Removal Procedure

NOTE: Use care when handling the coil springs in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the coil springs.

Raise the vehicle. Refer to JACKING AND LIFTING in General Information.
The lower control arms must hang free.
Remove the shock absorber. Refer to SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (RWD) or SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (AWD) .
CAUTION: Tool J 23028-01 should be secured to a suitable jack or personal injury could result.
Secure the J 23028-01 to a suitable jack. Position the J 23028-01 so the tool cradles the inner bushings.

Fig 1: Supporting Lower Control Arm
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the stabilizer shaft link. Refer to STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT (RWD) or STABILIZER SHAFT LINK REPLACEMENT (AWD) .
Raise the jack, under the J 23028-01 in order to relieve tension from the lower control arm bolts.
Remove the lower control arm bolts and the nuts. Remove the rear bolt and the rear nut first.

Fig 2: Removing Lower Control Arm Bolts And Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Lower the lower control arm by lowering the jack slowly to relieve the tension of the coil spring.
Important: Do not apply force on the lower control arm or the lower ball joint in order to remove the coil spring. Proper maneuvering of the coil spring will allow for easy removal.
After all compression is removed from the coil spring, remove the coil spring and coil spring insulators from the vehicle.

Fig 3: Removing Coil Spring And Coil Spring Insulators From Vehicle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.