GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 1998 🢒 Firefly (Canada) 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Coil Spring Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal in Tires and Wheels.

    3. Object Number: 177547 Size: SH
  3. Remove the control rod-to-knuckle nut (2) and the washer.

    4. Object Number: 188437 Size: SH
  4. Remove the control rod (2) from the knuckle stud (1).

    5. Object Number: 177551 Size: SH
  5. On ABS equipped vehicles, disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and remove the sensor harness piping from the control arm.
  6. Remove the stabilizer link from the control arm.
  7. Support the suspension arm using a floor jack.

    8. Object Number: 177554 Size: SH
  8. Remove the suspension arm-to-knuckle bolt (1) and the nut.

    9. Object Number: 177557 Size: SH
  9. Manually pull the knuckle assembly from the suspension arm.

    10. Object Number: 188438 Size: SH
  10. Slowly lower the floor jack, dropping the suspension arm and the coil spring.
  11. Remove the spring from the suspension arm and the upper seat.
  12. Inspect the spring and the upper seat for the following conditions. Replace the seats as necessary.
    13. • Cracks
    • Deterioration
    • Wear

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 177563 Size: SH

    Important: The bottom of the spring is larger in diameter than the top. Do not install the spring upside down.

  1. Install the spring (2) to the suspension arm (3). Ensure that the spring seats properly in the stepped part of the arm (1).
  2. Raise the floor jack until the suspension arm is level with the suspension knuckle. Align the bolt holes on the suspension arm and the knuckle assembly.

    3. Object Number: 177554 Size: SH

    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.

  3. Install the suspension arm-to-knuckle bolt (3) and the nut.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the suspension arm-to-knuckle bolt and the nut to 40 N·m (29 lb ft).


    Object Number: 177551 Size: SH
  4. On ABS equipped vehicles, connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector and install the sensor pipe to the control arm.
  5. Install the stabilizer link to the control arm.

    6. Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer link-to-control arm link nut to 25 N·m (19 lb ft).


    Object Number: 188437 Size: SH
  6. Install the control rod (2) to the knuckle stud (1).

    7. Object Number: 177547 Size: SH
  7. Secure the control rod (4) with the washer and the nut (2).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the control rod-to-suspension knuckle nut to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

  8. Lower and remove the floor jack.
  9. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation in Tires and Wheels.
  10. Lower the vehicle.