GM 19300047
Shock Absorber

Start the replacement of front shock absorbers by lifting and supporting the vehicle and using a jack stand to stabilize the lower Control Arm. Users with equipped systems need to separate the electronic suspension control (ESC) link rod from its sensor connection. Usage of both hands requires a clockwise rotation of the connector lock tabs (1, 2) to free the connector for separation by lifting it strongly. Begin addressing the tension point of the wrench until you take off the nut before carefully extracting the upper insulator leaving the plastic pilot ring intact. Start by disconnecting the Shock Absorber mounting bolt located at the lower Control Arm for 15 series vehicles before proceeding to disconnect the Shock Absorber bolt at the lower Control Arm for 25/35 series vehicles before finally removing the Shock Absorber. The process of installation requires placing the Shock Absorber stem through the shock bracket hole positioned in the frame so it lines up with both lower Control Arm holes that service the 15 series and 25/35 series. Screw in the Shock Absorber bolt to the lower Control Arm before tightening its Shock Absorber nut to 80 nm (59 ft. Lbs.). The upper insulator should be positioned above the shock mounting bracket on the frame by carefully aligning it through the use of the plastic pilot ring. Put the upper insulator onto the Shock Absorber and fasten the nut at the tension end without applying any torque. First connect the esc link rod to its sensor before removing safety stands to lower the car when equipped. Before discarding the Shock Absorber use a wrench to hold the tension end while torquing its nut to reach 20 nm (15 ft. Lbs.).

Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas which makes it unsafe to remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube as this act may cause serious injuries from the fast-moving contents. Safety glasses must be worn when performing center punching and drilling operations on shock absorbers to prevent injuries while treating the shock absorber tube with care. Use a centerpunch to indent the tube bottom 10 mm (0.4 inch) from its edge. Place the shock absorber rod in the vise position horizontally while it extends to its maximum length. Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to drill a hole at the centerpunch spot while drawing out gas and potentially oil mixture through that hole. Protection is achieved by covering the oil drainage area with shop towels. After making a centerpunch indent in the tube's middle you should drill this point with the drill bit to release oil while the operation is contained by shop towels. The shock absorber should be removed from the vise before positioning it with the holes pointed downwards over a drain pan. Move the rod within the tube to drain all the oil.

First, raise and support the vehicle, then support the rear axle.

Remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.

95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).

Remove the upper shock absorber nut and bolt, followed by the lower shock absorber nut and bolt to take out the shock absorber.

Tighten the nuts to 95 Nm (70 ft. lbs.).

Lower the rear axle to facilitate the removal of the shock absorber, and then take out the shock absorber.

Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 inch) from the bottom of the tube using a centerpunch.

First, raise and support the vehicle.

Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 inch) from the bottom of the tube using a centerpunch.

Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack to align the tennon with the mounting hole, then insert the shock absorber through the lower control arm and into the upper spring pocket.