GM 20955495 Front Shock Absorber Assembly

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Park the vehicle on level ground, turn the engine off and set the parking brake. Check the tire pressures. Push down at one corner of the vehicle, then release it while noting the movement of the body. It should stop moving and come to rest in a level position within one or two bounces. If the vehicle continues to move up and down or if it fails to return to its original position, a worn or weak shock absorber is probably the reason. Repeat the above check at each of the three remaining corners of the vehicle. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Check the shock absorbers for evidence of fluid leakage. A light film of fluid is no cause for concern. Make sure that any fluid noted is from the shocks and not from some other source. If leakage is noted, replace the shocks as a set. Check the shocks to be sure that they are securely mounted and undamaged. Check the upper mounts for damage and wear. If damage or wear is noted, replace the shocks as a set (front or rear). Visually inspect the steering and suspension components (front and rear) for damage and distortion. Look for damaged seals, boots and bushings, and leaks of any kind. Examine the bushings where the control arms meet the chassis. Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out while you look for movement at the steering knuckle-to-control arm balljoint. If there is any movement the suspension balljoint(s) must be replaced. Grasp each front tire at the front and rear edges, push in at the front, pull out at the rear, and feel for play in the steering system components. If any free play is noted, check the idler arm and the tie-rod ends for looseness. The CV Boot is very important because it prevents dirt, water and foreign material from entering and damaging the constant velocity (CV) joints. Oil and grease can cause the boot material to deteriorate prematurely, so it's a good idea to wash the boots with soap and water because it constantly pivots back and forth following the steering action of the front hub, the outer CV Boot wears out sooner and should be inspected regularly. Inspect the boots for tears and cracks as well as loose clamps. If there is any evidence of cracks or leaking lubricant, they must be replaced.

Follow the same steps as removing the coil-over shock absorber model, but use a backup wrench on the stem to remove the upper mounting nut and related hardware. Remove the lower mounting nut and bolt, noting the direction in which the bolt points.

The shock absorber can be installed by reversing the removal steps and tightening the fasteners to the torque specifications.

To install, reverse the removal steps and tighten the mounting fasteners to the torque specifications. If equipped with a suspension control system, reconnect the electrical connector to the top of the shock absorber.

The front wheels should be blocked to prevent the vehicle from rolling off the stands.

The outer CV boot should be inspected more frequently because it wears out sooner due to constant pivoting following the steering action of the front hub.

Start by parking the vehicle on level ground, turning off the engine, and setting the parking brake. Check the tire pressures. Push down at one corner of the vehicle and then release it while noting the movement of the body. It should stop moving and come to rest in a level position within one or two bounces.

To install, reverse the removal steps and ensure the lower mounting bolt is pointing in the same direction as before.

The rear axle should be supported with a floor jack placed under the axle tube closest to the shock absorber being removed.

Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in and out while you look for movement at the steering knuckle-to-control arm balljoint. If there is any movement, the suspension balljoint(s) must be replaced.

To install, reverse the removal steps and tighten the mounting fasteners to the torque specifications. If equipped with a suspension control system, reconnect the electrical connector to the top of the shock absorber.

The outer CV boot should be inspected more frequently because it wears out sooner due to constant pivoting following the steering action of the front hub.

To install, reverse the removal steps and tighten the mounting fasteners to the torque specifications. If equipped with a suspension control system, reconnect the electrical connector to the top of the shock absorber.

The first step is to raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands placed underneath the frame rails.

If the vehicle is equipped with a ride control system, the electrical connector and the airline should be disconnected from the shock absorber.

Examine the bushings where the control arms meet the chassis for damage and wear.

After supporting the rear axle, the shock absorber upper and lower mounting fasteners should be removed.

To install, reverse the removal steps and tighten the mounting fasteners to the torque specifications. If equipped with a suspension control system, reconnect the electrical connector to the top of the shock absorber.