GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 33432-A Transverse Leaf Spring Compressor and Adapters J 33432-97
    • J 42188 Ball Joint Separator
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  3. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the wheel speed sensors.

  4. Object Number: 65323  Size: SH
  5. Install transverse leaf spring compressor J 33432-A and adapters J 33432-97.

  6. Object Number: 200316  Size: SH
  7. Measure and record the spring stud height (1) for installation.

  8. Object Number: 65327  Size: SH
  9. Compress transverse leaf spring (1) and remove the mounting bolts (2).

  10. Object Number: 65323  Size: SH
  11. Remove the transverse leaf spring anchor plates.
  12. Remove the transverse leaf spring from the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 65328  Size: SH
  14. Disconnect the stabilizer shaft links from the lower control arms.
  15. Remove the stabilizer shaft insulator clamps.
  16. Remove the stabilizer shaft from the vehicle.

  17. Object Number: 65331  Size: SH
  18. Loosen the outer tie rod nuts. Do not remove the nuts.
  19. Install J 42188 and separate the outer tie rod ends from the rear suspension knuckles.
  20. Remove the outer tie rod nuts.
  21. Disconnect the outer tie rod ends from the rear suspension knuckles.

  22. Object Number: 65329  Size: SH
  23. Disconnect the EBTCM from crossmember and support out of the way. Refer to Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module in ABS/Traction Control.
  24. Remove the transaxle mount lower nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Rear Axle (W/Diff).
  25. Support the crossmember with a trans jack.
  26. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts from the lower control arms.

  27. Object Number: 171212  Size: SH
  28. Loosen the lower ball joint stud nuts. Do not remove the nuts.
  29. Install J 42188 on the left hand lower control arm .
  30. Separate the lower ball joint stud from the suspension knuckle.
  31. Support the left hand lower control arm with a jack stand.
  32. Remove the J 42188 and install on the right hand lower control arm.
  33. Separate the right hand lower ball joint from the suspension knuckle.
  34. Support the right hand lower control arm with a jack stand.
  35. Remove J 42188 and the lower ball joint stud nuts.
  36. Remove the jack stands from the lower control arms.
  37. Disconnect the lower control arms from the rear suspension knuckles.
  38. Pull back on the steering knuckles until drive axle clears the differential. Refer to Drive Axle Replacement in Drive Axle.
  39. Support the drive axles and the rear suspension knuckles.
  40. Disconnect all the electrical connectors from the crossmember.
  41. Disconnect the brake lines from the crossmember.
  42. Support the transaxle under the transmission pan with a trans jack.
  43. Remove the rear crossmember mounting nuts.
  44. Remove the crossmember from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 171212  Size: SH
  1. Install the crossmember into vehicle.
  2. • Align the crossmember dowel pins to the holes in frame rails.
    • Align the transaxle mount studs into the crossmember.
  3. Connect all electrical connectors on the crossmember.
  4. Connect the brake lines onto the crossmember.
  5. Install new rear suspension crossmember mounting nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the new rear crossmember mounting bolts to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    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.

  7. Remove the trans jack from the crossmember.
  8. Install the transaxle mount lower nuts. Refer to Transmission Mount Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.
  9. Install the inner cv joints into the differential. Refer to Drive Axle Replacement in Drive Axle.
  10. Install the rear suspension knuckles onto the lower control arms.
  11. Support the lower control arms with jack stands.
  12. Tighten

    1. Tighten the ball joint stud nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) to seat the ball joint stud.
    2. Turn the nut an additional 3½ flats.
    3. Check the ball joint stud nut for a minimum final torque of 55 N·m (41 lb ft).

    Object Number: 65329  Size: SH
  13. Install the shock absorbers onto the lower control arms.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber lower mounting bolt to 220 N·m (162 lb ft).


    Object Number: 65331  Size: SH
  15. Install the outer tie rod into the rear suspension knuckles.
  16. Tighten

    1. Tighten the ball joint stud nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft) to seat the ball joint stud.
    2. Turn the nut an additional 2½ flats.
    3. Check the ball joint stud nut for a minimum final torque of 45 N·m (33 lb ft).

    Object Number: 65328  Size: SH
  17. Install the stabilizer shaft onto the crossmember.
  18. Tighten

        • Tighten the upper stabilizer shaft insulator clamp bolts to 65 N·m (49 lb ft).
        • Tighten the lower stabilizer shaft insulator clamp nuts to 95 N·m (71 lb ft).
  19. Install the stabilizer shaft links onto the lower control arms.
  20. Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft link nuts to 72 N·m (46 lb ft).


    Object Number: 65323  Size: SH
  21. Remove the jack stands from under the lower control arms.
  22. Install the transverse leaf spring onto the crossmember.
  23. Install the transverse leaf spring anchor plates.
  24. Tighten
    Tighten the transverse leaf spring anchor plate bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  25. Remove tools J 33432-A and Adapters J 33432-97.
  26. Connect the EBTCM to the crossmember. Refer to Electronic Brake and Traction Control Module in ABS/Traction Control.
  27. Connect the electrical connectors to the wheel speed sensors.

  28. Object Number: 65327  Size: SH
  29. Install the transverse leaf spring mounting bolts (20).

  30. Object Number: 200316  Size: SH
  31. Set the spring stud height (1) to the measurement taken before removal.
  32. Install the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.
  33. Remove the trans jack from the transaxle.
  34. Lower the vehicle.