What are the steps to replace shock absorbers?
4 Answers
Replacing car shock absorbers is a relatively complex process: Generally, you first loosen the nuts, remove the wheels, and then take out the shock absorbers. When reinstalling the shock absorbers, lubricating grease should be applied. After installing the shock absorbers, reattach the wheels and tighten the nuts. The detailed steps are as follows: 1. First, loosen the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence, but do not remove them completely. 2. Use a lift to raise the car to a moderate height, just enough for convenient operation. 3. Remove all the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence and take off the wheels. 4. Secure the shock absorber arm with a clamp jack, open the engine hood, and loosen the upper body fixing nut of the shock absorber (do not remove it completely). Then, turn the clamp jack to lift the shock absorber arm until the lower end of the shock absorber separates from the front axle fixing point. Slowly move the shock absorber away and gradually lower the shock absorber arm until the shock absorber's elasticity is fully released. Finally, completely loosen the upper body fixing nut of the shock absorber and remove it. 5. After removing the shock absorber, use a shock absorber spring tool to secure the spring to prevent it from shifting or popping out when removing the top screw. 6. Disassemble and replace any damaged parts of the shock absorber, including the rubber cover. If the shock absorber spring is not severely rusted or broken, it does not need to be replaced. When reassembling the shock absorber, apply lubricating grease to enhance wear resistance. 7. Fix the upper end of the shock absorber to the car body to ensure it does not fall. Use a clamp jack to secure the shock absorber arm and lift it to align the lower end of the shock absorber with the front axle support. Secure the lower end of the shock absorber arm to the front axle with bolts, fasten the spring strut arm nut, and then tighten the upper body fixing nut of the shock absorber. Follow the same steps to replace the remaining three shock absorbers.
I've tried replacing shock absorbers at home a few times, and it's important to follow the steps carefully. First, use a reliable jack to lift the car to a sufficient height—never rely solely on the jack; always use jack stands for additional safety to prevent the car from falling. Then, remove the wheel to expose the shock absorber area. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts connecting the shock absorber. If they're rusted, spray some lubricant and gently pry them loose. After removing the old shock absorber, clean any dust from the mounting points, align the holes of the new shock absorber carefully, and install it. Tighten all bolts to the recommended torque, avoiding over-tightening. Once the wheel is back on, lower the car and take a short test drive to ensure there are no unusual noises or bumps. The whole process takes about an hour, and beginners should watch video tutorials for guidance. Regularly checking the lifespan of your shock absorbers can prevent bigger issues—I inspect mine every two years.
As someone who frequently works on car repairs, I have considerable experience in replacing shock absorbers. The first step is to safely lift the car to the correct position using a jack, then stabilize it with stands to ensure the entire operation is risk-free. After removing the tire, locate the shock absorber assembly and use the appropriate tools to detach the mounting bolts and connecting components. Once the old part is removed, inspect surrounding parts such as the springs for any signs of wear. When installing the new shock absorber, ensure it is perfectly aligned and tighten the bolts to the standard torque specifications. After completion, reinstall the tire, lower the car, and conduct a road test to confirm smooth handling. While the job isn't overly complex, attention to detail is crucial. It's recommended to use high-quality shock absorbers to extend their service life.
The shock absorber on my car was broken and making too much noise. Since I'm not very familiar with mechanics, I asked a friend for help. We first used a jack to lift the car in the garage, and he placed supports to secure it. Then he removed the tire, used a wrench to take off the bolts, and removed the old shock absorber. After cleaning everything, we installed the new shock absorber I bought, and he taught me how to tighten the screws evenly. We then put the tire back on, lowered the car, and took it for a test drive—it felt much quieter. The whole process was quick, taking less than an hour to complete. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, it’s really best to find someone to help to avoid mistakes.
