Disassembly

REAR SUSPENSION

DISASSEMBLY - SHOCK ASSEMBLY
The shock assembly must be removed from the vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.
For the disassembly and assembly of the shock assembly, use strut spring compressor Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or the equivalent, to compress the coil spring. Follow the manufacturer's instructions closely.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE SHOCK ROD NUT BEFORE THE COIL SPRING IS COMPRESSED. THE COIL SPRING IS HELD UNDER PRESSURE AND MUST BE COMPRESSED, REMOVING SPRING TENSION FROM THE UPPER MOUNTING BRACKET BEFORE THE ROD NUT IS REMOVED.

(1) If both shocks are being serviced at the same time, mark the coil spring and shock assembly according to which side of the vehicle the shock was removed from, and which shock the coil spring was removed from.
(2) Position the shock assembly in the strut coil spring compressor following the manufacturer's instructions. Set the lower hooks and install the clamp on the lower end of the coil spring, so the shock is held in place once the shock shaft nut is removed. Lower the upper hooks and position them on the coil spring near the top.
(3) Compress the coil spring until all coil spring tension is removed from the upper mounting bracket.
(4) Hold the shock rod from rotating using special socket Snap-On A136, or equivalent, and remove the retainer nut.

Fig.16 Retainer Nut Removal/Installation (Typical):

(5) Remove the upper shock rod bushing retainer washer from the shock rod.
(6) Remove the upper shock mount and the rod isolator bushings as an assembly from the rod of the shock absorber.
(7) Remove the upper coil spring isolator from the top of the coil spring.
(8) Remove the lower shock rod bushing washer from the top of the dust boot and shock absorber rod.
(9) Remove the dust shield and cup as an assembly from the shock absorber rod by pulling both straight up and off the shock rod.
(10) Remove the clamp from the bottom of the coil spring and remove the shock absorber, lower spring isolator, jounce bumper, and collar out through the bottom of the coil spring.

Fig.17 Shock Absorber Jounce Bumper And Collar:

(11) Remove the jounce bumper and the collar (Fig. 17) from the rod of the shock absorber.

Fig.18 Lower Coil Spring Isolator:

(12) Remove the lower coil spring isolator (Fig. 18) from the lower spring seat on the shock absorber.
(13) Remove the upper shock rod isolator bushing and sleeve from the upper shock mount.
(14) Remove the lower shock rod isolator bushing from the upper shock mount.
(15) Inspect the shock assembly components for the following and replace as necessary:
- Inspect the shock for any condition of rod binding over the full stroke of the shaft.
- Check the upper shock mount for cracks and distortion, and locating studs for any sign of damage.
- Check the upper and lower shock rod isolator bushings for severe deterioration of the rubber.
- Check the upper and lower coil spring isolators for severe deterioration.
- Inspect the dust shield for rips and deterioration.
- Inspect the jounce bumper for cracks and signs of deterioration.
- Inspect the coil spring for any sign of damage to the coating.
(16) If the coil spring needs to be serviced, release the tension from the coil spring by backing off the compressor drive fully. Push back the compressor upper hooks and remove the coil spring from the compressor.