Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Shock Absorbers
Socket Wrench
Ratchet & Sockets
Pry Bar
Mallet
Torque Wrench
Step 1: Remove Your Vehicle’s Old Shock Absorber
Jack up your vehicle and put it on stands, and remove the rear wheel where you'll be working on.
Then, place a jack under the lower ball joint or control arm.
Raise the jack upward slightly to relieve the tension of the suspension.
Raise the jack upward slightly to relieve the tension of the suspension.
The shock absorber will be connected to the top shock mount by a bolt, and by a nut at the bottom shock mount on the suspension knuckle. There will also be a third bolt for the splash guard that bolts directly into the absorber. Use penetrating oil if needed to loosen the bolts and nut. Use a socket wrench and 10mm socket to remove the splash guard bolt, and splash guard.
Then, remove the bottom nut using a socket.
Next, remove the top bolt(s) with your socket.
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Do It Right: Not all vehicles will have a top bolt to remove, some have a threaded stud that doesn't require removal. |
You should be able to remove the shock absorber now. Start at the top by pulling it away from the shock mount. Then, push it away from the bottom shock mount. If you have trouble you may need to use a pry bar and mallet to loosen the shock.
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Do It Right: You may need to compress the shock to remove it from the vehicle. |
Step 2: Install Your New Rear Shock Absorber
Before installing a new shock absorber it is recommended to manually pump them 3 to 5 times. When you do that, make sure the shock is oriented the way it will be in the vehicle, top side up. This primes the shock and reduces the break-in period by getting the hydraulic fluid and nitrogen gas redistributed correctly, since the shock has likely been sitting horizontally on a shelf and during shipment.
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Do It Right: If the shock is packaged with a band on it, you may want to wait until it’s in place to cut the band. |
To install the new shock absorber, first make sure it’s in the proper orientation so the splash guard at the base of the shock can be reinstalled correctly. Connect the shock to the bottom shock mount.
Then, compress the shock and work it into the top shock mount.
Reinstall and finger-tighten the top bolt(s), and the bottom nut.
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Do It Right: Don’t torque these till the wheel is replaced and the vehicle is lowered so that the suspension is loaded. |
Use the third bolt to reinstall the splash guard if your vehicle has one.
Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to manufacturer specifications. As always, be sure all bolts are tightened to manufacturer specifications.
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Do It Right: Shocks should be replaced in pairs, so repeat these steps on the other side. |
The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.