GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2001 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Crossmember Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    2. Object Number: 238003 Size: SH
  2. Remove the nut and the bolt in order to separate the LH rear suspension trailing arm (1) from the rear suspension knuckle (2).
  3. Remove the nut and the bolt in order to separate the RH rear suspension trailing arm from the rear suspension knuckle.

    4. Object Number: 238002 Size: SH
  4. Remove the following components in order to remove the LH rear suspension rear lower control arm (2):
    5. • The 2 nuts
    • The 3 washers
    • The LH rear suspension rear lower control arm
  5. Remove the following components in order to remove the RH rear suspension rear lower control arm:
    6. • The 2 nuts
    • The 3 washers
    • The RH rear suspension rear lower control arm

    Object Number: 238024 Size: SH
  6. Support the rear suspension crossmember (2) using a jack.
  7. Remove the 2 bolts attaching the rear suspension support brace to the body.
  8. Remove the 4 bolts attaching the rear suspension crossmember to the body.
  9. Lower the rear suspension crossmember.
  10. If you are replacing the rear suspension crossmember, remove the 2 bolts and the rear suspension support brace from the rear suspension crossmember.

    11. Object Number: 237997 Size: SH
  11. Remove the following components from the rear suspension crossmember:
    12. • The 2 inner bolts
    • The 4 washers
    • The LH rear suspension front lower control arm
    • The RH rear suspension front lower control arm

Installation Procedure

    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.

  1. Install the rear suspension support brace to the rear suspension crossmember. Secure with 2 bolts.

    2. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).

    Important: DO NOT install the lower control arm nuts until the rear lower control arm is installed to the vehicle.


    Object Number: 237997 Size: SH
  2. Install, but DO NOT tighten, the following components to the rear suspension crossmember:
    3. • The LH rear suspension front lower control arm
    • The RH rear suspension front lower control arm
    • The 4 washers
    • The 2 inner bolts

    Object Number: 238024 Size: SH
  3. Raise the rear suspension crossmember (2) using a jack.
  4. Install the rear suspension crossmember to body. Secure the rear suspension crossmember using 6 bolts.

    5. Tighten

        • Tighten the 4 rear suspension crossmember (outer) bolts to 74 N·m (55 lb ft).
        • Tighten the 2 rear suspension support brace (inner) bolts to 19 N·m (14 lb ft).
  5. Remove the jack supporting the rear suspension crossmember.

    6. Object Number: 238002 Size: SH
  6. Install, but DO NOT tighten the following components in order to install the LH rear suspension rear lower control arm (2):
    7. • The LH rear suspension rear lower control arm
    • The 3 washers
    • The 2 nuts
  7. Install, but DO NOT tighten the following components in order to install the RH rear suspension rear lower control arm:
    8. • The RH rear suspension rear lower control arm
    • The 3 washers
    • The 2 nuts

    Object Number: 238003 Size: SH
  8. Install the LH rear suspension trailing arm (1) to the rear suspension knuckle (2). Install, but DO NOT tighten the bolt.
  9. Install the RH rear suspension trailing arm to the rear suspension knuckle. Install, but DO NOT tighten the bolt.
  10. Lower the vehicle.
  11. Move the vehicle to a drive-on lift or an alignment rack.
  12. Stabilize the suspension by bouncing the vehicle up and down several times in order to allow the suspension to settle.
  13. Tighten the following components:

    14. Tighten

        • Tighten the 2 rear suspension trailing arm to knuckle nuts and bolts to 91 N·m (67 lb ft).
        • Tighten the 4 rear suspension control arm nuts and bolts to 125 N·m (89 lb ft).
  14. Measure the rear wheel alignment. Adjust as necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement in Wheel Alignment.
  15. Remove the vehicle from the alignment rack.