GM 19169325
Shock Absorber, Rear

Gas charged shock absorbers maintain high pressure gas inside them therefore do not remove the snap ring at the top tube due to severe personal injury risks. Safety glasses must be worn as protection for eye safety during shock absorber centerpunching drill operations while maintaining distance from the shock absorber tube to avoid a puncture. Create a 10 mm (0.4 inch) space at the bottom of the tube by using a centerpunch. Position the shock absorber in a vise where it extends horizontally and keeps its rod fully extended. Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to make holes at the centerpunch location in the shock absorber to let out gas or a gas/oil mixture but position shop towels to catch the spilled oil. Drill a second hole at the centerpunch position on the tube using the 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit which will create an oil drainage point. Use the vise to free the shock absorber then suspend the device horizontally above drain pan and insert the rod in the tube while moving it within the tube to drain the shock absorber.

The snap ring located within the shock absorber tube contains high pressure gas which presents a severe injury risk when removed because the expulsion force will harm you. Safety glasses are necessary when centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber to avoid tube puncture. Use a centerpunch to create a 10 mm (0.4 inch) deep mark on the tube bottom at a 10 mm distance from its base. Mount the shock absorber inside the vise which holds the shock absorber rod in full extension. The shock absorber should have a 5 mm (3/16 inch) hole drilled at the centerpunch position to allow the release of gas or gas/oil mixture and the process should be contained using shop towels. Use a centerpunch to create an indentation in the middle of the tube before drilling a 5 mm (3/16 inch) hole there using the same drill bit (repeat this process to drain oil). Again apply shop towels to contain the oil escaping during drilling. Drain the shock absorber oil by placing its rod between the holes facing down over a drain pan while moving the rod in and out of the tube.

Raise the vehicle again and scribe the strut to the knuckle before removing the strut lower bolts and nuts to take out the strut.

Disconnect the air tube connector from the shock absorber.

Raise and support the vehicle according to Vehicle Lifting guidelines.

Disconnect the air tube connector from the shock absorber.

Use a 5 mm (3/16 inch) drill bit to drill a hole at the centerpunch mark.

Remove the support from the rear axle and lower the vehicle.

Begin by installing the shock absorber and ensure to follow the Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Make an indentation in the middle of the tube with a centerpunch and drill a second hole at this centerpunch using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit.