Rear Suspension Description And Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

This vehicle has a semi-independent rear suspension which consists of the following components:

An axle with trailing arms
A twisting cross beam
2 coil shocks

The axle assembly attaches to the underbody through a rubber bushing located at the front of each control arm. The brackets are integral with the underbody side rails. The axle structure itself maintains the geometrical relationship of the wheels relative to the inside of the body. The stabilizer shaft is attached to the inside of the axle beam. The coil springs support the weight of the vehicle in the rear. A rubber insulator isolates the coil spring upper spring seat.

The lower ends of the coil-over shocks are attached to the axle assembly, by a bracket which has a stud that is fastened to the axle using a nut. The upper ends are attached to the body of the car. The top of the coil-over shock has an insulator which is bolted to the body near the wheel-house area. The coil-over shock absorbers are non-adjustable and non-refillable. Service of the coil-over shocks require replacement of the inner shock assembly. This is when they have lost their resistance, are damaged or are leaking. Refer to STRUT, STRUT COMPONENT AND/OR SPRING REPLACEMENT in FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM . A single hub and bearing assembly is bolted to both ends of the rear axle assembly or the rear knuckle assembly. This hub and bearing assembly is a sealed unit which eliminated the need for wheel bearing adjustments and does not require periodic maintenance.