GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1999 🢒 Bonneville 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Bumpers 🢒 Rear Energy Absorber Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Failure to observe the following procedure when handling energy absorbers could cause personal injury.

       • Do not apply heat to an energy absorber.
       • Do not weld in the area of an energy absorber.
       • Do not attempt to repair a damaged energy absorber. Always replace the damaged energy absorber with a new part.
       • If an energy absorber is bound-up as a result of a collision such that it cannot extend, take precautions to avoid spring-back when bending sheet metal. Provide a positive restraint, such as a chain or cable to hold the bumper in the position it is in. Wear approved safety glasses and using a 3mm (1/8 inch) drill bit, drill a small hole in the piston tube near the bumper bracket to relieve gas pressure. Remove the energy absorber after gas pressure has been relieved.
       • If an energy absorber is to be scrapped, relieve the gas pressure prior to disposal of the part. Make an indentation with a center punch in the small cylinder section of the energy absorber.

    Notice: An energy absorber that has a dislodged blowout plug (due to an above 8 km/h  (5 mph) impact) could have insufficient absorber action in impacts below 8 km/h (5 mph). Complete diagnosis procedures must be followed after a collision to prevent excessive vehicle damage in any future low speed impacts.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the bumper assembly. Refer to Rear Bumper Replacement .

    3. Object Number: 312253 Size: SH
  3. Remove the side rail bolt (4).
  4. Remove the following components:
    5. • The bolts (3)
    • The nuts (2)
  5. Remove the energy absorber (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 312253 Size: SH
  1. Install the energy absorber (1).

    2. 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. Install the side rail bolt (4).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the side rail bolt to 4 N·m (35 lb in).

  3. Install the following components:
    4. • The bolts (3)
    • The nuts (2)

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts and the nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  4. Install the bumper assembly. Refer to Rear Bumper Replacement .