Rear

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

Shock Absorber





Special Tool(s)

Removal

WARNING: All vehicles are equipped with gas-pressurized shock absorbers which will extend unassisted. Do not apply heat or flame to the shock absorbers during removal or component servicing. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Suspension fasteners are critical parts because they affect performance of vital parts and systems and their failure can result in major service expense. A new part with the same part number must be installed if installation becomes necessary. Torque values must be used as specified during reassembly to make sure of correct retention of these parts.

CAUTION: When using a hoist that lifts the vehicle by the frame, install new shock absorbers one at a time.

All vehicles
1. Open the luggage compartment lid. Position the carpet out of the way.





2. Mark the rear shock absorber that is not being removed relative to the protective sleeve with the vehicle in a static, level ground position (curb height).
3. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

4. CAUTION: Do not support the rear axle at the differential housing.

CAUTION: Do not allow the axle assembly to be supported by the upper control arm or lower control arms. This could damage control arm bushings.

Support the rear axle with a jack stand.





5. Remove and discard the retaining nut, washer and insulator assembly.
^ To install, tighten to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.).

Vehicles with a rear stabilizer bar





6. Remove and discard both stabilizer bar link bolts and nuts.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).

7. Position the stabilizer bar to gain access to the shock absorber lower bolt.

All vehicles






8. NOTE: Tighten the shock absorber lower bolt while the suspension is at curb height.

Remove and discard the shock absorber lower bolt and nut.
^ To install, tighten to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.).

9. Remove the shock absorber.





10. Using the special tool, raise the rear axle so the mark made on the rear shock absorber in Step 2 lines up with the protective sleeve.

11. NOTE: When using a hoist that lifts the vehicle by the frame, have an assistant guide the shock absorber into the body while lowering the hoist.

To install, reverse the removal procedure.
^ Always install new fasteners.