FREE REPAIR MANUALS & LABOR GUIDES 1982-2013 Vehicles
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Front Shock Absorber - Disassembly






DISASSEMBLY

Special Tools:






The shock assembly must be removed from vehicle for it to be disassembled and assembled.

For shock assembly disassembly and assembly, use of shock Spring Compressor, Pentastar Service Equipment (PSE) tool W-7200, or equivalent, is recommended to compress coil spring. Follow manufacturer's instructions closely.

WARNING: Do not remove shock shaft nut before coil spring is compressed. Coil spring is held under pressure and must be compressed, removing spring tension from upper and lower mounts, before shock removal.





1. Position shock assembly coil spring (1) on hooks (2) of Compressor following manufacturers instructions. Install clamp securing shock to lower spring coil.





2. Position Compressor upper hooks (1) on upper coil spring (2) following manufacturers instructions. To ease installation, rotate shock as necessary positioning shock in compressor so that upper spring coil ends (step in upper mount) at straight outward position from Compressor.
3. Compress coil spring until all spring tension is removed from upper mount.





4. Position Wrench (2), Special Tool , on shock shaft retaining nut. Next, insert 8 mm socket though Wrench onto hex located on end of shock shaft. While holding shock shaft from turning, remove nut from shock shaft using Wrench.
5. Remove clamp from bottom of coil spring and remove shock and lower isolator out through bottom of coil spring.

NOTE: If upper mount or coil spring needs to be serviced, proceed with next step, otherwise, proceed with step 8.





6. Remove upper mount (1) from shock shaft and coil spring.

NOTE: Prior to removing spring from compressor, note location of lower spring coil end in relationship to compressor to ease assembly of components later.

7. Back off Compressor drive, releasing tension from coil spring. Push back compressor upper hooks and remove coil spring from Compressor.





8. Remove jounce bumper (4) from shock shaft by pulling straight up and off.
9. Remove lower isolator (2) from shock body by pulling straight up and off shock shaft.
10. Inspect shock assembly components for following and replace as necessary:
- Inspect shock (3) for any condition of shaft binding over full stroke of shaft.
- Inspect upper mount (5) for cracks and distortion and its retaining studs for any sign of damage.
- Inspect upper spring isolator (5) for severe deterioration.
- Inspect lower spring isolator (2) for severe deterioration.
- Inspect dust shield for tears and deterioration.
- Inspect coil spring (1) for cracks in the coating and corrosion.
- Inspect jounce bumper (4) for cracks and signs of deterioration.