GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Malibu 🢒 General Information 🢒 General Information 🢒 Coil Spring Replacement

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

    3. Object Number: 1347526 Size: SH
  3. Use a OTC 204-167 compressor and OTC 204-167-01 adapter shoes or equivalent on vehicle spring compressor to compress the coil spring.
  4. Using a suitable jack stand, support the lower control arm.

    5. Object Number: 1243745 Size: SH
  5. Remove the lower control arm to knuckle bolt, nut, and inboard fastener to the support.

    6. Caution: To prevent personal injury and/or component damage, use the proper tools to support the lower control arm when removing the coil spring. The coil spring is under extreme pressure and can become a projectile should the spring separate from the lower control arm before all of the tension is relieved.

  6. Use the jackstand in order to lower the lower control arm with the coil spring attached.
  7. Remove the coil spring from the lower control arm.
  8. Inspect the coil spring insulators for damage and replace as necessary.

Installation Procedure
  1. Position the spring on the lower control arm.
  2. Use the jack stand to raise the lower control arm into position.

    3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1243745 Size: SH
  3. Install the lower control arm to knuckle bolt and nut.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt and nut to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) plus an additional 60 degrees.


    Object Number: 1347526 Size: SH
  4. Remove the OTC 204-167 or equivalent on vehicle spring compressor to compress the coil spring.
  5. Remove the jack stand.
  6. Install the rear tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  7. Lower the vehicle.