GM 96980826
Strut

The first step to replace a Shock Absorber involves removing its upper bolts which attach to the body. The vehicle needs bodily support from a hoist to reach proper height so you can install adjustable stands under the rear axle assembly. Work on one Shock Absorber at a time while the vehicle remains elevated to protect brake hoses. The first movement should be to raise the vehicle before removing the Shock Absorber-to-axle bottom bolt followed by the Shock Absorber removal. The installation process requires the axle to reach its specified trim height before you secure the Shock Absorber attaching bolts. After inserting the lower Shock Absorber-to-axle bolt into the Shock Absorber lower attachment bracket and axle it is necessary to lower the vehicle to install the upper shock stud into the body opening before attaching the bolts loosely. To complete the process you must tighten the lower Shock Absorber-to-axle bolt to 72 n.m (53 lb ft) while the upper Shock Absorber-to-body bolt needs a torque of 50 n.m (37 lb ft).

Raise and suitably support the vehicle, placing jackstands under the frame.

Begin by removing the upper shock absorber-to-body bolts.

Remove only one shock at a time to avoid damaging the brake hoses.

Lower the vehicle enough to guide the upper shock stud into the body opening and loosely install the attaching bolts.

Tighten the nuts and bolts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft).

Tighten the lower shock absorber-to-axle bolt to 72 Nm (53 ft. lbs.) and the upper shock absorber-to-body bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft. lbs.).

The vehicle must be raised and supported on a frame contact hoist, not a suspension contact hoist, and the front lower control arm should be supported with a jack stand near the ball joint.