How replace trunk lid torsion bar 2005 malibu

There are two rods, one has rubber on it. I just replaced the one with rubber on it. Looking at the one rod that was still in place, you can see it mirrors the rod you are going to replace, the placement is just opposite the one that is in there. The rod has a left end that is a square "C" shape, and the right end has a "V" bend right before the end. First position the rod above the seat release cables (if you have them) then position the "V" end near the inside right top of the trunk. Then slide the left "C" end into one of the three slots (I used the bottom slot). Leave it loose so it can rotate with just the tip in the slot. Slide the rod to the right so the "V" is above the spring clip (don't clip it in yet). The right side and the left side of the "V" has to fit into the tabs underneath and inside the top of the trunk. Compare to the left side to see how it fits. Once in place, you can then lower the "V" down to the clip and snap it over the bottom tip of the "V". These steps are easier if the trunk is propped not fully open. I had someone lower the trunk part way while I lay on my back inside the trunk, and I used a small open end wrench to bend the rod slightly to get it to fit into the tabs. The final step is to position the left side of the rod so the torque will hold the lid open. I used a small open end wrench, placed it over the tip in the slot and rotated CW upward until straight part of the rod slid over the hook to hold it in place. This last step had me concerned that I could bend or break the rod, but I went slowly and carefully and was quite happy when it snapped into place and held the lid open.

I replaced both of my trunk torsion bars today in a 2004 Malibu. It wasn't that hard but I did happen to have the perfect tools for the job: channel lock pliers and a small pry bar (See picture of tools). I am also including left and right view pictures of the way that the bars hook in, here are the GM part numbers: RH bar (non rubberized one) 22735274 LH bar (rubber tube on bar) 22735275 Order of install: [1] Secure the trunk all the way open; I used a rope locked in the trunk latch and tied the other end up to the sun deck above the car port. Position the U bar end over trunk release cables, maneuver V end of bar into tabs at top of trunk so that the end of the bar is held in place past the trunk hinge. See circles 1 in picture. I did the drivers side RH first. [2] position opposite end U bar so that the bar tip is inside the desired strength slot. I used the middle slot. [3] Lower the trunk half way. Clamp down the V part of the bar into the hook on the hinge. See circle 2. This is where the channel lock pliers were really useful. Observe in the pictures that the V part follows (hugs) the curve of the hinge so that the V and hook fit into the square hole when the trunk is opened. [4] Repeat with the other bar. [5] Secure trunk all the way open. The last step involves pushing the bar up and onto the hook in front of the tension slots. See circle 3. This was easily done while lying on my back in the trunk and lifting the bar up with both hands on the pry bar. The nail puller slot on the straight end fits the bar really well. Lift up and towards the front of the car until the bar snaps onto the hook. Reverse the procedure to release the bars if you want to try a different tension slot. Max tension is the top slot. Use a flat screw driver to move the lock tab on the V hook (picture 2) Hope this helps, the dealer wanted an hour of work to install them. Cost of the new parts was $20 each.

Simple job. 15 minutes on my 2005 Malibu. (A) Drive to the wrecking yard and look inside a 2005 Malibu trunk to see how the rod in factory installed. (B) Open the trunk ((half way)) to relieve (all) the tension on replacing the rod. (c) Replace the rod on the RIGHT side first. Remove the locking clip and install the rod just like you saw at the wrecking yard. Now replace the locking clip. (d) On the left side of the trunk bend the rod with (vice grips) 1 inch to fit into the center hole. There are 3 holes. Now bend the rod forward 2 inches with vice grips and it should snap into the locking slot. Job complete. (NOTE) Be very careful when you remove the locking clip and replace it. It is very fragile and breaks very easily.