To check if the rear shock absorbers are working properly, press down hard on the rear fender. If the shock absorber is in good working order, the body will return to its original position without swaying. If the body vibrates on the springs, then the shock absorber is defective and must be replaced.
Necessary
- - standard set of tools;
- - inspection pit, overpass or jack.
Instructions
Step 1
In the passenger compartment or in the luggage compartment, at the points where the shock absorber is attached to the body, remove the decorative trim or upholstery. Remove the rubber pads from the shock absorber cups. After that, unscrew the shock absorber mounting nut, keeping its stem from turning. On some vehicles, the rear shock absorber can be removed without doing any work in the passenger compartment or luggage compartment.
Step 2
Place the car in advance on a pit or overpass. Brake the car with the parking brake, place the stops on the wheels and check if the ignition is turned off. If there is no inspection pit or overpass, remove the rear wheel and raise the rear axle (rear suspension arm) using a jack. This is necessary in order for the spring of the shock absorber to be compressed by the time it starts to work. Remove the bolts securing the bottom of the shock absorber to the rear axle or suspension arm. Pull out the shock absorber and its bushing. After that, unscrew the bolts securing the shock absorber to the body and remove it from under the car.
Step 3
In most designs, the shock absorber is removed along with the support cup, rubber pad, suspension spring and protective rubber boot. To unscrew the cup from the shock absorber, you must unscrew the nut that secures it. At the same time, use pliers to hold the upper part of the stem so that the nut does not turn with it.
Step 4
It is recommended to replace one of the rear shock absorbers together with the second, regardless of its condition. This is necessary in order to eliminate the imbalance of the body, which will inevitably arise after replacement. In the case of replacing the front shock absorbers, this rule does not make sense, since there is no imbalance on the front shock absorbers.
Step 5
Treat all threaded connections with WD-40 fluid during disassembly. If you have a rear anti-roll bar, you may need to unscrew the anti-roll bar from the shock struts. Sometimes you have to disconnect the brake or pressure regulator hoses to remove the rear shock absorbers.
