GM 10431991
Shock Absorber

First, support the vehicle at a suitable height and eliminate the tire and wheel from the car. Remove the real-time damping electrical connector from the shock if present before taking out the upper mounting nut along with insulator retainer and insulator components. The procedure starts with removing the shock absorber lower mounting bolts and nuts followed by unmounting it from both the upper shock tower and the vehicle. Heavy-duty shock-equipped vehicles (FE3) need a pry bar and Shock Support Tool (J 43822) to compress the shock absorber from below while installing the tool on the compressed height before shock absorber removal from the shock tower and vehicle. Mount the retainer along with insulator to the shock absorber before positioning it into the upper shock tower where the upper mounting nut should be tightened to 26 Nm (19 ft. lbs.). Fits the lower mounting bolts followed by tightening them to 28 Nm (21 ft. lbs.). Also reconnect the real-time damping electrical connector when at hand. After removing the Transverse Spring Compressor (J 33432-A) use it to install the tire together with the wheel assembly and then lower the vehicle. Heavy-duty shock absorbers benefit from using a Shock Support Tool (J 43822) to install the shock absorber into the vehicle after which the mounting nuts for the upper and lower section should be torqued. Once the work is complete the support tool and Transverse Spring Compressor (J 33432-A) must be removed before finalizing tire and wheel assembly and vehicle lowering.

Do not remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube to avoid the risk of personal injury from the contents being expelled with extreme force.

Remove the shock absorber from the vise, hold it horizontally with the hole facing down, and move the rod in and out to completely drain the oil from the tube.

Tighten to 220 Nm (162 ft. lbs.).

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