How to Replace Shock Absorbers?
3 Answers
Shock absorbers should be replaced based on their wear condition. The replacement steps are as follows: 1. Loosen the nuts in a diagonal sequence, but do not completely unscrew them. 2. Use a car lift to raise the vehicle. The wheels should be just off the ground to facilitate the operation. 3. Remove the wheels and detach the brake calipers to access the shock absorbers. Then, remove the control arm fixing bolts and loosen the fixing nuts of the spring strut arm. 4. Remove the control arm fixing bolts and loosen the fixing nuts of the spring strut arm. 5. Use a spring compressor to secure the spring, preventing it from moving upward and popping out when removing the top screws. 6. Replace the damaged parts of the shock absorber and the rubber boot.
It feels great to replace the shock absorbers myself. Find a garage or a safe flat area to get started. First, use a jack to lift the car and place support stands on both sides to prevent accidents. Remove the tires by loosening a few bolts with a wrench, and you'll quickly see the old shock absorbers. Check their condition—if there's oil leakage or cracks, it's time to replace them. When installing new ones, make sure to choose the correct model and size, align them properly, and avoid over-tightening the bolts to prevent damage. After replacement, reinstall the tires, lower the car, and take a test drive—it should feel much more stable. The whole process takes about an hour, and the tools needed are just a jack and wrenches, saving you three to four hundred in repair costs. Remember to regularly check the suspension system to avoid tire damage from bumps and to make long drives more comfortable. Beginners should watch video tutorials first and consider asking a friend for help to be more reliable.
To save money, I opted for a DIY shock absorber replacement. The tools are simple—just a jack will do. The steps are clear: park on level ground and engage the handbrake, lift the car securely to prevent wobbling. Then, remove the wheel bolts and take off the old part, checking carefully for oil leaks or deformation. When buying new shock absorbers, make sure they match your car model—don’t skimp and get the wrong ones. Install the new part, align the holes, and tighten the bolts without over-torquing. After reinstalling the wheel, lower the car and take a test drive. If the braking feels smoother, you’ve succeeded. Doing it yourself saves on labor costs—just around 300 yuan will cover it. But safety is key; if the car feels unstable, seek professional help. Also, check the suspension performance after replacement and maintain it regularly to prevent premature wear on the suspension system. Extending your car’s lifespan is the ultimate money-saving trick.
