Chevrolet 84192068 Rear Shock Absorber Assembly

If the struts or coil springs show signs of wear such as leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, chipped, sagging, or cracked coil springs, it is important to explore all options before starting any work. The strut/shock absorber assemblies cannot be serviced and must be replaced if there is a problem. However, there may be strut assemblies available with springs on an exchange basis, which can save time and effort. Before disassembling the vehicle, it is recommended to check the cost and availability of parts. To disassemble, the strut and spring assembly should be removed and mounted in a vise, taking care to protect the unit. A spring compressor should be installed following the manufacturer's instructions to relieve force from the upper spring seat. The damper shaft nut should be loosened and removed, along with the suspension support. The bearing and rubber portion of the suspension support should be inspected and replaced if necessary. The top mount assembly and upper spring seat should be removed, checking for cracking and replacing if needed. The compressed spring should be carefully lifted and set aside. The dust boot and rubber bumper should be removed, and the lower insulator should be checked for wear and replaced if necessary. To reassemble, if the lower insulator is being replaced, it should be set into position with the dropped portion seated properly. The dust boot should be replaced, and the damper rod should be extended and the rubber bumper installed. The coil spring should be placed onto the lower insulator, with the end resting properly. The upper spring seat and top mount should be installed, aligning them correctly. The damper nut should be tightened to the specified torque, and the spring compressor tool can be removed.

To remove the shock absorber, start by loosening the rear wheel lug nuts and raising the rear of the vehicle. Support it securely on jackstands and remove the wheel. Then, remove the inner fender splash shields. Next, slightly raise the outer end of the lower control arm with a floor jack to prevent it from moving downward when the shock absorber mounting bolts are removed. Proceed to remove the upper and lower shock absorber mounting bolts and finally remove the shock absorber. To install the shock absorber, simply reverse the removal steps and tighten the mounting fasteners to the specified torque.

Unbolt the brake hose bracket from the strut and disconnect the upper end of the stabilizer bar link. Mark the exact position of the strut to the steering knuckle and remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.

Worn or damaged suspension and steering linkage components can result in excessive and abnormal tire wear, poor ride quality and vehicle handling, and reduced fuel economy.

Finally, remove the shock absorber.

Unbolt the brake hose bracket from the strut and disconnect the upper end of the stabilizer bar link. Mark the exact position of the strut to the steering knuckle and remove the strut-to-knuckle bolts and nuts.

The strut/shock absorber assemblies cannot be serviced and must be replaced if there is a problem. However, there may be strut assemblies available with springs on an exchange basis, which can save time and effort.

Clean the lower end of the steering knuckle. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move the wheel in-and-out while you look for movement at the steering knuckle-to-control arm balljoint. If there is any movement, the balljoint must be replaced.