Removal Procedure
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2002 GMC Yukon XL, 2002 GMC Yukon, 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, and 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Remove the rear tires and wheels. Refer to TIRE AND WHEEL REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .
- Remove the oil pan skid plate bolts and plate, if necessary.
- Remove the spare tire.
- If servicing a vehicle with regular production option (RPO) Z55, disconnect the chassis harness from the following electrical connectors:
- Electronic suspension rear position sensor (1)
- Rear shock (2)
- Remove the left and right sensor link rods from the sensors, perform the following:
- Support the sensor lever with your hand
- Twist the link rod in order to remove it from the ball stud
- Install adjustable jack stands under the rear axle.
- If equipped with a 8.6 or 9.5 inch ring gear, remove the rear axle vent hose from the rear axle, if necessary.
- Remove the vent hose swivel clip from the rear brake crossover pipe.
- If equipped with a 10.5 inch ring gear, remove the rear axle vent hose from the rear axle, if necessary.
- Remove the vent hose swivel clip from the rear brake crossover pipe.
- Remove the rear shock absorbers lower bolts and nuts.
- Lower the rear axle slightly, using the adjustable jack stands, in order to remove the muffler.
- Unclip the oxygen sensor connector from the frame.
- Disconnect the connector position assurance (CPA) retainer.
- Disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connector.
- If equipped with a 6.0L engine, perform the following:
- Unclip the oxygen sensor connector from the frame.
- Disconnect the CPA retainer.
- Disconnect the oxygen sensor electrical connector.
- Remove the exhaust muffler nuts.
- Loosen the exhaust pipe clamp.
- With the aid of an assistant, support the exhaust muffler.
- Remove the insulators from the frame hangers.
- With the aid of an assistant, slide the muffler rearward in order to remove the muffler from the catalytic converter.
- Remove the insulators from the muffler hangers.
- Remove the exhaust manifold pipe gasket.
- Remove the oxygen sensor if the muffler is being replaced.
IMPORTANT:
Do not attempt to pry the rear suspension sensor link rods from the rear position sensor ball studs.