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

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

    3. Object Number: 175765 Size: SH
  3. Scribe the strut (1) and knuckle (4). Refer to Strut and Knuckle Scribing in Front Suspension.
  4. Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 175777 Size: SH
  5. Remove the rear lateral links to knuckle nut (5), bolt (1) and washers (4).
  6. Remove the brake drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  7. Disconnect the ABS electrical connector.
  8. Remove the rear wheel hub. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  9. Remove the backing plate. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.

    10. Object Number: 175770 Size: SH
  10. Remove the trailing arm bolt (2) from the knuckle (1).
  11. Remove the trailing arm (5) from the knuckle (1).

    12. Object Number: 175765 Size: SH
  12. Remove the rear strut nuts (3).
  13. Remove the rear strut to knuckle bolts (5).
  14. Remove the knuckle (4).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 175765 Size: SH
  1. Install the knuckle (4).
  2. Install the rear strut to knuckle bolts (5) and nuts (3). Hand tighten the nuts (3).

    3. Object Number: 175777 Size: SH

    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. Connect the lateral links to the knuckle and snug nut (5).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten lateral links to knuckle nut to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).


    Object Number: 175770 Size: SH
  4. Connect the trailing arm (5) to the knuckle (1).
  5. Install the trailing arm bolt (2) to the knuckle (1).

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 69 N·m (51 lb ft).


    Object Number: 175765 Size: SH
  6. Install the backing plate. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  7. Install the rear wheel hub. Refer to Rear Wheel Bearing and Hub Replacement .
  8. Connect the ABS electrical connector.
  9. Install the drum. Refer to Brake Drum Replacement in Drum Brakes.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the strut to knuckle nuts (3) to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).

  10. Install the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  11. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  12. Lower the vehicle.