Disassembly

NOTE: The front shock absorber can not be repaired and must be replaced as a unit if found to be defective in any way. The front shock absorber is available in 2 different suspension calibrations, be sure the shock absorber is replaced with a shock absorber of the same calibration. Refer to the sale codes for the vehicle be serviced to determine which type of suspension the vehicle is equipped with.

CAUTION: Do not clamp the shock absorber in a vise by the body of the shock absorber. The clevis bracket must be reinstalled on the shock absorber clamped in the vise using the clevis bracket.





1. Install clevis bracket back on shock absorber and tighten pinch bolt. Then using the clevis bracket, clamp the shock absorber assembly in vise, with shock absorber in a vertical position.
2. Mark coil spring and shock absorber assembly right or left, according to which side of the vehicle the shock absorber was removed from, and which shock absorber the coil spring was removed from.

WARNINGS:
- Do not remove the shock absorber rod nut, before shock absorber coil spring is compressed, removing spring tension from upper control arm/shock absorber mounting bracket.

- When compressing coil spring for removal from shock absorber, the first full top and bottom coil of the coil spring must be captured by the jaws of the coil spring compressor.

Compressing Shock Absorber Coil Spring:

3. Compress shock absorber coil spring, using Pentastar Service Equipment Spring Compressor 7521-A, or equivalent. Be sure the spring compressor is fitted with a top and bottom attachment shoe that correctly fit the coil spring used on this shock absorber.





4. Hold the rod of the shock absorber from rotating using Shock Absorber Socket, Snap-On A136 or equivalents. Then remove the shock absorber shaft nut.





5. Remove the washer from the shock absorber rod.





6. Remove the shock absorber/upper control arm mounting bracket from the shock absorber assembly.

CAUTION: The top and bottom bushings for the shock absorber rod are unique to the position which they are installed on the rod. When removing the bushings from the rod, attention must be paid to their location so they will be installed correctly when shock absorber is assembled.





7. Remove the shock absorber rod upper isolator bushing from the shock absorber/upper control arm mounting bracket.





8. Remove the shock absorber rod lower isolator bushing and sleeve, from the shock absorber/upper control arm mounting bracket. Remove upper spring isolator from mounting bracket.
9. Remove the lower isolator bushing from the shock absorber rod sleeve.





10. Remove washer from top of dust shield.

Shock Absorber Dust Shield:

11. Remove the dust shield from the shock absorber assembly.

Shock Absorber Coil Spring And Compressor:

12. Remove the coil spring and spring compressor as an assembly from the shock absorber assembly. Mark springs, left and right, for installation back on the correct side of the vehicle.





NOTE: The collar is a press fit on the rod of the shock absorber do not attempt to remove it from the shock absorber rod. The jounce bumper will have to be removed over the collar.

13. Remove the jounce bumper from the rod of the shock absorber assembly.





14. Remove the coil spring isolator from the lower spring seat on the shock absorber assembly.
15. Inspect the shock absorber for any condition of rod binding over the full stroke of the shock rod.
16. Inspect the shock mount and upper spring seat/isolator assembly for the following:
- Mount for cracks and distortion and locating pins for any sign of damage.
- Severe deterioration of the upper or lower coil spring isolators.
- Deterioration of the shock absorber rod to shock absorber mounting bracket bushings.
- Inspect dust shield for rips and/or deterioration.
- Inspect jounce bumper for cracks and signs of deterioration.
17. Replace any components of the shock absorber assembly found to be worn or defective during the inspection, before re-assembling the shock absorber.