GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Cavalier 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.

    3. Object Number: 493229 Size: SH
  3. Remove the brake pipe retainer bolts from the rear axle.
  4. Remove the brake pipe from the brake hose and wheel cylinder.
  5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness from the wheel speed sensors. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  6. Remove the wheel speed sensor wiring harness from the retainers on the rear axle. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  7. Disconnect the park brake cables from the equalizers. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side in Park Brake.
  8. Remove the park brake cables from the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side in Park Brake.

    9. Object Number: 493308 Size: SH
  9. Support the rear axle with suitable jack stands.
  10. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt (9).

    11. Object Number: 493317 Size: SH
  11. Remove the following components from the rear axle (2):
    12. • The rear axle mounting bolts (4)
    • The washers (3)
    • The nuts (1)
  12. Remove the rear axle (2) from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 493317 Size: SH
  1. Install the rear axle (2) to the vehicle.
  2. Install the following components to the rear axle (2):
    3. • The rear axle mounting bolts (4)
    • The washers (3)
    • The nuts (1)

    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.

  3. Tighten the nuts.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).


    Object Number: 493308 Size: SH
  4. Install the shock absorber lower mounting bolt (9).

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 70 N·m (51 lb ft).

  5. Install the park brake cables to the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side in Park Brake.
  6. Connect the park brake cables to the equalizer. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side in Park Brake.
  7. Install the wheel speed sensor wiring harness to the retainers on the rear axle. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.
  8. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness to the wheel speed sensors. Refer to Rear Wheel Speed Sensor Replacement in Antilock Brake System.

    9. Object Number: 493229 Size: SH
  9. Install the brake pipe to the brake hose and wheel cylinder.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the fittings to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

  10. Install the brake pipe retainer bolts to the rear axle.

    11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 6 N·m (50 lb in).

  11. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Bleed the brakes. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.
  13. Adjust the parking brake. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment in Park Brake.
  14. Lower the vehicle.