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 coil spring and strut assembly right or left, according to which side of vehicle strut was removed from, and which strut coil spring was removed from.

WARNING:
- Do not remove 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 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 absorber 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 mounting bracket.





7. Remove the shock absorber mounting bracket and the isolator bushings as an assembly from the rod of the shock absorber.





8. Remove the 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 assembly.

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.

Fig. 47:

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





13. Remove the coil spring isolator from the lower spring seat on the shock absorber assembly.
14. Inspect the shock absorber for any condition of shaft binding over 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 shock absorber.





16. Remove the upper-isolator and the sleeve from the shock absorber mount.





17. Remove the lower isolator from the rear shock absorber mount.
18. Inspect the rear shock absorber mount upper and lower isolators and the upper spring isolator 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.