Disassembly

1. Remove shock absorber assembly requiring service from the vehicle.





2. Position shock absorber assembly in a vise. Shock absorber is to be clamped only by the clevis bracket on the bottom of the shock absorber.
3. Mark the coil spring and the shock absorber right or left, according to which side of the vehicle it was removed from, and which shock absorber the spring was removed from.

WARNING:
- Do not remove the shock absorber rod nut, before the shock absorber coil spring is compressed, removing spring tension from the shock absorber mount.

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

Compressing Shock Absorber Spring:

4. Compress shock assembly coil spring, using Pentastar Services Equipment Spring Compressor 7521-A or an 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.





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





6. Remove the washer from the shock absorber upper mounting bracket.





7. Remove the shock absorber mounting bracket, bushings and sleeve as an assembly from the shock absorber.





8. Remove the spring isolator from the coil spring.

Shock Absorber Rod Upper Washer:

9. Remove the washer from the top of the dust shield and shock absorber rod.

Shock Absorber Dust Shield:

10. Remove the dust shield from the shock absorber.

Shock Absorber Coil Spring:

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





NOTE: The collar can not be removed from the shock absorber rod. When removing the jounce bumper it will have to be carefully pulled over the collar.

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





13. Remove the coil spring isolator from the lower spring seat on the shock absorber.
14. Inspect the shock absorber for any condition of shaft binding over the full stroke of the rod.
15. Inspect all disassembled components for signs of abnormal wear or failure, replacing any components as required. Inspect shock absorber for signs of abnormal oil leakage and for loss of gas charge. To check for loss of gas charge in shock absorber, push the shaft of the shock absorber in and release, the shaft should return to its fully extended position. If shaft does not return to its fully extended position replace the shock absorber.





16. Remove the upper bushing and sleeve from the shock absorber mount.





17. Remove the lower bushing from the rear shock absorber mount.
18. Inspect the rear shock absorber mount, upper and lower bushings, and upper and lower spring isolators for the following:
- Mount for cracks and distortion and locating studs 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.