What is the method for replacing shock absorbers?
3 Answers
The method for replacing shock absorbers: 1. Remove the car tire, loosen the wheel hub nuts with the onboard tools, lift the front wheel of the car, and then remove the wheel hub nuts; 2. Place one end of the open-end wrench on the external hex head of the bolt and the other end on the nut, then remove the fixing nut connecting the shock absorber to the lower stabilizer bar; 3. Open the car hood, remove the three fixing nuts at the top of the shock absorber tower, and then take the shock absorber off the suspension for replacement. To quickly dampen the vibration between the frame and the body and improve the smoothness and comfort of the car, shock absorbers are generally installed on the car suspension system.
Last month, I replaced the shock absorbers on my old car by myself and felt quite accomplished while saving a few hundred bucks. First, ensure safety: park on level ground, engage the handbrake, and securely lift the wheel with a jack—preferably adding a support stand to prevent slipping. Next, remove the wheel: loosen the nuts to take off the wheel, exposing the old shock absorber with two or three bolts that need to be removed one by one using a socket wrench. Be cautious when disassembling, as the spring may require a compression tool—otherwise, it could dangerously snap out. When installing the new shock absorber, align it properly: loosely attach the top bolts first, then tighten the bottom ones, and don’t forget to apply anti-rust grease for durability. Finally, reattach the wheel, lower the jack, and test-drive to check if the car rides smoothly. The whole process takes about 2–3 hours, with tools like wrenches and screwdrivers prepped. Beginners should ideally have a friend supervise to avoid mistakes—poorly installed shock absorbers may leak oil during bumps, compromising handling. DIY is fun, but if you lack mechanical confidence, consider hiring a pro.
Replacing shock absorbers is a routine task in our auto repair shop. The process ranges from simple to complex: first, lift the vehicle and secure the supports, then remove the wheels and clean the shock absorber area. When removing the old parts, check the bolt torque; if they're rusted and stuck, use lubricant to loosen them. Installing the new shock absorber requires careful alignment of the holes and even tightening of the mounting points, with torque values matching the manual's recommendations—usually around 30 Nm. After reassembling the wheels, lower the vehicle and test it by driving a short distance to confirm there are no abnormal noises or vibrations. This process emphasizes the use of professional equipment like torque wrenches and lifts—don't skimp on tools to avoid affecting longevity. Typically, the labor takes about an hour, and while parts aren't expensive, quality matters—opt for OEM parts to reduce future issues. We recommend regular maintenance checks for shock absorber wear, as failure can increase braking distance and pose significant safety risks.
