Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Crucial for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To secure the front wheels.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set: With various sizes, including the correct size for the shock mounting bolts.
* Ratchet and extensions: For reaching difficult-to-access bolts.
* Wrench (open-end or combination): May be needed for certain bolts.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): To loosen rusted bolts.
* Shock compressor (highly recommended): This tool makes compressing the shock spring much safer and easier. Trying to compress the spring without one is dangerous.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
* New rear shocks: Make sure you get the correct replacement shocks for your specific Cavalier model.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the front wheels. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
2. Vehicle Preparation: Jack up the rear of the car and securely support it on jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Remove the Old Shocks:
* Top Mount: Locate the top shock mount. This usually involves removing some nuts and bolts that secure the shock to the vehicle's chassis. You may need to disconnect sway bar links or other components depending on your car's setup. Penetrating oil may be your best friend here.
* Bottom Mount: Locate the bottom shock mount, usually attached to the axle or control arm. Again, you'll need to remove the necessary bolts. Use the shock compressor to compress the spring enough to allow removal of the shock. The spring will be under considerable tension, so be extremely careful.
4. Install the New Shocks:
* Compression: Use the shock compressor to compress the new shock's spring.
* Installation: Carefully align the new shock with its mounting points and install the bottom mount first. Then, install the top mount. Ensure everything is aligned correctly before tightening bolts.
5. Tighten Bolts: Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual). Do not overtighten.
6. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the car from the jack stands.
7. Reinstall Wheels: Reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts.
8. Test Drive: After reinstalling everything, test drive the car to ensure the shocks are functioning properly and there are no unusual noises.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: Older vehicles often have rusty bolts. Use penetrating oil liberally and give it time to work before attempting to remove them. If bolts break, you may need to drill them out.
* Spring Tension: The rear springs are under considerable tension. Using a shock compressor is critical for safety. Never attempt this without one.
* Repair Manual: This is not a comprehensive guide. A repair manual specific to your 1991 Chevy Cavalier is essential for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams.
If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your car to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed shocks can lead to handling problems and safety hazards.
