Removal
1. Loosen the rear wheel nuts, raise the rear of the vehicle and securely support it on struts.
2. Support the rear axle with a jack (see illustration) and remove the rear wheels.
9.2. Before removing the shock absorber, place a trolley jack under the rear axle; otherwise, when you disconnect the lower shock absorber mounting bolt, the axle, under spring pressure, may drop sharply and cause injury
3. If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic level control system, the air lines must be disconnected before removing the shock absorber. Air lines use spring clamp connectors with integral seals in the retainer and double O-ring seals at the end of the air line. Before disconnecting the connector, clean it thoroughly, then compress the spring clip (see illustration) and separate the pipe from the shock absorber (the left shock absorber has an inlet line and a bypass pipe; the right shock absorber only has a bypass pipe).
9.3. On vehicles equipped with a body position adjustment system, the left shock absorber (shown in the illustration) connects to the compressor and the right shock absorber (the right shock absorber has only one connection for the bypass pipe). To separate the air line, simply squeeze the spring clip and pull the connector out; to reconnect the line, lubricate the O-rings, then push the connector all the way into the fitting until it snaps into place
4. Unscrew the upper shock absorber mounting nuts (see illustrations).
9.4a. To get to the upper shock absorber nuts, remove this decorative strip by hand,... |
9.4b....unhook each of the buttons,... |
9.4v.... lift the decorative strip up and disconnect the electrical connector of the lamp that turns on when the door is opened |
9.4g. This is what the removed decorative strip looks like from the back side. All snap-on fasteners are shown here |
9.4d. Press this rubber protective cap off the top of the shock absorber... |
9.4e....and unscrew these three nuts (indicated by arrows) |
5. Unscrew the nuts and bolts of the lower shock absorber mount (see illustration).
9.5. Lower nut and bolt for fastening the shock absorber (indicated by arrows)
6. Remove the shock absorbers.
Examination
7. Holding each shock absorber vertically, stretch and compress it. The movement should be smooth and there should be no jamming. Check for fluid leaks. If the shock absorber is leaking, replace it, do the same if it feels stuck when compressed. Always replace shock absorbers in pairs.
Installation
8. Place each shock absorber back in place and insert the bolts. Tighten the upper nuts to the torque specified in the specifications in this chapter. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lower bolts to the torque specified in the specifications in this chapter.
9. If the vehicle is equipped with an electronic level control system, connect the air lines. Lubricate the o-rings and install the air lines and connectors along the entire length of the pipe. After pressurizing the system to 100 psi, check for leaks using a soapy water solution.