Removal Procedure

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
Remove the tire and wheel assemblies. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Remove and DISCARD the 2 exhaust front pipe to exhaust rear muffler nuts (2, 3).

Fig 1: Rear Exhaust Pipe
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the rear exhaust pipe (1) from flange.
DISCARD the flange gasket.
Loosen the rear exhaust muffler from suspension points (1, 2, 3).

Fig 2: Suspension Points
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: There may be additional attachment points, depending on the powertrain of the vehicle.
Remove the 3 rivets (1) from the equalizer beam center link heat shield (2).

Fig 3: Identifying Equalizer Beam Center Link Heat Shield And Rivets
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the 2 equalizer beam link bolts (1) from the rear axle (2).

Fig 4: Rear Axle And Equalizer Beam Link Bolt
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove and DISCARD the 2 equalizer beam link bolts and the 2 nuts (1) from the equalizer beam center link (2).

Fig 5: Identifying Equalizer Beam Center Link
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Remove the 2 equalizer beam links from the vehicle.
Push down the rear muffler. Remove and DISCARD the equalizer beam center link bolt and nut (1) from the equalizer beam center link (2).

Fig 6: Identifying Equalizer Beam Center Link
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

NOTE: Notice the correct installation position.
Remove the equalizer beam center link (2) from the vehicle.