GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1347765  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Drain the rear axle. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  3. Remove the propeller shaft.
  4. • For vehicles equipped with one piece propeller shafts, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    • For vehicles equipped with two piece propeller shafts, refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
  5. Remove the vent tube.

  6. Object Number: 1306332  Size: SH
  7. Remove the retaining bolts from the park brake cables at the rear leaf springs. Left side shown, right side similar.

  8. Object Number: 1339782  Size: SH
  9. Remove the clips retaining the rear brake lines to the rear axle housing.

  10. Object Number: 1340276  Size: SH
  11. Remove the bolts retaining the rear brake lines to the rear axle jounce bumper mounting brackets.

  12. Object Number: 1340275  Size: SH
  13. Remove the bolt retaining the rear brake line to the differential cover.

  14. Object Number: 1340283  Size: SH
  15. Remove the bolt retaining the brake junction block to the rear axle.

  16. Object Number: 1364486  Size: SH
  17. Remove the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .
  18. Important: The rear brake shoe assembly DOES NOT have to be removed to perform the following service procedure.

  19. Remove the mounting bolts to the backing plates.
  20. Relocate the rear shoe assemblies to the side and support with mechanic's wire or equivalent.

  21. Object Number: 941550  Size: SH
  22. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and nut.

  23. Object Number: 941629  Size: SH
  24. Remove the U-bolt nuts.
  25. Remove the anchor plate.
  26. Remove the U-bolts from the rear axle housing.

  27. Object Number: 941584  Size: SH
  28. With the aid of an assistant, remove the rear axle assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 941584  Size: SH
  1. With the aid of an assistant, position the rear axle assembly on the rear leaf springs.

  2. Object Number: 941629  Size: SH
  3. Install the U-bolts.
  4. Position the anchor plates on the leaf spring.
  5. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  6. Install the U-bolt nuts.
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 76 N·m (56 lb ft).


    Object Number: 941550  Size: SH
  8. Install the bottom shock absorber nut and bolt.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber bolt to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).

  10. Install the mounting bolts for the backing plates.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the backing plate bolts to 135 N·m (100 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1306332  Size: SH
  12. Install the retaining bolts from the park brake cables at the rear leaf springs. Left side shown, right side similar.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the backing plate bolts to 135 N·m (100 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1340276  Size: SH
  14. Install the retaining bolts for the rear brake lines at the rear axle jounce bumper mounting brackets.
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the brake line retaining bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1340275  Size: SH
  16. Install the retaining bolt for the rear brake at the differential cover.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the retaining bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1340283  Size: SH
  18. Install the retaining bolt for the brake junction block at the rear axle.
  19. Tighten
    Tighten the brake junction block retaining bolt to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1339782  Size: SH
  20. Install the retaining clips for the rear brake lines from the rear axle housing.
  21. Install the vent tube.

  22. Object Number: 1364486  Size: SH
  23. Install the rear axle shafts. Refer to Rear Axle Shaft Replacement .

  24. Object Number: 1347765  Size: SH
  25. Install the propeller shaft.
  26. • For vehicles equipped with one piece propeller shafts, refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement .
    • For vehicles equipped with two piece propeller shafts, refer to Drive Pinion Bearings Replacement .
  27. Fill the rear axle with fluid. Refer to Rear Axle Lubricant Replacement .
  28. Lower the vehicle.