Coil Spring - Rear

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear coil springs on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 RWD with the 5.3L V8 engine, which requires safely supporting the rear axle and compressing the suspension to release spring tension.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear coil spring (left or right as needed) × 1 — GM OEM or equivalent heavy-duty coil spring for Silverado 1500
• Coil spring insulator (upper) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coil spring insulator (lower) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a flat, level concrete surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential
5. Support frame rails with jack stands at manufacturer-recommended lift points, ensuring adequate clearance to drop rear axle
6. Remove rear wheels completely
7. Spray all shock absorber mounting bolts and suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes
8. Visually inspect rear suspension for damage, excessive rust, or worn components

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the rear axle assembly
   Position a floor jack under the rear axle differential housing. Raise jack until it just contacts the axle but does not lift it. The jack must remain in place throughout the procedure to control axle movement. Ensure jack is stable and centered on the differential.
   ⚠️The jack must remain under the axle at all times during spring removal. Losing control of the axle can cause severe injury.
2. 2

   Disconnect rear shock absorber lower mount
   Locate the lower shock absorber mounting bolt on the side you are servicing. Using a socket and breaker bar, remove the lower shock mounting bolt. Guide the shock absorber upward and secure it out of the way using a zip tie or bungee cord to prevent damage. Do not allow shock to hang freely.
   ⚠Do not remove the upper shock mount. The shock only needs to be disconnected at the lower mount for spring access.
3. 3

   Lower the rear axle to release spring tension
   Slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the rear axle. Lower the axle approximately 4-6 inches or until the coil spring is no longer under compression and can move freely in its seat. Monitor the spring and stop lowering if you encounter resistance or unusual binding. The spring should become loose but remain partially captured between upper and lower seats.
   ⚠️Lower the axle very slowly. Rapid lowering can cause the spring to dislodge violently. Maintain constant control of the jack.
   ⚠Watch brake lines and ABS sensor wiring. Ensure nothing is stretched or at risk of damage as the axle drops.
4. 4

   Install coil spring compressor
   With the spring relaxed, install a coil spring compressor tool through the center of the spring. Follow the compressor manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. Ensure the compressor hooks are securely engaged on opposite coils with equal spacing. Tighten the compressor evenly, alternating sides, until the spring is compressed enough to remove from its seats (typically 2-3 inches of compression).
   ⚠️Use only a proper coil spring compressor rated for automotive use. Improper tools can slip and cause catastrophic spring release.
   ⚠️Compress the spring evenly. Uneven compression can cause the compressor to slip or the spring to distort dangerously.
5. 5

   Remove coil spring assembly
   With the spring compressed, carefully remove it from between the upper frame mount and lower axle seat. Guide the spring out, keeping it vertical and controlled. You may need to use a pry bar to gently assist removal, but avoid forcing it. Once clear, place the compressed spring in a safe location away from the work area. Remove and inspect the upper and lower spring insulators (rubber pads). Replace if cracked, deteriorated, or compressed.
   ⚠️Keep hands and body clear of the spring's potential release path. Never place your face near a compressed spring.
6. 6

   Prepare new coil spring
   Install new lower spring insulator on the bottom coil of the new spring, ensuring it seats properly in the spring's end coil. Install new upper spring insulator on the top coil. If reusing the old spring, transfer the insulators to the corresponding positions. Install the coil spring compressor on the new spring using the same technique as removal. Compress the spring until it is approximately the same compressed length as the old spring was during removal (typically 2-3 inches shorter than free length).
7. 7

   Install new coil spring
   Carefully position the compressed spring between the upper frame seat and lower axle seat. Ensure the spring's end coil with the lower insulator is properly seated in the lower axle pocket. The upper insulator must align with the upper frame mount. Verify the spring is oriented correctly - the top and bottom ends are usually different and must match the OEM orientation. The spring's pigtail end typically faces toward the front or rear of the vehicle depending on design.
   ⚠Spring orientation is critical. Installing a spring backwards can affect ride quality and handling. Compare to the old spring orientation before removal.
8. 8

   Raise axle and seat the spring
   Slowly raise the floor jack under the rear axle. As the axle rises, the spring will begin to compress between the upper and lower seats. Continue raising until the spring is fully seated in both the upper frame pocket and lower axle seat. Verify the spring insulators remain properly positioned and did not shift during installation. The axle should be approximately at normal ride height position.
   ⚠Raise the axle slowly and watch for proper spring seating. Stop immediately if the spring appears misaligned or the insulators shift.
9. 9

   Release spring compressor
   With the axle supporting the spring, carefully and evenly loosen the coil spring compressor tool. Alternate between adjustment points to release tension gradually. Once the compressor is completely loose and the spring is fully loaded against the suspension, remove the compressor tool. Verify the spring is properly seated top and bottom with no gaps or misalignment.
   ⚠️Release the compressor slowly and evenly. If the spring begins to shift or pop, stop immediately and reassess the installation.
10. 10

    Reconnect shock absorber
    Guide the rear shock absorber back into position at the lower mounting point. Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and start it by hand. Raise or lower the axle slightly with the floor jack if needed to align the shock mounting holes. Once aligned, install the bolt and tighten to the appropriate specification per the manufacturer's service manual (typically 90-100 Nm, though not specified in provided torque data).
11. 11

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the rear wheel onto the hub, ensuring the mounting surface is clean. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to approximately 50% torque. Raise the vehicle slightly and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. This places the vehicle weight on the suspension for final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final torque wheel lug nuts
    With the vehicle's full weight on the ground, torque the wheel lug nuts to 169 Nm (125 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Start at one lug nut, then move to the opposite nut, continuing in a star/criss-cross pattern until all nuts are torqued. This ensures even pressure distribution on the wheel and hub.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If replacing springs on both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side
2. Inspect all suspension components accessed during this procedure for wear or damage
3. Check that all fasteners removed during the procedure have been reinstalled and properly torqued
4. Clean any dirt or debris from brake components that may have accumulated during the procedure

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground, verify the rear ride height is even side-to-side and matches the front-to-rear rake specification
• Bounce the rear of the vehicle several times and listen for any unusual noises, squeaks, or rattles indicating improper spring seating
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify normal ride quality and handling with no clunking or rattling
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check wheel lug nut torque to ensure they have not loosened
• Have the vehicle's wheel alignment checked by a professional, as rear spring replacement can affect alignment settings

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