Shock Replacement

Shock Replacement

Note: This information is only applicable to shock absorbers; struts are a completely different procedure.

Step 1: Safely raise your vehicle on whatever side you wish to start on. Use an approved jack, and as many safety stands as you feel necessary. Remove all lug nuts, and take off the wheel

(Safely raise the vehicle)

(Taking the wheel off)

Step 2: Using another jack, and safety stand, support the bottom of the steering knuckle or ball joint assembly to keep it in the same position for installing the new shock absorber.

Step 3: Locate the bolt on the top of the shock absorber. Using an appropriate wrench, loosen the mounting nut, while keeping the stud from rotating as well. There is often a hex end to the stud to use a ratchet to keep it from turning. If there is no hex on the stud, a vice grip may be used to keep the stud from turning as well.

(Removing the top nut)

Step 4: Locate the bottom shock absorber mounting nuts or bolts, there are often two, but one is common as well. Loosen and remove these nuts or bolts, while keeping in mind the order of all necessary bushings for installation references.

(Removing the bottom bolt)

Step 5: Remove all bushings from the top mounting nut area, while keeping in mind their order for installing the new shock absorber. Remove the shock absorber.

Step 6: With the new shock absorber, compress it completely many times with the top facing upwards to bleed all of the air internally. Repeat this step until you hear the sound of the air escaping completely stop.

Step 7: Place the new shock absorber in the same position as the old one while placing new bushings on the top of the shock absorber. Make sure they are in the same order as the old bushings.

Step 8: Replace the nut on the top of the shock absorber, and while keeping the stud from turning (as outlined in step 3) tighten the nut to the factory’s torque specification.

Step 9: Install new bushings on the bottom of the shock absorber, using the same order as the old one. Install and tighten the bottom nuts or bolts to the factory’s torque specification.

(New shock installed)

Step 10: Remove the jack and safety stand from under the steering knuckle or ball joint. Replace the wheel on the lug studs, and using the factory’s torque specification, tighten the lug nuts.

Step 11: Lower the vehicle, and begin on the other side, following the same instructions. Once finished, take a test drive and make sure there are no unusual noises.