GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2005 🢒 TopKick C-Series Commercial (Cutaway) C4/C5 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Tires and Wheels 🢒 Equalizing Beam Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 202575 Size: LH
  1. Set the parking brake.
  2. Block the front wheels.
  3. Remove the load from the beams by using the following procedure:
    4. 3.1. Raise the vehicle frame with a suitable lifting device.
    3.2. Support the frame forward of the rear axle.

    Object Number: 202579 Size: LH
  4. Support the weight of the beams under the beam crosstubes.
  5. Remove the tire and wheel assemblies from the tandem axles. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  6. Remove the following components at all of the equalizing beam ends at the axle mounts:
    7. • The nuts
    • The washers
    • The bolts
  7. Remove the following components from both sides of the vehicle:
    8. • The saddle cap nuts
    • The washers
    • The saddle cap studs and caps

    Object Number: 202528 Size: SH
  8. Remove the beams from the crosstube ends by using the following procedure:
    9. 8.1. Lower the crosstubes and the beams.
    8.2. Slide the beams and the washers, if equipped, off of the crosstube.
  9. Replace the crosstube if the crosstube is bent or worn.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 202528 Size: SH
  1. Install the washers, if equipped, and the beams on the crosstube.

    2. Object Number: 202579 Size: LH

    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.

  2. Install the beams on the axles with the washers, the bolts and the nuts at each equalizing beam end. Locate the equalizing beam end nuts toward the rear of the axles.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the equalizer bolt nut to 700 N·m (516 lb ft).


    Object Number: 202502 Size: SH
  3. Install the saddle cap studs (10).

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the saddle cap stud to 81 N·m (60 lb ft). Use the two nut method.


    Object Number: 202575 Size: LH
  4. Install the following components:
    5. • The spring saddle caps
    • The washers
    • The nuts

    Tighten
    Tighten the spring saddle cap nuts to 340 N·m (250 lb ft) after the axle is in its normal operating position.

  5. Remove the blocks from the wheels.