GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2007 🢒 Wave 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Rear Axle Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 1241997 Size: SH
  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 brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement .
  4. Remove the park brake cable from the rear axle. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement .
  5. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor connector, if equipped.

    6. Object Number: 1242001 Size: SH
  6. Remove the brake pipes from the brake hoses at the rear axle brackets. Cap or tape the brake hose openings to prevent entry of foreign matter.
  7. Remove the retaining clips from the brake hoses.
  8. Unclip the brake hoses from the rear axle brackets.
  9. Place support jacks under the arms of the rear axle and raise the rear axle arms slightly.
  10. Remove the shock absorbers. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  11. Lower the support jacks and remove the rear springs. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .

    12. Object Number: 1242002 Size: SH
  12. Remove the left axle-to-bracket nut and bolt from the bracket. Pry the rear axle slightly, if necessary.
  13. Remove the right axle mounting bracket bolts from the underbody.
  14. Remove the rear axle from the vehicle.
  15. Remove the right axle-to-bracket nut and bolt from the bracket.
  16. Remove the right axle bracket from the axle.
  17. Remove the remaining drum brake components from the axle. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement .

Installation Procedure
  1. Install the backing plate and the wheel cylinder to the axle. Refer to Rear Brake Backing Plate Replacement .

    2. Object Number: 1242002 Size: SH
  2. Install the right axle bracket to the axle.
  3. Loosely install the right axle-to-bracket nut and bolt to the right axle bracket.
  4. Raise and support the rear axle.
  5. Loosely install the left axle-to-bracket nut and bolt to the left axle bracket.
  6. Apply blue medium strength threadlocker, GM P/N 12345382, or equivalent, to the right axle mounting bracket bolts.

    7. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  7. Install the right axle mounting bracket bolts to the underbody.

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the axle mounting bracket bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).

  8. Install the rear springs and insulators. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .
  9. Install the shock absorbers to the axle with the lower attachment bolts. Refer to Shock Absorber Replacement .
  10. Install the brake hoses to the brackets on the rear axle.
  11. Install the retaining clips to the brake hoses.
  12. Install the brake pipes to the brake hoses.
  13. Install the park brake cable to the rear axle. Refer to Park Brake Cable Replacement .
  14. Install the brake shoes. Refer to Brake Shoe Replacement .
  15. Connect the wheel speed sensor connector, if equipped.

    16. Object Number: 1242001 Size: SH
  16. Bleed the brake system and inspect for leaks. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
  17. If necessary, adjust the park brake. Refer to Park Brake Adjustment .
  18. Lower the vehicle slightly and install the rear tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  19. Lower the vehicle.
  20. Raise the vehicle on an alignment rack. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  21. With the weight of the vehicle on the tires, tighten the lower shock absorber-to-axle bolts.

    22. Tighten
    Tighten the lower shock absorber-to-axle bolts to 72 N·m (53 lb ft).

  22. Tighten the axle-to-bracket nuts and bolts.

    23. Tighten
    Tighten the axle-to-bracket nuts and bolts to 115 N·m (85 lb ft).

  23. Lower the vehicle.