Shock Absorber Replacement: When and How to Do It
This article takes you through the shock absorber replacement process in a step-by-step way.
Automotive shock absorbers are meant to last a long time. However, unavoidable driving conditions can take a toll on even the best shock absorber and cause premature wear. Shocks are one of the most important parts of your car. If they are worn or broken, it can mean compromised driving safety and reduced ride quality. Faulty shocks can either be repaired or replaced. Depending on the level of damage, you may need to replace them.
Changing shocks does not require any skill, and you can do it yourself.
When to Change Car Shock Absorbers
- How do you know that you need to change the shocks of your car? You will notice various pointers. These are the symptoms that show your car shock absorbers are worn.
- Other indicators that you need to replace the shocks include physical signs such as leaks
- The front of the car diving during braking and the rear squatting upon acceleration
- Excessive rattling noise coming from the body and suspension of your car
- The car sways uncontrollably when driving or in severe winds
- Reduced control of the car, especially when negotiating corners
- Uneven wear of the tires and rapid wear of suspension parts
- Feeling even the smallest bumps and potholes
- Dented or broken shock absorber body
- The car bounces more than it should
- Crushed or cracked rubber bushings
- Pitted shock absorber piston rods
- Worn shock absorber mounts
- Longer braking distance
How to Replace Shock Absorbers
This shock absorber replacement guide covers the changing of both front and rear shocks. Usually, there is not much difference in the ways to remove either shock, and the procedure would not differ.
Things you will need:
Jack and jack stands, socket set, socket ratchet, lug but wrench, penetrating fluid, and your new shock absorbers. You will also need to have with you the car’s manual for reference. That is because some vehicle models may require different procedures to remove or install parts.
How to Remove Shock Absorber
Step 1
Park the car on an even surface. Jack it up and use the jack stands or a ramp to secure it. Remove the wheels to gain access to the shock absorbers.
Step 2
Spray the mountings of the shock with penetrating fluid. Doing so loosens the nuts and makes them easy to remove.
Step 3
Remove the nuts and bolts that secure the shock absorber at both ends.
Step 4
Disengage the shock from the mounting surfaces. Assemblies may differ. Use the appropriate means to remove the shock. You may consult the vehicle’s manual to be sure you are doing it right.
Shock Absorber Installation
Step 5
Fit the new shock absorber. It may not be easy and require compressing or squeezing the shock into a tight space.
Step 6
1. If there is any suspension part you have removed, reattach it at this point.
2. replace the bolts that mount the shock at either end.
3. Use the correct shock absorber torque specs. These can be obtained from the user’s manual.
4. Use the same procedure to remove the other shock absorbers and install new ones.
5. The shock absorber replacement process described here applies to the shocks in both the from and rear.
Your vehicle may be using two shocks, either in the front or rear suspension.
If it uses shock absorbers on all corners, you have four shocks to replace.
