Q: How to Replace a front Shock Absorber/Coil Spring Assembly?
A: These vehicle models are equipped with shock absorber/coil spring assemblies. It is possible to replace the shocks or springs individually but the unit will have to be disassembled by a qualified repair shop with the proper equipment. This will add considerable cost to the project. You can compare the cost of replacing the complete assemblies yourself to the cost of replacing individual components (with the help of a shop). Removal: Remove the cap on the shock tower and remove the fasteners that attach the upper end of the shock to the frame. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the front wheels. Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the shock assembly. Remove the fasteners attaching the lower end of the shock absorber to the lower Control Arm. Pull down on the lower control arm and remove the shock absorber towards the rear of the vehicle. Inspect the shock absorber for leaking fluid, dents, cracks and other damage. Inspect the coil spring for chips and cracks which could cause premature failure. Inspect the spring seats for hardness and general deterioration. If any of the components of the assembly are worn or damaged, have the unit serviced by a qualified repair shop or replace it. Installation: Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the mounting fasteners. Note: Raise the lower control arm with a floor jack to simulate normal ride height before lightening lower shock absorber mounting fasteners. Tighten the wheel lug nuts.
A: For regular shock absorbers, start by raising the rear of the vehicle and supporting it securely on jackstands. Remove the wheel and support the spring link with a floor jack. Remove the fasteners attaching the upper end of the shock absorber to the frame and then remove the fasteners at the lower end. Install the new shock absorber in reverse, ensuring to raise the spring link to simulate normal ride height before tightening the lower shock absorber mounting fasteners.For load-leveling shock absorbers, there are additional steps involved. When servicing the left shock absorber, remove the rubber hose between the fuel filler neck and the gas tank and move the filler neck aside. If dealing with dual exhaust or the right shock absorber, lower the exhaust and support it with jackstands or another jack. Place a floor jack under the rear differential to support the suspension and subframe. Support the spring link with a floor jack and wood block and remove the fasteners attaching the upper end of the shock absorber to the frame. Slowly lower the floor jack supporting the spring link. Remove the fasteners at the lower end of the shock and mark the subframe in relation to the chassis before removing the front and rear subframe fasteners on the side being worked on. Carefully lower the differential with the floor jack to remove the shock absorber. Installation is carried out in reverse, ensuring to follow the specified points like installing the lower shock absorber fasteners before raising the subframe, aligning the subframe with reference marks, using the appropriate length bolts, and tightening all suspension fasteners. Finally, have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.