Caution: When removing the rear springs, do not use a twin-post type hoist. The swing arch tendency of the rear axle assembly when certain fasteners are removed may cause it to slip from the hoist which may cause personal injury.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
2. Remove the rear tires and wheels.

•	For vehicles with steel wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

•	For Chevrolet and Oldsmobile vehicles with aluminum wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

•	For Pontiac and Export vehicles with aluminum wheels, refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation

3. Use a utility stand in order to support the rear axle.
4. Remove the rear axle coil springs, the spring seats and the spring insulators. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .
5. Remove the backing plate or the parking brake support.

•	For domestic vehicles, refer to Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.

•	For export vehicles, refer to Park Brake Support Replacement in Park Brake.

6. Remove the park brake cables from the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side in Parking Brake.
7. Disconnect the intermediate brake hoses from the rear axle brake pipes. Refer to Brake Intermediate Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
8. Use the utility stand in order to lower the rear axle.
9. Remove the utility stand.
10. Lower the vehicle until the rear axle is approximately 13 mm (0.50 in) above the ground.
11. Remove the rear axle control arm bolts and nuts.



12. Remove the rear axle.
13. Remove the brake pipes and the brake hoses from the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement (if applicable) and Rear Brake Pipe Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.

1. Install the brake pipes and the brake hoses to the rear axle. Refer to Rear Brake Hose Replacement (if applicable) and Rear Brake Pipe Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
2. Position the rear axle under the vehicle.
3. Install the control arm bolts.

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: This is a prevailing torque type fastener. This fastener may be reused ONLY if:

•	The fastener and its counterpart are clean and free from rust

•	The fastener develops 4 N·m (37 lb in) of torque (drag) against its counterpart prior to the fastener seating.

If the fastener does not meet these criteria, REPLACE the fastener.
4. Install the control arm nuts.

Tighten
Tighten the control arm nuts to 220 N·m (162 lb ft).

5. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
6. Use the utility stand in order to raise the rear axle.
7. Install the rear axle coil springs, the spring seats and the spring insulators. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .
8. Install the backing plate or the parking brake support.

•	For domestic vehicles, refer to Brake Backing Plate Replacement in Drum Brakes.

•	For export vehicles, refer to Park Brake Support Replacement in Park Brake.

9. Install the park brake cables to the rear axle. Refer to Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Left Side and Parking Brake Rear Cable Replacement - Right Side in Parking Brake.
10. Install the intermediate brake hoses to the rear axle brake pipes. Refer to Brake Intermediate Hose Replacement in Hydraulic Brakes.
11. Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding in Hydraulic Brakes.