Shock Absorber Replacement

Shock Absorber Replacement (RWD)

Removal Procedure

Notice: The front shock absorbers of the vehicle are multifunctional. In addition to contributing to a smooth ride they also provide the only stop to the front suspension when fully extended. Therefore, when servicing the shock absorber, service replacement shock absorbers must be equivalent to original shock absorbers in both extended length and strength. Use of shocks not complying to original equipment or strength could result in suspension over-travel or shock breakage. Suspension over-travel may result in suspension component breakage.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.





2. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand.
3. If equipped with selectable ride, disconnect the electrical connector using the following procedure:





1. Grasp the connector lock tabs (1,2). Rotate the connector tabs counterclockwise until the connector is unlocked.
2. Disengage the connector from the tension by firmly pulling the connector up.
3. Hold the tension end with a wrench while removing the nut.
4. Remove the nut.





4. Remove the upper insulator (1).

Important:
Do not discard the plastic pilot ring (2).





5. Remove the shock absorber mounting bolts at the lower control arm.
6. Remove the shock absorber through the lower control arm from below.

Installation Procedure
1. Install the shock absorber through the lower control arm from below. Insert the tension through the mounting hole in the upper spring pocket.
2. Align the shock absorber with the mounting holes in the lower control arm.





3. Install the shock absorber mounting bolts to the lower control arm.
^ Tighten the bolts to 25 Nm (18 ft. lbs.).

Notice:
Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





4. Install the upper insulator to the shock absorber.

Important:
The upper insulators are substantially larger that the lower insulators. The upper insulator (1) must be installed above the shock mounting bracket on the frame. The plastic pilot ring (2) will assist the alignment of the isolators.

5. Install the nut to the tension end. Do not tighten the nut.
6. Remove the safety stands.
7. Lower the vehicle.
8. Hold the tension end with a wrench while torquing the nut.
^ Tighten the nut to 20 Nm (15 ft. lbs.).
9. If equipped with selectable ride, connect the electrical connector using the following procedure:
1. Verify that the connector is unlocked.
2. Align the connector so that the tabs (1) are perpendicular to the wrench flats on the tension end.
3. Engage the connector to the tension by firmly pushing the connector down.





4. Grasp the connector lock tabs (1,2). Rotate the connector counterclockwise.





10. The connector is locked into place when you hear an audible snap and the tabs (1,2) are aligned.
11. Dispose of the shock absorber. Refer to Shock Absorber Disposal.