GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 42055 Drivetrain Support Fixture

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

  3. Object Number: 174570  Size: SH
  4. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness connectors.
  5. Disconnect the park brake cables from the actuator levers.
  6. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the electronic suspension control (ESC) shock absorbers harnesses, if equipped.
  7. Remove the rear suspension position sensors. Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement .
  8. Disconnect the inner tie rod end studs from the rear crossmember. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .
  9. Disconnect the lower control arms from the crossmember. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement .
  10. Support the lower control arms, tie rods, and rear suspension knuckles.
  11. Remove the transverse spring. Refer to Rear Transverse Spring Replacement .

  12. Object Number: 196197  Size: SH
  13. Assemble the J 42055 and install it to a transmission jack.
  14. Position and firmly secure the J 42055 with the transmission jack to the transmission. Support the transmission.
  15. Remove the transaxle mount lower nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
  16. Disconnect all the electrical harness retainers from the crossmember.
  17. Disconnect the brake pipe retainers from the crossmember.

  18. Object Number: 180637  Size: SH
  19. Position a transmission jack under the rear crossmember and firmly secure the crossmember to the jack. Support the crossmember.
  20. Using HAND TOOLS ONLY, remove the rear crossmember mounting nuts.
  21. Remove the crossmember from the vehicle.
  22. Discard the rear crossmember mounting nuts.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 180637  Size: SH
  1. Install the crossmember to the vehicle.
  2. • Align the crossmember dowel pins to the holes in the frame rails.
    • Align the transaxle mount studs to the crossmember.

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: Only use NEW crossmember mounting nuts.

  3. Using HAND TOOLS ONLY, install NEW rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten nuts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  5. Remove the J 42055 transmission jack from the transmission.
  6. Remove the transmission jack from the crossmember.
  7. Connect all electrical harness retainers to the crossmember.
  8. Connect the brake pipes retainers to the crossmember.
  9. Install the transaxle mount lower nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement .
  10. Install the transverse spring to the crossmember. Refer to Rear Transverse Spring Replacement .
  11. Install the lower control arms to the crossmember. Refer to Rear Axle Lower Control Arm Replacement .
  12. Install the inner tie rod end studs to the crossmember. Refer to Tie Rod Replacement .

  13. Object Number: 174570  Size: SH
  14. Install the rear suspension position sensors. Refer to Electronic Suspension Rear Position Sensor Replacement .
  15. Connect the electrical connectors to the ESC shock absorber harnesses, if equipped.
  16. Connect the park brake cables to the actuator levers.
  17. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
  18. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Measure and adjust the rear trim height as necessary. Refer to Trim Height Inspection .
  21. Perform a rear wheel alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .