GM 15780243 Rear Shock Absorber Assembly

To remove the rear wheels, start by loosening the lug nuts and securing the front wheels with chocks. Then, raise the rear of the vehicle and support it with jackstands. Once the vehicle is secure, remove the rear wheels. Next, use a floor jack to support the rear axle on the side you are working on, positioning the jack head under the coil spring pocket. Proceed to remove the shock absorber upper and lower mounting bolts. Take a close look at the shock for any signs of fluid leakage or damage to the shock body. Test the operation of the shock by moving the damper shaft through a full stroke and short strokes of 2 to 4 inches. The resistance should be smooth and continuous; if it is jerky or uneven, or if there is any visible wear or damage, the shock needs to be replaced. To install the shock, follow the reverse steps of removal, using new bolts and tightening them to the specified torque.

Some signs of wear in struts or coil springs include leaking fluid, loss of damping capability, and chipped, sagging, or cracked coil springs.

To install the new strut, guide the strut assembly up into the fender well and align the studs or locating pin through the holes in the shock tower. Install the mounting nut(s) to secure the strut in place. Slide the steering knuckle into the strut flange and insert the two bolts. Align the marks made during removal and tighten the nuts to the specified torque.