Chevrolet 20941297 Rear Spring

To remove the rear wheel, start by loosening the lug nuts and raising the rear of the vehicle with jackstands. Remove the wheel and disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm. On 2006 and earlier models, unbolt the bracket at the front of the trailing arm from the body. Use a floor jack to slightly raise the outer end of the lower control arm and prevent it from moving downward when removing the shock absorber mounting bolt. Remove the lower shock absorber mounting bolt and loosen the inner through-bolt at the lower control arm pivot. Remove the outer through-bolt from the lower control arm and slowly lower the jack until the coil spring extends fully. To install, reverse the removal steps and ensure that the spring insulators are properly installed before placing the spring. Finally, tighten all fasteners to the specified torque.

If the struts or coil springs show signs of wear such as leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging, or cracked coil springs, it is important to explore all options before starting any work. The strut/shock absorber assemblies cannot be serviced and must be replaced if there is a problem. However, there may be strut assemblies available with springs on an exchange basis, which can save time and effort. Before disassembling the vehicle, it is recommended to check the cost and availability of parts. To disassemble, the strut and spring assembly should be removed and mounted in a vise, taking care to protect the unit. A spring compressor should be installed following the manufacturer's instructions to relieve force from the upper spring seat. The damper shaft nut should be loosened and removed, along with the suspension support. The bearing and rubber portion of the suspension support should be inspected and replaced if necessary. The top mount assembly and upper spring seat should be removed, checking for cracking and replacing if needed. The compressed spring should be carefully lifted and set aside. The dust boot and rubber bumper should be removed, and the lower insulator should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary. To reassemble, if the lower insulator is being replaced, it should be set into position with the dropped portion seated properly. The dust boot should be replaced, and the damper rod should be extended and the rubber bumper installed. The coil spring should be placed onto the lower insulator, with the end resting properly. The upper spring seat and top mount should be installed, aligning them correctly. The damper nut should be tightened to the specified torque, and the spring compressor tool can be removed.

Reverse the removal steps and ensure that the spring insulators are properly installed before placing the spring.

To reassemble, if the lower insulator is being replaced, it should be set into position with the dropped portion seated properly.