Suspension arms (rear) — removal and installation
Removal
1. Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Block the front wheels.
2. Disconnect the strut rod from the axle carrier.
3. Remove the exhaust center section and tailpipe (see Fuel and exhaust systems). Remove the rear stabilizer bar (see Stabilizer bar and bushings (rear) — removal and installation).
4. Remove the suspension arm-to-rear axle carrier bolt and nut (see illustration).
12.4 To disconnect the suspension arms from the carrier, hold the bolt with a wrench and remove the nut.
5. To access the bolts at the inner ends of the suspension arms, the rear suspension crossmember must be lowered. Position a floor jack under the center of the crossmember, then loosen and remove the crossmember-to body bolts (see illustration). Lower the rear suspension crossmember with the jack (do not place any part of your body under the suspension while it is supported only by the jack) until the suspension arm bolts are accessible. Remove the bolts.
12.5 Rear suspension crossmember mounting bolts
6. Remove the No. 2 (rear) suspension arm.
7. Remove the No. 1 (front) suspension arm.
Installation
Note: When reinstalling any rear suspension arms, raise the suspension with a floor jack (placed under the rear axle carrier) to simulate normal ride-height before tightening the fasteners.
8. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten all fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
Note: When reinstalling the suspension arms, the factory paint marks on the arms should face the rear of the vehicle.
9. Install the wheel and lug nuts, then lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to the torque listed in the Tune-up and routine maintenance Specifications.
10. Have the rear wheel alignment checked by a dealer service department or an alignment shop.