Chevrolet 88945187 Rear Shock Absorber Assembly

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Any sign of oil on the outside of shock absorber bodies indicates that the seals have started to leak, necessitating replacement of the units as assemblies. Internal failure of the shock absorber is more challenging to detect, although rear axle patter or tramp, especially on uneven road surfaces, may provide a clue. When a shock absorber is suspected to have failed, it should be removed from the vehicle and held in a vertical position while operating it for the full length of its stroke eight or ten times; any lack of resistance in either direction signals the need for replacement. For front shock absorber replacement, raise the front end of the vehicle, use an open-ended wrench to prevent the upper end from turning, and remove the upper stem retaining nut, retainer, and rubber grommet. Next, remove the two bolts retaining the lower shock absorber pivot to the control arm and pull the assembly out from the bottom. When installing, fit the lower retainer and rubber grommet over the upper stem, then install the shock absorber in the fully extended position through the lower control arm and spring. After the upper rubber grommet, retainer, and attaching nut are fitted, hold the upper stem with an open-ended wrench and torque-tighten the retaining nut. Install the bolts at the shock absorber lower pivot and torque tighten before lowering the vehicle. For rear shock absorber replacement, raise the rear end of the vehicle and support the rear axle. Remove the lower shock absorber retaining nut, retainer, and rubber grommet, followed by the two upper attaching bolts to remove the shock absorber. During installation, push the lower retainer and rubber grommet into position, extend the shock absorber to the proper length, and place it into position before installing the two upper attaching bolts. Finally, push the remaining retainer and grommet into position and install the lower attaching nut, torque all fasteners, and lower the vehicle.

New shocks should be purged of air by repeatedly extending them in their normal position and compressing them while inverted.

Reverse the removal steps, ensuring the upper nut is tightened to 8 ft. lbs. (11 Nm) and the lower bolts to 20 ft. lbs. (27 Nm).