Shock Absorber Replacement
Removal Procedure
Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting
Remove the lower shock bolt.
For right side only, remove splash shield.
Remove the upper shock bolt.
Remove the shock from the vehicle.
Installation Procedure
Install the shock to the vehicle.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
Install the upper shock bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 110 Nm (81 ft. Lbs.).
For right side only, install splash shield
Install the lower shock bolt.
Tighten the bolt to 110 Nm (81 ft. Lbs.).
Lower the vehicle.
On 4-door sedan, remove the package tray and vent duct.
On hatchback, remove the speaker grilles.
Disconnect the brake line from the wheel cylinder.
CAUTION Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with the eyes and wash your hands thoroughly after handling brake fluid. If you do get brake fluid in your eyes, flush your eyes with clean, running water for 15 minutes. If eye irritation persists, or if you have taken brake fluid internally, IMMEDIATELY seek medical assistance.
Remove the brake line from the brake hose.
Disconnect the brake hose from its bracket on the shock absorber.
Loosen, but do not remove, the nut holding the suspension support to the shock absorber.
Unbolt the shock absorber from the rear arm.
Unbolt and extract the shock absorber from the body.
To install:
Attach the shock absorber to the body and tighten the 3 nuts to 17 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
Engage the shock absorber bracket with the carrier and install the hardware. Tighten the nuts to 119 ft. lbs. (162 Nm).
Tighten the center suspension support nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm). There is a bearing located under the suspension support dust cover. Remove the dust cover and pack the bearing with multi-purpose grease. Once packed, reinstall the dust cover.
The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten each component to specifications.
Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it safely. Block the front wheels.
Remove the rear wheels.
Using the proper size flare nut wrench, disconnect the backing plate hardware.
With a flare nut and a back-up wrench, disconnect the brake tube from the brake hose and use a small plastic container to collect the brake fluid.
Undo the clip and disconnect the brake hose from the shock absorber.
NOTE: Before the axle bolts are removed, the axle carrier must be supported with a jack.
Support the axle carrier with a floor jack and remove the mounting bolts and nut. Disconnect the axle carrier from the shock absorber.
Support the shock absorber firmly by hand and remove the three mounting nuts. Remove the shock absorber from the body.
To install:
Position the shock absorber onto the body and support it firmly by hand. Install the three nuts and tighten them to 23 ft. lbs. (31 Nm).
Attach the axle carrier to the shock absorber with the nuts and bolts. Tighten the nuts to 166 ft. lbs. (226 Nm).
The remainder of installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten each component to specifications.
On the 4-door sedan, remove the package tray and vent duct. On 1992-96 models, it will be necessary to remove the rear seat back.
On the hatchback, remove the speaker grilles.
On the wagon models remove the tonnue cover and rear seat back.
Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it safely. Block the front wheels.
Remove the rear wheels.
Disconnect the brake hose and the ABS speed sensor from the shock absorber.
If equipped with ABS, disconnect the Load Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV) spring from the lower arm.
Disconnect the stabilizer bar link from the shock absorber.
Support the rear axle and loosen the 2 bolts from the lower end of the shock absorber.
From inside the vehicle, unbolt the upper support.
Fig. 1: A rubber cap covers the rear shock absorber tower nut
Fig. 2: The upper shock absorber tower is retained by the center nut (circled) and three surrounding nuts
Lower the rear axle carrier and remove the two bolts.
Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.
To install:
Install the shock absorber assembly onto the vehicle.
Connect the brake hose and the ABS speed sensor to the shock absorber.
Connect the stabilizer bar link to the shock absorber.
Install the wheel and tire assembly.
During installation, please observe the following tighten specifications:
Tighten the shock absorber-to-body bolts to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm).
Tighten the shock absorber-to-axle carrier nuts to 166 ft. lbs. (226 Nm) on 1988-91 vehicles and 188 ft. lbs. (255 Nm) on 1992-96 vehicles.
Tighten the suspension support-to-shock absorber nut to 36 ft. lbs. (49 Nm) on 1988-91 vehicles. On 1992-96 models, tighten the stabilizer bar link to shock absorber retainers to 47 ft. lbs. (64 Nm).
Install the rear seat back, vent duct and the package tray as required.
Ok first off if the vehicle is equipped with air ride you need to turn the air ride off or you will blow out the rear bags when the rear is off the ground.
For the front Remove the wheel. Take off the upper shock nut. Now remover the two lower retaining nuts. Compress the shock and pull it out. Install in reverse order. Before installing the new shock push the piston completely down and allow it to return. Do this 2 to 3 times.
For the rear remove the wheel support the rear end with jack stands at the jack points. Now use your jack (not a scissor jack) and place it under the rear diff to support the rear diff. If you have another set of jack stands use them and support the rear axle as it sits.
Remove the lower shock bolt. Now remove the two upper shock bolts and the shock will come right out.
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