Need help with replacing rear leaf spring insulator pads on 1991 Lumina

I have a 1991 Cheve. Lumina that recently started making a loud noise in the rear everytime I went over a bump. A local mechanic checked it and said the rear traverse leaf spring insulators were gone and needed to be replaced. I looked at it and see that one insulator is gone completely and the other one is almost gone. I would like to replace these myself, but repair manuals show that there is a special spring compressor tool required that is only available at the dealer. I am wondering if there is a way to lift the ends of the spring just enough to slip on the new insulators without using the special tool. Does anyone have experience replacing these insulators? I would greatly appreciate your help.

 

That's not something I've had to do, but I brought up a diagram of that spring system. I believe that spring will have to be removed completely, the insulators installed in their hangers, then the spring slid into the insulator pockets.

Considering the tension on the spring and the complete removal of it, I wouldn't advise doing it without the tool made specifically for that repair.

Hope this helps,

Bob

 

i had to go to work and pull the service manual to verify but yes there is a special tool to take the spring pressure off and remove it

i would not even try it without the tool could get hurt to easy

 

Yes, you can change them, there is a nylon replacement kit for them. It's a pain in the butt. you need to get the whole rear end in the air and use another jack to lift each end of the spring. One end at a time. If you're not too mechanical, I wouldn't recommend tryin' it.