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Replace Shock Absorber
Shock Absorber
are used as the dampening
force in the suspension system of a vehicle. Without shocks our drive would be much
like a stagecoach with a horse and buggy, they suspended the carriage with leaf
springs, but didn’t account for the oscillation caused by uncontrolled bouncing
the traveling coach experienced when hitting bumps. Of course it was better than
hitting the bumps directly, but did cause some motion sickness. Shocks dampen in
two ways by absorbing the energy caused by forcing the shock plunger with small
holes in it through heavy oil in the shock tube.
Micro bubbles are created when the plunger moves through the oil, but an ingenious
invention to pressurize the tube and oil alleviated this problem. If left unpressurized,
the shock oil will quickly cavitate and loses its viscosity and working properties.
When a shock absorber fails, the vehicle will continue to oscillate many times more
than the few bounces it normally takes to settle after hitting a bump in the road.
It is recommended to replace the shock absorber with the OEM (Original Equipment
Manufacturer) replacement or equivalent. Changing shock rates will affect the performance
of the vehicle, so take care when selecting a replacement shock.
Before you begin place your car on level ground, in park with the emergency brake
on. Wear protective clothing such as gloves and eyewear to help prevent injury.
Tools and Supplies to Complete this Job
1. Socket set with ratchet including deep well sockets
2. Wrench set
3. Shop towels
4. Replacement shocks
5. Floor Jack
6. Jack Stands
Instructions
Step 1 - Lift and support vehicle as recommended by the manufacturer
Step 2 - Remove the tire assembly to gain more access to the shock absorber then
do so, it is not necessary in every situation but recommended.
Step 3 - Remove upper mounting bolt by securing the upper stem and removing the
upper stem retaining nut, retainer and rubber grommet at the top of the shock absorber.
Step 4 - Remove the bolts that connect the lower control arm to the shock absorber.
Step 5 - Remove shock absorber from under the vehicle.
Step 6 - Install new shock and connect the lower control arm nuts and bolts and
tighten.
Step 7 - Install the rubber grommet, retainer and upper stem retaining nut by
securing the upper stem from turning when tightening the retaining nut.
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to
answer your car questions. For manufacturer specific
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