Here's a general overview. Always consult a repair manual specific to your 2000 Buick Century for detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams. This is crucial for accurate and safe completion.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safely lifting the car. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set (metric): Various sizes will be needed.
* Ratchet and extensions: For reaching those hard-to-reach bolts.
* Wrench(es): May be needed depending on the shock design.
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster): Helps loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* Torque wrench: To tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. This is very important.
* Shock compressor (optional but highly recommended): Makes compressing the shock spring much safer and easier. Improperly compressing a spring without one can lead to serious injury.
* Safety glasses and gloves: Protect yourself from injury.
General Steps (This is NOT a substitute for your car's repair manual):
1. Safety First: Engage the parking brake, chock the front wheels, and lift the rear of the car securely using the jack and jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Access the Shock: Locate the shock absorber. You'll need to identify the mounting bolts and nuts that attach the shock to the vehicle's chassis and axle.
4. Disconnect the Shock:
* Top Mount: This often involves removing a bolt or nut securing the shock to the vehicle's body.
* Bottom Mount: This typically involves removing a bolt or nut that connects the shock to the axle. This step may require some maneuvering. Penetrating oil may be needed.
5. Compress the Spring (if necessary): Using a shock compressor (highly recommended), carefully compress the spring to release the tension on the shock. This is a crucial safety step, as the spring can easily cause injury if not handled properly.
6. Remove the Old Shock: Once the bolts and nuts are removed and the spring is compressed, carefully remove the old shock absorber.
7. Install the New Shock: Carefully install the new shock absorber, ensuring it's correctly oriented. Make sure the shock is fully seated and aligned before tightening bolts.
8. Release the Spring (if necessary): Slowly release the spring using the shock compressor.
9. Tighten Bolts: Tighten all bolts and nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (found in your repair manual). Using a torque wrench is critical here to prevent damage or premature failure.
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
12. Test: Test the new shocks by bouncing on each corner of the vehicle. They should rebound smoothly and evenly.
Important Considerations:
* Rust: Older vehicles often have rusted bolts. Penetrating oil is your friend. If a bolt breaks, you'll need to find creative ways to remove the broken piece.
* Spring Tension: Never work on a spring without a spring compressor. This is crucial for your safety.
* Torque Specifications: Always follow the manufacturer's torque specifications. Over-tightening can damage components, and under-tightening can lead to looseness and failure.
This is a simplified overview. Refer to a repair manual for your specific 2000 Buick Century for precise instructions and safety precautions. If you're not comfortable with any of these steps, seek professional help. Replacing shocks incorrectly can be dangerous.
