GM 19209331
Shock Absorber, Front

Breathing gas pressure inside shock absorbers presents a risk of dangerous explosive force so remove the snap ring from the tube top only if you have no need to eliminate this danger because it can cause severe personal injury. Wear protective safety glasses when piercing holes in the shock absorber while drilling while keeping the shock absorber tube safe from damage. Create a centered mark that measures 10 mm (0.4 inch) from the base of the tube through centerpunching. Secure the shock absorber to a vise position with its shock absorber rod in fully extended position. Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to make the hole at the centerpunch position and direct the escaping gas or gas/oil mixture while containing oil with shop towels. The next step requires creating a centerpunch indentation on the tube followed by drilling a 5 mm (3/16 inch) aperture at that point while using shop towels to collect the oil discharge. The shock absorber gets moved to a drain pan where you horizontally position it with the holes toward the floor. Then extend and retract the rod through the tube to drain all oil.

The first step for Shock Absorber replacement with a Torsion Bar involves raising the vehicle while supporting it and jack-standing the lower Control Arm. Disconnect both the upper insulator and the Shock Absorber mounting bolt at the lower Control Arm that belongs to the 15 series. The appropriate tool can drive out the lower shock mounting bushing for servicing. Remove the Shock Absorber mounting bolt at the lower Control Arm, the 25 series before taking out the Shock Absorber. New shock absorbers should go through the shock bracket hollow on the frame before they align with the mounting holes on the lower Control Arm across the 15 series and 25 series platforms. Use the lower Control Arm to insert the Shock Absorber through bolt before installing the Shock Absorber through the bolt nut while tightening it to 80 nm (59 ft. Lbs.). Place the upper insulator above the shock mounting bracket of the frame before attaching it to the Shock Absorber. Secure the nut against the tennon end while leaving it loose yet remove safety stands before lowering down the vehicle. Holding the tennon end with a wrench tighten the nut to 20 nm force (15 foot-pounds torques). Finally, dispose of the old Shock Absorber properly.

Dispose of the shock absorber.

Position the new shock absorber and secure it with the upper shock absorber nut and bolt.

Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit.

Finally, remove the safety stands and lower the vehicle.

Remove the shock absorber from the vise, hold it over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down, and move the rod in and out of the tube to completely drain the oil.

Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit.