GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Support Replacement Convertible

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  3. Remove the rear frame brace. Refer to Frame Brace Replacement.
  4. Remove the muffler. Refer to Muffler Replacement.
  5. Remove the rear axle tie rod bracket braces. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Bracket Brace Replacement
  6. Remove the knuckles. Refer to Knuckle Replacement.
  7. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, disconnect the ABS wiring harness from the clips on the support assembly and upper control arms.
  8. Position a suitable jack stand under the support assembly.

  9. Object Number: 1838492  Size: SH

    Important: When replacing complete module assembly, mark fastener location of axle bracket (LH/RH) to body rail.

  10. Remove the support assembly to body bolts.
  11. Important: Mark location of support assembly to body rails with a dab of paint.

  12. With the aid of an assistant, remove the support assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: If a transfer of components is necessary, it is recommended that the fasteners be loosely installed, then all the suspension component fasteners be torqued after the support is in the vehicle and all the suspension components installed.

  1. If a new rear support is being installed, a transfer of components is necessary.
  2. • Upper Control Arms

    Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm to rear support nut and bolt to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) plus 60 degrees rotation.

    • Lower Control Arms

    Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm to rear support nut and bolt to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    • Stabilizer bar and insulators

    Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

    • Toe link to support bolt and nut.

    Tighten
    Tighten toe link to support bolt and nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    Important: Position the support assembly to the body rails by location of paint marks during removal.

  3. With the aid of an assistant, raise and position the support assembly to the vehicle.

  4. Object Number: 1838492  Size: SH
  5. Install the support assembly to body bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 30 degrees.

  7. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle.
  8. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, route the ABS wiring harness, connect it to the clips on the support assembly and upper control arms.
  9. Install the knuckles. Refer to Knuckle Replacement.
  10. Install the rear axle tie rod bracket braces. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Bracket Brace Replacement
  11. Install the muffler. Refer to Muffler Replacement .
  12. Install the rear frame brace. Refer to Frame Brace Replacement.
  13. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
  14. Lower the vehicle.
  15. Adjust the rear alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .

Support Replacement Sedan/Coupe

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Remove the muffler. Refer to Muffler Replacement .
  4. Remove the knuckles. Refer to Knuckle Replacement .
  5. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, disconnect the ABS wiring harness from the clips on the support assembly and upper control arms.
  6. Position a suitable jack stand under the support assembly.

  7. Object Number: 1835959  Size: SH

    Important: When replacing complete module assembly, mark fastener location of axle bracket (LH/RH) to body rail.

  8. Remove the support assembly to body bolts.
  9. Important: Mark location of support assembly to body rails with a dab of paint.

  10. With the aid of an assistant, remove the support assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

    Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

    Important: If a transfer of components is necessary, it is recommended that the fasteners be loosely installed, then all the suspension component fasteners be torqued after the support is in the vehicle and all the suspension components installed.

  1. If a new rear support is being installed, a transfer of components is necessary.
  2. • Upper Control Arms

    Tighten
    Tighten the upper control arm to rear support nut and bolt to 60 N·m (44 lb ft) plus 60 degrees rotation.

    • Lower Control Arms

    Tighten
    Tighten the lower control arm to rear support nut and bolt to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    • Stabilizer bar and insulators

    Tighten
    Tighten the stabilizer shaft insulator bolts to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

    • Toe link to support bolt and nut.

    Tighten
    Tighten toe link to support bolt and nut to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

    Important: Position the support assembly to the body rails by location of paint marks during removal.

  3. With the aid of an assistant, raise and position the support assembly to the vehicle.

  4. Object Number: 1835959  Size: SH
  5. Install the support assembly to body bolts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 100 N·m (74 lb ft) plus 30 degrees.

  7. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle.
  8. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, route the ABS wiring harness, connect it to the clips on the support assembly and upper control arms.
  9. Install the knuckles. Refer to Knuckle Replacement .
  10. Install the muffler. Refer to Muffler Replacement .
  11. Install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  12. Lower the vehicle.
  13. Adjust the rear alignment. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .