Chapter 8 Rear Suspension System Service 153
Some shock absorbers use an upward-pointing top
stud that passes through the body and into the passenger
compartment or trunk. On these vehicles, opening the
trunk or the rear seat and removing a cover plate is the only
way to access the top mounting. See Figure 8-13.
To replace the shock absorber, remove the upper and
lower fasteners and remove the old shock from the vehicle.
The upper mounting stud of some shock absorbers is
installed on a plate-and-bumper assembly. It will be
necessary to remove this assembly to gain access to the
shock fastener.
Warning: The shock absorbers are the
primary support for solid rear axles using
coil springs. If the shock is removed, the
axle will move downward with great force. This can
cause injury and will also cause the springs to fall
off the vehicle. Support the rear axle with a
jack stand before removing the shock fasteners.
See Figure 8-14.
Assemble new bushings to the shock as necessary.
If the vehicle has an upper plate-and-bumper assembly,
remove the stud nut and remove the assembly from the
old shock. Install the assembly over the new shock stud
and tighten the nut securely. Then proceed with the
installation.
Install the new shock absorber and install the
fasteners, Figure 8-15. If the shock is a gas-filled type, it
may be necessary to slightly compress the shock before
fitting it into place. Be sure to position the bushings and
washers correctly. After the shock is installed, replace the
trim covers, carpet, and the rear seat if necessary.
Note: Some manufacturers recommend
that gas-filled shock absorbers be
depressurized before disposal.
Prevailing torque nut
Insulator retainer
Upper insulator
Lower insulator
Insulator retainer
Mounting stud
Mounting
bolt
Lower
control
arm
Nut
Shock absorber
Shock
absorber
tower
Shock absorber
mount
Rear
axle
Mount
Nut
Nut
Washer
Shock
absorber
Mounting
bolt
Figure 8-11. A shock absorber that uses a large stud for the top
mounting in the shock tower. (General Motors)
Figure 8-12. A shock absorber that uses two bolts for the upper
mounting. (General Motors)
Protective
cap
Isolator
retainer
Isolator
Upper mounting
plate
Figure 8-13. Removing the protective cover to access the top
mounting of a shock absorber. (Chrysler)