upper mounting bolts to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).
  8. Connect the rear chassis wiring harness to the main body wiring harness.
  9. Install the left rear brake hose and crossover pipe to the bracket.
  10. Bleed the brakes. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.

  11. Object Number: 602459  Size: SH
  12. Connect the intermediate parking brake cable to the equalizer (2).
  13. Install any other rear suspension components previously removed.
  14. Install the left caliper and the new caliper mounting bracket bolts. Refer to Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes.
  15. Tighten

        • Tighten the caliper mounting bracket bolts to 113 N·m (83 lb ft).
        • Tighten the parking brake cable bracket bolt to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).
  16. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheel.
  17. Important: Before lowering the vehicle onto its wheels (or before driving the vehicle, if it was not on a lift) turn the ignition on and wait approximately 45 seconds. This will permit the ALC system to execute the ARC, ensuring that the air adjustable shock absorbers are filled with residual pressure.

  18. Lower the vehicle.