Removal:
1. Park on level ground, set parking brake, chock opposite wheels, and wear safety gear.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and isolate it before touching any electrical connectors.
3. Lift the vehicle with a jack at a manufacturer-recommended lift point and support it securely on jack stands; do not rely on the jack alone.
4. Remove the wheel to access the shock area.
5. If the vehicle has adjustable or air suspension, follow the manufacturer procedure to relieve system pressure and disconnect any electrical/air lines after the battery is isolated.
6. Support the axle or suspension arm with a jack so the shock does not suddenly drop when fasteners are removed.
7. Locate and disconnect any electrical connectors or sensors attached to the shock (if equipped), labeling them if needed.
8. Loosen and remove the fasteners that retain the shock at both ends; designs vary, so access direction and number of bolts may differ.
9. Remove the shock from its mounts; if it's bound, move the suspension slightly to gain clearance rather than forcing the part.
10. Inspect mounting bushings, washers, and surrounding components for wear or damage and set aside hardware for inspection or replacement.
Installation:
1. Confirm replacement shock is the correct type and orientation for the vehicle and compare it to the removed unit.
2. Clean mounting surfaces and replace worn bushings or fasteners as needed before installing the new shock.
3. If applicable, preload or orient the shock per the part instructions; some designs require installing with a specific alignment.
4. Position the new shock into the mounts and loosely install the fasteners by hand to hold it in place.
5. Support the suspension so the shock mounts align naturally, then tighten fasteners to the manufacturer's specification (do not guess specs).
6. Reconnect any electrical connectors or air lines, ensuring secure, clean connections and proper routing away from pinch points.
7. Reinstall the wheel, lower the vehicle from jack stands, and torque wheel fasteners to the manufacturer's specification.
8. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
9. If the vehicle has adjustable or air suspension, re-enable and cycle the system per manufacturer guidance and check for leaks.
10. Perform a controlled road test to verify ride quality and listen for noises; recheck fasteners and connectors after initial test drive.
Repair tip: Replace shocks on the same axle in pairs and consider new mounting hardware; always follow the vehicle maker's specific procedures and torque values when available.