1. Safety Precautions:
- Use supported stands to lift the car securely. Engage the parking brake and ensure the car is in gear (for manual transmission) or Park (for automatic transmission).
2. Remove Interior Panels:
- Open the trunk.
- Remove the plastic cover panel covering the shock tower area on each side of the trunk.
- Remove the speaker covers (using a plastic trim removal tool) and the speakers by unplugging them.
- Remove the rear seat backrest by lifting the bottom cushions and then unbolting the backrest.
- Remove the trunk floor lining to access the upper shock mount areas.
3. Remove Rear Wheels:
- Engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the wheel lug nuts (but don't remove them completely).
- Use a jack and jack stands to raise that corner of the car until the wheel is off the ground.
- Remove the wheel lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Disconnect Sway Bar:
- Locate the sway bar link attached to the lower part of the shock absorber.
- Use an appropriate wrench or socket to loosen and remove the nut that connects it.
- Disconnect the sway bar link from the shock.
5. Lower Control Arm Disassembly:
- Locate the lower control arm where the shock is mounted.
- Remove the two bolts that secure the shock absorber to the control arm.
- Gently lower the control arm to disconnect it from the bottom of the shock.
6. Detach the Top Mount Bolts:
- Inside the trunk, locate the three bolts securing the top part of the shock absorber under the speaker cavity plastic covers.
- Remove these bolts using an appropriate wrench or socket.
7. Remove the Shock Absorber:
- Pull out the shock assembly through the trunk and lower part of the suspension area.
- Compare the old shock with the new one.
8. Compress the New Shock:
- The new shock may come with a compression strap or tool. Use it to compress the internal gas before installing.
9. Insert New Shock:
- Insert the new shock absorber down through the trunk mount and then attach it to the control arm at the bottom.
10. Reinstall Top Mount Bolts:
- From inside the trunk, secure the top mount bolts of the shock absorber. Tighten them firmly.
11. Reinstall Control Arm:
- Lift the control arm back into place and secure the bolts to reconnect it with the lower part of the shock absorber.
12. Reconnect Sway Bar Link:
- Attach the sway bar link to the lower end of the shock absorber and secure the nut.
13. Reinstall Wheel:
- Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.
14. Reattach Trunk Linings and Speakers:
- Reattach the trunk lining, speakers, and interior trim components.
15. Lower the Vehicle:
- Carefully lower the car from the jack stands and remove the jack.
16. Tighten Wheel Lug Nuts:
- Ensure the wheel lug nuts are tightened securely in a star pattern.
17. Road Test:
- Before driving, double-check that all components are properly installed. Take the car for a short test drive to ensure the shocks are functioning properly.
