Q: How to Remove the Shock Absorber and Coil Springs?
A: To remove the shock absorber, start by loosening the wheel lug nuts and raising the front of the vehicle. Support it securely on jackstands and remove the wheel. Mark the shock absorbers with a R or L if they are both removed at the same time. Remove the wheel speed sensor cable bracket from the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin and loosen the castle nut from the upper Ball Joint stud. Detach the ball joint from the steering knuckle using a puller and remove the nut. Pull the steering knuckle outward and to the back of the front wheel opening, being careful not to strain the brake hose. Remove the shock absorber clevis pinch bolt and nut. Remove the clevis bolt from the lower Control Arm and tap the clevis from the shock absorber using a soft-faced hammer. Remove the four bolts from the shock tower attaching the upper control arm/shock absorber. Remove the upper control arm mounting bracket and shock absorber as an assembly. To inspect the shock absorber assembly, check for leaking fluid, dents, cracks, and other obvious damage. Also, check the coil spring for chips and corrosion. Replace any damaged components. To install the shock absorber, connect the assembly to the upper control arm mount and install it into the shock tower. Align the locating pins and mounting holes and tighten the four bolts. Install the clevis on the shock absorber and tap it until properly aligned and fully seated against the locating tab. Install the bolt and tighten it. Install the clevis-to-lower control arm bolt without tightening it. Install the upper ball joint into the steering knuckle, tighten the castle nut, and install a new cotter pin. Install the speed control routing cable on the steering knuckle. Use a floor jack to raise the lower control arm to simulate normal ride height and tighten the shock absorber clevis-to-lower control arm bolt. Install the wheel and lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts.
Q: How to Remove and Inspect a Shock Absorber and Coil Springs?
A: To replace the shock absorber, lift the carpeting and unsnap the plastic cover to remove the two upper mounting nuts. Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels and the shock absorber lower mounting bolt from the rear knuckle. Mount the shock assembly in a vise and mark it and use a spring compressor to relieve pressure, then unscrew the damper rod nut and remove the washer. Reassemble the shock absorber in reverse order, making sure to install the sleeve and top washer. Connect the lower end of the shock absorber to the knuckle and tighten the bolt/nut. Install the wheels, lower the vehicle, and tighten the lug nuts.
Q: How Do You Disassemble a Shock Absorber Assembly and Coil Springs?
A: To disassemble the shock absorber assembly, start by removing it and reinstalling the clevis bracket. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise and compress the coil spring. Remove the damper rod nut, washer, upper control arm mounting bracket, and isolator bushings. Take off the upper and lower isolator bushings, sleeve, and upper spring isolator. Remove the washer, dust shield, compressed coil spring, jounce bumper, and sleeve. Inspect the shock absorber for rod binding and check the shock mount, upper spring seat/isolator, and coil spring for any damage. To assemble, reverse the steps. Install the sleeve on the shock absorber rod with the undercut side facing downward. Reinstall the top and bottom shock absorber rod bushings. Finally, install the shock absorber/coil spring assembly.