- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set
- Wrench set
- Screwdriver
- New shock absorbers
- Replacement parts (if necessary)
Step 1: Park the Car and Engage the Parking Brake
Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
Step 2: Raise the Rear of the Car
Place the jack under the rear axle and raise the car until the tire is off the ground. Place the jack stands under the car and lower the car so that it is resting on the jack stands.
Step 3: Remove the Wheel
Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
Step 4: Locate the Shock Absorber
The shock absorber is located on the backside of the wheel well. It is a cylindrical-shaped object with a coil spring around it.
Step 5: Remove the Upper Shock Mount Nuts
Use a socket wrench to remove the nuts that hold the upper shock mount to the car body. There may be two or three nuts.
Step 6: Remove the Bolt that Holds the Shock Absorber to the Control Arm
Use a wrench to remove the bolt that holds the shock absorber to the control arm. This bolt may be difficult to reach, so you may need to use an extension on your wrench.
Step 7: Remove the Shock Absorber
Once the upper nuts and the control arm bolt are removed, you can remove the shock absorber from the car.
Step 8: Install the New Shock Absorber
Place the new shock absorber in the car and secure it with the upper nuts and the control arm bolt. Tighten the nuts and bolts until they are snug.
Step 9: Reinstall the Wheel
Reinstall the wheel and lower the car to the ground.
Step 10: Test Drive the Car
Take the car for a test drive to make sure that the shocks are working properly.
Additional Notes:
- If the shock absorbers are not correctly tightened, they could come loose and cause the car to handle poorly.
- If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, you should take your car to a qualified mechanic.
