Suspension: Service and Repair

REMOVAL
1. Remove service lid.
2. Remove rear crossmember under cover panel. (FWD)
3. Remove center exhaust pipe.
4. Follow removal steps outlined in the illustration, noting the following.





5. Make mating marks on the differential companion flange and flange yoke, and then separate the differential carrier assembly and the propeller shaft.
6. Suspend the propeller shaft from the body with wire, etc. so that there are no sharp bends.

CAUTION: Be careful that there are no sharp bends in the propeller shaft, as they may damage the Lobro joint (U-joint).





7. After supporting the crossmember in FWD vehicles or the differential case in AWD vehicles with a garage jack or transmission jack respectively, remove the crossmember mounting nuts.

INSPECTION
Check crossmember for cracks or other damage.

INSTALLATION
1. Follow removal steps in reverse order for installation, noting the following.
2. Install with the mating marks of the differential carrier and propeller aligned.

CAUTION: Tighten installation bolts and nuts after removing oil and grease from threads to prevent them from loosening.

3. Perform parking brake lever stroke check. Refer to Brakes and Traction Control.
4. Check and adjust wheel alignment.