GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2000 🢒 Firebird 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Exhaust 🢒 Exhaust Muffler Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Object Number: 222971 Size: SH
  1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the track bar. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  3. Remove the drivers side rear tire.
  4. Support the rear axle with jack stands.

    5. Object Number: 222972 Size: SH
  5. Remove the passenger side rear stabilizer bar end link.

    6. Object Number: 222973 Size: SH
  6. Disconnect the passenger side rear shock from the rear axle.

    7. Object Number: 222974 Size: SH
  7. Remove the torque arm bolts at the rear axle.

    8. Lower the rear axle slightly.


    Object Number: 222975 Size: SH
  8. Remove the passenger side rear coil spring and bushing.

    9. Object Number: 222976 Size: SH
  9. Remove the left exhaust hanger from the underbody.

    10. Object Number: 550689 Size: SH
  10. Loosen the exhaust muffler clamp, (5.7 L shown, 3.8 L similar).
  11. Lower the rear axle enough to remove the muffler.
  12. Remove the muffler by rotating and sliding the muffler out from behind the vehicle.
  13. Transfer the exhaust hanger(s) to the new muffler.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 550689 Size: SH
  1. Install the exhaust muffler to the vehicle, (5.7 L shown, 3.8 L similar).
  2. Raise the rear axle.
  3. Tighten the exhaust muffler clamp.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the exhaust muffler clamp bolt to 48 N·m (35 lb ft).


    Object Number: 222976 Size: SH
  4. Install the left exhaust muffler hanger to the underbody.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the exhaust muffler hanger bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 222975 Size: SH
  5. Install the passenger side rear coil spring and bushing.

    6. Object Number: 222974 Size: SH
  6. Raise the axle completely.
  7. Install the torque arm bolts at the rear axle.

    8. Tighten

        • Tighten the torque arm bolts to 130 N·m (96 lb ft).
        • Tighten to torque arm nuts to 132 N·m (97 lb ft).

    Object Number: 222973 Size: SH
  8. Connect the passenger side rear shock to the rear axle.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the rear shock nuts to 90 N·m (66 lb ft).


    Object Number: 222972 Size: SH
  9. Connect the passenger side rear stabilizer bar end link.

    10. Tighten
    Tighten the end link nut to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).

  10. Remove the rear axle support.

    11. Object Number: 222971 Size: SH
  11. Install the drivers side rear tire

    12. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 120 N·m (89 lb ft).

  12. Install the track bar. Refer to Rear Axle Tie Rod Replacement in Rear Suspension.
  13. Lower the vehicle.