FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
Courtesy of Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Rear Shock

REMOVAL
1. Remove the rear wheels.
2. Remove the rear seat-back.





3. Pull back the trunk side trim, and remove the two flange nuts.





4. Remove the flange bolt.





5. Lower the rear suspension and remove the damper.

DISASSEMBLY





1. Compress the damper spring with the spring compressor according to the manufacturer's instructions, then remove the self-locking nut.

CAUTION: Do not compress the spring more than necessary to remove the nut.

2. Release the pressure from the spring compressor, then disassemble the damper.

INSPECTION
1. Reassemble all parts except the spring.





2. Push on the damper assembly as shown.
3. Check for smooth operation through a full stroke, both compression and extension. The damper should move smoothly. If it does not (no compression or no extension), the gas is leaking, and the damper should be replaced.
4. Check for oil leaks, abnormal noises or binding during these tests.

REASSEMBLY





1. Install the damper unit on a spring compressor.

NOTE: Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Assemble the damper in reverse order of disassembly, except the damper mounting washer and self-locking nut.

NOTE: Align the bottom of damper spring and spring lower seat as shown.





3. Position the damper mounting base on the damper unit as shown.
4. Compress the damper spring with the spring compressor.
5. Install the damper mounting washer, and loosely install a new self-locking nut.





6. Hold the damper shaft with a hex wrench, and tighten the self-locking nut.

INSTALLATION





1. Lower the rear suspension, and position the damper with the welded nut pointed toward the front of the vehicle.





2. Loosely install the two flange nuts.





3. Loosely install the flange bolt.
4. Raise the rear suspension with a floor jack until the vehicle just lifts off the safety stand.

WARNING: The floor jack must be securely positioned or personal injury may result.

5. Tighten the flange bolt.
6. Tighten the two flange nuts on top of the damper to the specified torque.
7. Install the rear seat-back and trunk side trim.
8. Install the rear wheels.