What should be noted when replacing car shock absorbers?
2 Answers
When replacing car shock absorbers, it is important to use a specialized torque wrench to tighten the screws, and after replacement, a four-wheel alignment should be performed again. The method for replacing car shock absorbers is as follows: 1. Loosen the nuts of the four wheels in a diagonal sequence, but do not completely remove them; 2. Use a lift to raise the car to an appropriate height; 3. Use a socket to completely remove the wheel nuts in a diagonal sequence and take off the wheels; 4. For some car models, it is necessary to remove the brake caliper to facilitate the removal of the shock absorber. Remove the control arm fixing bolts, then loosen the fixing nuts of the spring support arm; 5. Use a clamp jack to secure the shock absorber arm. After opening the engine hood, loosen the fixing nuts of the shock absorber upper end on the car body. 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. Then move the shock absorber away and slowly lower the shock absorber arm until the shock elasticity is completely released. Finally, completely loosen the fixing nuts of the shock absorber upper end on the car body and remove the shock absorber.
I have years of experience hauling cargo by truck and replacing shock absorbers. First, you must identify the correct model – shock absorbers vary by vehicle type, so never cheap out on incompatible ones. Always replace them in pairs; changing just one can cause uneven spring tension. Use a torque wrench to tighten the I-beam bolts to the specified value – too tight and you'll deform the rubber bushings, too loose and you'll get annoying rattles. After removing the old shocks, check the spring washers for cracks and clean any debris from the suspension. Test drive afterwards: listen for clunks over speed bumps and observe if body roll is even during cornering. Final tip: don't skimp on replacing worn bushings – their deterioration accelerates wear on the entire suspension system.
