GM 14027938
Leaf Spring Bushing, Rear

Begin Leaf Spring Bushing replacement by extracting the Leaf Spring from your vehicle. An arbor press helps remove the bushing from the spring assembly and cleaning of remaining bushing parts should take place on the spring eye. Inspect the spring eye for burrs which could reduce bushing installment and smoothness during the procedure. Before insertion use an arbor press to press in a bushing that has rubber lubricant on both the spring eye and the bushing. Complete installation of the Leaf Spring on the vehicle marks the end of the process.

Replace the shackle bushing by removing both the spring shackle along with the spare tire for left-hand bushing replacement. Flat-end punch service allows users to straighten the flange section projecting from the interior frame rails followed by applying the Control Arm Bushing Service Kit J 21474-01 to detach the spring shackle bushing. After using the Control Arm Bushing Service Kit (J 21474-01) to replace the new spring shackle bushing be sure to draw it into the frame rail to make the flanged area even with the rail. Use a blunt punch to stake the inner flange surface of the spring shackle bushing before reinstalling the spare tire and setting the spring shackle into position.

Replace the shackle bushing by removing both the spring shackle along with the spare tire for left-hand bushing replacement. Flat-end punch service allows users to straighten the flange section projecting from the interior frame rails followed by applying the Control Arm Bushing Service Kit J 21474-01 to detach the spring shackle bushing. After using the Control Arm Bushing Service Kit (J 21474-01) to replace the new spring shackle bushing be sure to draw it into the frame rail to make the flanged area even with the rail. Use a blunt punch to stake the inner flange surface of the spring shackle bushing before reinstalling the spare tire and setting the spring shackle into position.

The vehicle needs to be lifted and properly supported before replacing shackle bushings. When working on 2-door utilities first remove the Fuel Tank together with the evap canister. In case of required spare tire removal on pickups and 4-door utility models the mechanic should disconnect the rear exhaust hangers to achieve better exhaust system accessibility. First support the rear axle before taking out the spring shackle to frame mounting bolt and its associated nut. Keep the Leaf Spring with its attached lower spring shackle mounting bolt. Drop the axle to a suitable height which enables access to remove the spring shackle bushings. While removing the Fuel Tank use a blunt punch to straighten the bushing flange then replace both spring shackle bushings. Use control arm bushing service kit (J 21474-01) to remove spring shackle bushing before repeating this same process on the other bushing. The control arm bushing service kit (J 21474-01) enables installation of new spring shackle bushings by placing the bushing flange directly against the frame rail before using the stake tool on the inner flange. First position the axle in place and fasten the spring shackle to the frame through bolt and nut without tightening. After installing the second bushing insert the axle support to achieve a 164 - 176 mm (6.46 - 6.94 inches) gap between axle tube and bumper bracket metal surface. Tighten the rear spring shackle nuts to 122 nm (89 ft. Lbs.)you must first remove the rear axle support then possibly lift the exhaust system to install rear exhaust hangers. After lowering the car down install the spare tire followed by reinstalling both the evap canister for two-door utilities and the Fuel Tank.

First service or repair of leaf spring bushings requires raising your vehicle through proper support methods. Support the rear axle before proceeding to remove the spare tire from pickups and 4-door utility models. Lower the exhaust system to an appropriate position after disconnecting the rear exhaust hangers. The servicing process for 2-door utility models requires tank fuel removal and removal of the evap canister. First remove the frame to spring shackle nut along with washers and frame to spring shackle bolt. The first step involves loosening the lower spring shackle bolt at the leaf spring but leaving the bolt attached before lowering the axle until the spring shackle bushing removal space becomes possible. The bushing flange should be straightened using a blunt punch while it passes through the inner frame assembly. It is crucial to replace both spring shackle bushings during this time when the Fuel Tank is already removed from the vehicle. The control arm bushing service kit (J 21474-01) allows the removal of the spring shackle bushing and technicians should use the same process to remove both bushings. The control arm bushing service kit (J 21474-01) allows the new spring shackle bushing installation by placing the flanged portion next to the frame rail before securely staking the inner flange. Position the axle before i install the frame to spring shackle bolt along with washers and frame to spring shackle nut but do not tighten it yet. Perform another installation procedure for the opposite spring shackle bushing. Apply support to the axle before tightening the rear spring shackle nuts to 122 nm (89 ft. Lbs.) while maintaining a distance of 164 mm to 176 mm (6.46 inch to 6.94 inch) between the axle tube and the metal surface of the bumper bracket. For 2-door utility models install the evap canister and Fuel Tank before raising the exhaust system to connect its hangers. To finish the suspension process put back the spare tire on pickups and 4-door utility models then remove the rear axle support and drop the vehicle.