GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Note: Secure the rear axle to the transmission jack.

  4. Support the rear axle with a transmission jack stand.
  5. Disconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connector, if equipped.

  6. Object Number: 891444  Size: SH
  7. Remove the rear park brake cables from the retaining clips (2) at the rear axle mounting bracket.
  8. Remove the rear brake hoses from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement.
  9. Remove the rear coil springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement.
  10. Remove the mounting bolts for the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement.
  11. Note: Support the rear brake assemblies with mechanics wire or equivalent.

  12. Remove the rear brake assemblies and relocate to the side.

  13. Object Number: 855059  Size: SH
  14. Remove the rear axle mounting bolts at the rear axle mounting bracket.
  15. With the aide of an assistant, lower the rear axle assembly and remove from the transmission jack stand.

Installation Procedure

    Note: Secure the rear axle to the transmission jack.

  1. Position the rear axle assembly on the transmission jack stand.
  2. With the aide of an assistant, raise the rear axle assembly.
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 855059  Size: SH
  4. Install the rear axle mounting bolts in the rear axle mounting bracket.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten rear axle mounting bolts to 90 N·m (66 lb ft).

  6. Install the rear coil springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement
  7. Remove the transmission jack stand.
  8. position the rear brake assemblies on the rear axle.
  9. Install the mounting bolts for the rear wheel bearing/hub assembly. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement
  10. Reconnect the rear wheel speed sensor electrical connector, if equipped.
  11. Install the rear brake hoses to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement.

  12. Object Number: 891444  Size: SH
  13. Install the rear park brake cables retaining clips (2) at the rear axle mounting bracket.
  14. Install the tires and wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  15. Remove the support and lower the vehicle..