GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement Bushing Style

Tools Required

J 36202 Torsion Bar Unloading/Loading Tool

Removal Procedure

Important: When lifting the vehicle to service the torsion bars or related components, DO NOT lift the vehicle by the front suspension. Use the appropriate hoist and lift the vehicle by the frame.


    Object Number: 360742  Size: SH

    Notice: Use care when handling the torsion bars in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the torsion bars.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Install the J 36202 to the adjustment arm and the crossmember.
  3. Using the J 36202 , increase the tension on the adjustment arm until the load is removed from the adjustment bolt and the adjuster nut.

  4. Object Number: 348349  Size: SH

    Important:  Mark the adjustment bolt and count the number of times that is required to remove the adjustment bolt.

  5. Remove the adjustment bolt (3)  and the adjust nut (4) from the crossmember (1).
  6. Remove the J 36202 , allowing the torsion bar to unload.
  7. Remove the adjustment arm (2) by sliding the torsion bar forward.

  8. Object Number: 348347  Size: SH
  9. Remove the torsion bar crossmember bolt (4) from the weld nut (1).
  10. Remove the crossmember (2) from the crossmember mount (3).
  11. Remove the torsion bar from the crossmember.
  12. Important: The left and right torsion bars are different and are not interchangeable.

  13. Remove the torsion bars from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the torsion bar in the lower control arm.

  2. Object Number: 348347  Size: SH
  3. Install the torsion bar in the crossmember (2) on the crossmember mount (3).
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the torsion bar crossmember bolt (4) in the weld nut (1).
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the crossmember bolt to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 348349  Size: SH
  7. Install the adjustment arm (2) in the crossmember (1).
  8. Install the adjuster bolt (3) and the adjuster nut (4).
  9. Install the torsion bar into the adjustment arm until the torsion bar is fully seated.

  10. Object Number: 360742  Size: SH
  11. Install the J 36202 to the adjustment arm and the crossmember.
  12. Using the J 36202 , increase the tension on the adjustment arm to load the torsion bar.
  13. Turn the adjuster bolt the same amount of turns as it took to remove it.
  14. Remove the J 36202 from the crossmember.
  15. Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.
  16. Measure the Z height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection.

Torsion Bar and Support Assembly Replacement Link Style

Tools Required

J 36202 Torsion Bar Unloading/Loading Tool

Removal Procedure

Important: When lifting the vehicle to service the torsion bars or related components, DO NOT lift the vehicle by the front suspension. Use the appropriate hoist and lift the vehicle by the frame.


    Object Number: 360742  Size: SH

    Notice: Use care when handling the torsion bars in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the torsion bars.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
  2. Install the J 36202 to the adjustment arm and the support assembly.
  3. Using the J 36202 , increase the tension on the adjustment arm until the load is removed from the adjustment bolt and the adjuster nut.

  4. Object Number: 348345  Size: SH

    Important: Create a reference point for the adjustment bolt to the support. Count the number of times that is required to remove the adjustment bolt.

  5. Remove the adjustment bolt (3) and the adjuster nut (4) from the support assembly (1).
  6. Remove the J 36202 , allowing the torsion bar to unload.
  7. Remove the adjustment arm (2) by sliding the torsion bar forward.
  8. Remove the adjustment arm (2) from the support assembly (1).

  9. Object Number: 392162  Size: SH
  10. Remove the upper link mounting bolt (1)  and nut (2) from the link (3).
  11. Remove the torsion bar support assembly (4).
  12. Important: The left and right torsion bars are different and are not interchangeable

  13. Remove the torsion bar from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

  1. Position the torsion bar in the lower control arm.
  2. Install the torsion bar in the support assembly.
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 392162  Size: SH
  4. Install the upper link mounting nut (2) and the bolt (1) in the link (3).
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 95 N·m (70 lb ft).


    Object Number: 348345  Size: SH
  6. Install the adjustment arm (2) in the support assembly (1).
  7. Install the adjuster bolt (3) and the adjustment nut (4).
  8. Slide the torsion bar rearward until the torsion bar is fully seated in the adjustment arm.

  9. Object Number: 360742  Size: SH
  10. Install the J 36202 on the adjustment arm and the support assembly.
  11. Using the J 36202 , increase the tension on the adjustment arm in order to load the torsion bar.
  12. Align the reference marks, turn the adjuster bolt the same amount of turns as it took to remove it.
  13. Remove the J 36202 from the support assembly.
  14. Remove the safety stand and lower the vehicle.
  15. Measure the Z height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection.