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Auto: Repairs: Replace Worn Shocks

Replace Your Truck or SUV's Worn Shocks

Shock absorbers wear out and must be replaced periodically in order to maintain safe handling and a comfortable ride. Shock absorbers should be replaced as a set (all four), or at the very least, a pair. Replacing shock absorbers on most trucks, SUV's and rear wheel drive cars is a very simple affair that can be accomplished using common hand tools. Simply unbolt the old shock and reinstall a new one. If you're just learning how to maintain your vehicle, shock replacment is perfect repair project to start out with. Follow along as we take you through the paces of replacing the shocks on our pickup truck. The process will be similar on most trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Never climb under a vehicle unless it is securely supported by jack stands. Never trust a jack, and never use bricks or cement blocks -- they may suddenly crumble (I've seen it happen). Also, this section outlines the process of changing shocks for trucks and SUV's. Bear in mind that the process of replacing automobile struts is different.

Step 1.
Raise And Support Vehicle

Begin by jacking up your vehicle and supporting it securely with jack stands. In order to get access to the front shocks you'll need to remove the front tires. Rear shocks on most trucks and sport utility vehicles can usually be removed without removing the rear tires or even jacking the vehicle up.

Step 2.
Remove Lower Shock Bolt

Once we had our vehicle secured in the air, we removed the bolts that fasten the bottom of the shock to the suspension arm. If you have access to air tools, they come in real handy here. But hand tools work just fine. If the bolts are rusty and stubborn, spray or soak with penetrating oil.

Since there are a few different mounting schemes used by manufacturers, it's a good idea to first review the directions accompanying the new shocks for removal and installation.

Step 3.
Remove Upper Shock Bolt

Remove the bolts that fasten the upper end of the shock to the frame. There are different types of shock mounting schemes for the upper mounts. Ours used a simple bolt through an eyelet. Removal was a breeze.

Click here for larger image of picture.

Step 4.
Remove Old Shock

Once the bolts are removed, a little prying with a screwdriver may be required to remove the old shock from it's mount. Once free, simply remove it from the vehicle. The oily residue at the bottom of our shock in the picture is a dead giveaway that it was a leaky and therefore defective shock. Indeed, the bottom portion of the shock moved up and down by hand without resistance like a trombone slide. There was absolutely no shock dampening at this wheel!

Before installing the new shock absorbers, look over the suspension and make sure the heavy rubber bumpers that prevent suspension components from clashing together are not broken or missing. Replace if necessary.

Step 5.
Install New Shock

Insert the new shock in the frame mounts making sure the proper end of the shock is up (it's usually stamped right on the shock cartridge). Insert the bolts and tighten.

You may need to compress the new shock to get it to fit between the upper and lower mounting brackets. If the new shock is slightly too short, you may need to pull the top of the shock upwards with your hands, or jack up the lower control arm.

Step 6.
Finish Up

Reinstall the wheels and tighten lug nuts to specified torque. The amount of torque is listed in the owners manual. Removal and installation of the rear shocks is similar. Once shocks have been replaced, lower the vehicle off the jack stands.

Shock replacment is really quite simple and straight-forward. Normally I would rate such a repair as a '2', but due to the real possibility of running into rusted bolts (particularly for those who live in the upper midwest), I've bumped it up a notch.

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