GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Tires and Wheels 🢒 Torque Arm Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Important: When raising the vehicle, support the vehicle by the frame, allowing the suspension to fully extend (unloaded).


    Object Number: 181239 Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Support the rear axle (1) with an adjustable lifting device.
  3. Remove the torque arm from the propeller shaft, if equipped with two-piece propeller shaft.
  4. Remove the bolts and screws (2), the washers (3) and the nuts (4) from the rear axle (1).

    5. Object Number: 181240 Size: SH
  5. Remove the bolts and screws (3, 7 and 8) and the nuts (5) from the automatic transmission, if equipped.
  6. Remove the outer bracket (9).
  7. Remove the inner bracket (10).
  8. Remove the torque arm (6).

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 181241 Size: SH
  1. Position the inner bracket (2) through the transmission.
  2. Position the outer bracket (3) to the inner bracket (2) and loosely install the nuts (7) and the bolts and screws (5 and 6).
  3. Insert the torque arm (4) into the brackets (2 and 3).

    4. 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.

  4. Install the nuts (7) and the bolts and screws (5 and 6).

    5. Tighten

        • Tighten the nuts (7) to 41 N·m (30 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolts and screws (6) to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).
        • Tighten the bolts and screws (5) to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

    Object Number: 181239 Size: SH
  5. Position the torque arm (5) to the rear axle (1).
  6. Install the bolts and screws (2), the washers (3) and the nuts (4).

    7. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts (25) to 132 N·m (97 lb ft).

  7. Install the torque arm to the propeller shaft, if equipped with a two piece propeller shaft. Refer to One-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement or Two-Piece Propeller Shaft Replacement in Propeller Shaft.
  8. Install the rear axle support.
  9. Lower the vehicle.