GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Set the parking brakes.
  2. Block the vehicle rear wheels.
  3. Raise the vehicle frame until the front tires clear the floor.
  4. Notice: Do not use the front crossmember to support the vehicle or the crossmember may buckle.

  5. Support the frame using suitable safety stands.

  6. Object Number: 294158  Size: SH
  7. Remove the wheels, the hubs, and the bearings as needed.
  8. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  9. Remove the relay rod from the steering arm. Refer to Relay Rod Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  10. Remove the tie rod arm. Refer to Tie Rod Arm Replacement in Steering Linkage.
  11. Remove the brake lines and the hoses as needed from each front brake assembly.
  12. Remove the following components from the lower brackets (6). Push the shock absorbers into the fully retracted position:
  13. • The nuts (1)
    • The washers (2)
    • The insulators (3)
    • The shock absorbers (5)
  14. Remove the lower insulator (13) and the washers (6) from the shock absorber lower stem.

  15. Object Number: 294161  Size: SH
  16. Remove the nuts (7), the washers (6) and the U-bolts (1).
  17. Lower the axle partially and remove the U-bolt spacers .
  18. Remove the following components:
  19. • The spring spacers (2)
    • The spacers (3)
    • The shock absorber brackets (5)
  20. Remove the axle tie rod from under the vehicle.
  21. Clean the axle components using a cleaning solvent.
  22. Inspect the axle for wear and damage. Use Magna-Flux™ inspection equipment if available. Inspect the axle for the following conditions:
  23. • Minute cracks
    • Checks
    • Fractures
  24. Using alignment instruments, inspect the axle center for twist. If the axle center has been twisted or bent more than 5 degrees (13 mm or ½ in) from the original shape, replace the axle.
  25. Inspect the axle king pin bore for the following conditions:
  26. • Scratches
    • Burrs
    • Corrosion
  27. Smooth the bore using a crocus cloth or a fine grit sandpaper if needed. Clean the bore.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 294161  Size: SH
  1. With the vehicle on a floor jack, install the axle tie rod.
  2. Raise the axle and align the spring center bolt to the axle.
  3. Install the following components:
  4. • The spring spacers (2)
    • The spacers (3)

    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.

    Important: Assemble all of the components and remove all of the jacks and lifting devices before you finally tighten the suspension fasteners.

  5. Install the following components:
  6. • The U-bolts (1)
    • The U-bolt spacers
    • The shock brackets (6)
    •  The washers (6)
    •  The nuts (7)

    Tighten
    Tighten the U-bolt nuts to 400 N·m (295 lb ft).


    Object Number: 294158  Size: SH
  7. Install the flat washer (2) and the insulator (3) onto the shock absorber lower stem (5).
  8. Install the shock absorber (5) into the lower bracket (6).
  9. Install the following components:
  10. • The lower insulator (3)
    • The flat washer (2)
    • The nut (1)

    Tighten
    Tighten the lower shock absorber nut (10) to 84 N·m (62 lb ft).

  11. Install the wheels, the hubs, and the bearings as needed.
  12. Refer to Front Wheel Hub, Bearing, and Seal Replacement .
  13. Install the relay rod to the steering arm.
  14. Install the tie rod arm and the steering arm as needed.
  15. Remove the safety stands.
  16. Lower the vehicle.