Cross-Member: Service and Repair

^ Tools Required:
- J 35778 Rear Leaf Spring Compressor
- J 36660 Torque Angle Meter
- Or Equivalent

NOTICE: Do not use corrosive cleaning agents, silicone lubricants, engine degreasers, solvents, etc., on or near the fiberglass rear transverse spring. These materials could cause extensive damage to the spring.

Remove or Disconnect
1. Raise vehicle and suitable support.





2. Jack pad.
3. Exhaust system, if equipped with dual exhaust system. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.





4. Spring retention plates.





5. Right trailing arm at knuckle.
6. ABS electrical harness.








7. Separate J 35778 from center shank and hang center shank of tool at spring center.

Important: Attach center shank of J 35778 from front side of vehicle only.

8. J 35778 body to center shank and spring.

Important: Always center the spring on the rollers of J 35778.

9. Fully compress the spring using J 35778.
10. Slide the spring to the left side.

Important: It may be necessary to pry the spring to the left using a prybar against the right knuckle and/or tire and wheel for leverage. When prying do not damage components.

11. Relax the spring and provide removal clearance from right side.
12. Spring.
13. Parking brake cable from suspension support.
14. Brake line from suspension support. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.
15. Loosen front rod bolts/screws from knuckle.
16. Rear suspension support mounting bolts/screws.
17. Rods from rear suspension support.
18. Rear suspension support.

Install or Connect
1. Position rear suspension support.
2. Position tie rods to suspension support.
3. Rear suspension support mounting bolts/screws. using GM thread locker P/N 105262 ( or equivalent).
- Tighten rear suspension support bolts/screws to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).
4. Rear wheel spindle rods - front and rear to knuckle.
- Tighten rear wheel spindle rod front and rear nuts to 240 Nm (177 ft. lbs.).
5. Rear wheel spindle rods - front and rear to suspension support.
- Tighten rear wheel spindle rod - front and rear nuts to 150 Nm (111 ft. lbs.).
6. Brake line to suspension support.
7. Parking brake cable to suspension support.
8. Using J 35778, compress spiting.
9. Spring to the left knuckle, slice towards the left side as far as possible and raise right side of spring as far as possible.
10. Further compress spring and slide into right knuckle.

NOTICE: The rear spring retention plates are designed with tabs on one end. Tabs must be aligned with the support to prevent damage to the fuel tank.

11. Center spring to align holes for spring retention plate bolts/screws.
12. Spring retention plates, hand start bolts/screws only.
13. Position trailing arm and install bolt/screw.
- Tighten bolts/Screws to 90 Nm (66 ft. lbs.) plus 75 ° using J 36660.
16. Jack pad.
14. ABS electrical harness, if removed.
15. Remove J 35778.
- Tighten retention plate bolts/screws to 30 Nm (22 ft. lbs.).
- Tighten bolts/screws to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).
17. Exhaust system, if removed. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.
18. Lower vehicle.

Measure
- Rear wheel alignment.