GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2004 🢒 Spark 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the rear brake drum, the shoe, and the brake plate. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  2. Remove the lateral rod. Refer to Lateral Link Replacement .

    3. Object Number: 1220973 Size: SH

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

  3. Support the rear axle with an adjustable jack (3).
  4. Loosen the nuts (1) that secure the shock absorber to the body bracket.
  5. Remove the bolts (2) and the washers, if equipped, that secure the shock absorber to the rear axle.

    6. Object Number: 1220978 Size: SH
  6. Remove the bolts (1) that secure the trailing arm to the rear axle.

    7. Object Number: 1220981 Size: SH
  7. Slowly lower the jack  (2).
  8. Remove the coil springs from the rear axle.
  9. Lower the jack completely and remove the rear axle (1).

    10. Object Number: 1220987 Size: SH
  10. Remove the rear bumper stoppers (2).
  11. Remove the rear spring upper seats (1).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1220987 Size: SH
  1. Install the rear spring upper seats (1).
  2. Install the rear bumper stoppers (2).

    3. Object Number: 1225563 Size: MH
  3. Support the rear axle securely with an adjustable jack.

    4. Important: Measure the spring diameter prior to installing the spring. The upper spring diameter (a) is smaller than the lower spring diameter (b).

  4. Install the coil springs to the rear axle. Position the lower tip of each coil spring on the gap in each lower spring seat.
  5. Raise the jack slowly in order to install the springs to the upper spring seats.

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


    Object Number: 1220994 Size: SH
  6. Install the bolts (1) that secure the trailing arm to the rear axle.

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 80-90 N·m (59-66 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1220933 Size: SH
  7. Install the washers and the bolts (2) that secure the shock absorber to the rear axle.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 45-70 N·m (33-52 lb ft).

  8. Tighten the nuts (1) that secure the shock absorber to the body bracket.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 45-70 N·m (33-52 lb ft).

  9. Install the lateral rod. Refer to Lateral Link Replacement .
  10. Install the rear brake drum, shoe and brake plate. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.
  11. Remove the jack and lower the vehicle.