Safety Glasses
Nitrile Gloves
Jack
Jack Stands
Ratchets
Sockets
Hex Wrench
Trim Tool
Shocks
Step 1: Pop the Trunk and Fold Down the Seats
Park on a level surface and pop the trunk. Go ahead and fold the backs of the rear seats forward by pulling the release levers at the top of the trunk. This will be important in a minute.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Loosen the lug nuts on the back wheels with a 19mm socket.
Step 3: Jack Up the Vehicle
Jack up the back end and put it on stands.
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Do It Right: Unsure how to safely jack up your vehicle? Learn how with this helpful video: How to Safely Lift & Support Your Vehicle |
Step 4: Remove the Wheels
Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels.
Step 5: Place the Floor Jack Under the Suspension
Put the floor jack under the connecting point of the trailing arm and the knuckle and raise it until the suspension begins to compress.
Step 6: Remove the Rear Shock’s Bolt
Remove the bolt from the bottom of the first shock you’ll be replacing using a 14mm socket.
Step 7: Remove the Trunk Side Trim Clips and Panel
Remove the clips securing the trunk side trim panel, then fold it back.
Step 8: Loosen the Self-Locking Nut
Loosen the self-locking nut while holding the shock absorber shaft with a hex wrench.
Step 9: Remove the Shock from the Wheel Well
Compress the shock by hand and remove it from the wheel well. Now, you should be able to remove the old mounting bushing.
Step 10: Check the Size of the New Shock
Set the old shock next to your new shock to make sure you have the right replacement. There may be a slight difference in length due to different types of internal rebound bumpers or support springs, but it won’t affect performance.
Step 11: Prime the Shock Absorber
Before installation, it is a good idea to prime the shock absorber by fully compressing and letting it extend on its own 4-5 times.
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Do It Right: This will ensure that the gas and oil are in the proper position inside the shock and can help prevent unwanted noise when you start driving with the new shock in place. |
Step 12: Install the Mounting Bushing
Install the mounting bushing onto the shock
Step 13: Place the New Shock
Position the new shock absorber between the body and the trailing arm.
Step 14: Install the Mounting Bolt
Now, install the mounting bolt at the bottom of the shock. Loosely tighten the bolt.
Step 15: Raise the Suspension and Tighten the Bolt
Raise the suspension with the jack until the vehicle lifts from the jack stands, then tighten the bolt to fifty-one foot pounds.
Step 16: Install the Mounting Bushing
At the top of the shock, install the mounting bushing, washer, and a new self-locking nut. Hold the shaft with a hex wrench or plier and ratcheting wrench, then you can tighten the self-locking nut to twenty-two foot pounds.
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Do It Right: Shocks should be replaced in pairs, so repeat these steps on the other side. |
Step 17: Replace the Trunk Side Trim Lining
Replace the trunk side trim lining and secure it with the trim clips.
Step 18: Return the Back Seats and Close the Trunk
Return the back seats to their upright position and close the trunk.
Step 19: Replace the Wheel
Replace the wheel and finger tighten the lug nuts so that the wheels are flush against the hub.
Step 20: Lower the Vehicle
Lower the vehicle and use your 19mm socket to tighten the nuts in a star pattern to eighty-foot pounds.
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.