GM 15219458 Rear Spring

Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle, and support it securely on jackstands while blocking the front wheels to prevent rolling, then remove the wheel. Support the lower control arm with a floor jack positioned underneath the coil spring pocket. For the right side coil spring removal, take off the brake line mounting bracket nuts and bolts, then remove the bracket. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt, slowly lower the arm, and take out the bolt. Loosen the driveaxle/hub nut until it reaches the end of the threads, then push the driveaxle into the hub just enough to loosen the splines. Detach the stabilizer bar link from the lower control arm and the trailing arm and toe-link arm from the knuckle. Loosen the lower control arm inner pivot bolt and remove the outer bolt. Pull the steering knuckle outward while pushing the driveaxle into the hub, then slowly lower the jack to extend the coil spring; once there is no load on the spring, remove it from the control arm, taking care not to overextend the inner CV joint of the driveaxle. For 2007 or earlier models, if the control arm cannot be lowered enough for the spring to fully extend, support the subframe with another floor jack on the side from which the spring is being removed, then remove the subframe bolts on that side and lower the subframe adequately. Mark the position of the coil spring to the spring insulators, check the spring for cracks and chips, and replace the springs as a set if any defects are found, also checking the insulators for damage and replacing them if necessary. Installation is the reverse of removal, ensuring the lower end of the spring is properly oriented with the insulator and connecting all suspension components before tightening any fasteners; raise the lower arm to simulate normal ride height before tightening any pivot bolts or nuts. Install a new driveaxle/hub nut and tighten it to the specified torque, then install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. Finally, have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.

It is advisable to compare the cost of replacing the complete assemblies with rebuilt units to the cost of having individual components replaced at a shop.