GM 22046415 Rear Shock Absorber Assembly

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In the rear compartment of the car, open the upper shock nut access panel in the trim cover (hatchbacks only) and remove the upper shock nut. The upper shock stud must be kept from turning while the nut is loosened. Raise the rear of the car enough to take the weight off of the suspension, but do not lift the tires off the ground. Support the car with jackstands placed at suitable locations under the car's frame. Do not place them under the rear axle. If more clearance is needed under the car, the car can be raised higher, but then the rear axle must also be supported with jackstands. Remove the lower shock attaching bolt and nut and remove the shock. It may be necessary to use a screwdriver to pry the lower end of the shock out of its mounting bracket. The shock should be compressed and then extended its full length a few times to check for any free movement of the shaft, noise, or fluid leakage. If any of these conditions are found the shocks should be replaced with a new set. To install, extend the shock to its full length and place it in its lower mount. Then feed the lower attaching bolt through the mount and shock and install the nut loosely. Lower the car enough to guide the shack's upper stud through the body opening and loosely Install the upper attaching nut. Tighten the lower attaching nut, torquing it to specs. Lower the car completely and torque the upper attaching nut to specs. Again the upper shock stud must be kept from turning while tightening the upper nut. On hatchback models, close the access panel in the trim cover.

To test the shock absorber, you have to hold it in an upright position and work the piston rod up and down its full length of travel for four or five times. If there is a strong resistance, it means that the hydraulic pressure is working well. On the other hand, if there's no marked resistance or a sudden free movement in travel, it has to be repaired or replaced. Also, if a lot of fluid is seen on the outside of the shock absorber should also be repaired or replaced. It's possible to strip the shock and fit new parts but this work takes attention to detail and cleanliness. You will also need many small parts as well as some special tools too. So, it's probably best for a home mechanic to take his/her shocks to a GM dealer or MacPherson strut shock absorbers repair shop for cartridge replacement.

A front end alignment is necessary.

A special spring compressor should be used.

It should be verified that the top of the spring is properly seated.

The insulator, shield, and bumper should be installed, followed by the spring seat and mounting assembly.

Torque them to specs.

The strut-to-steering knuckle bolts.