Did you know that there are over 700,000 mechanic jobs found in the United States? It’s not hard to see why. We rely on these professionals to keep our vehicles in good shape.
However, did you know that not every maintenance job requires a mechanic? For example, with a little know-how and equipment, you can replace your vehicle’s shock absorbers on your own. How?
By reading this guide! In it, we’ll quickly walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your shock absorbers.
That way, you can decide for yourself if you want to tackle a shock absorber job on your own. Let’s get started!
Find the Right Shock Absorbers
Before you fix your shock absorbers you first need a replacement. Finding the exact match for your car is pretty easy. Just make sure you shop on a site that has a wide variety of size options, like Supa Shock.
If you aren’t sure what type of shock absorbers your car needs, then consider going to an auto parts store. They can take a look at your vehicle and let you know what type of shock absorbers you need.
During this stage, you should also consider upgrading your shocks to improve performance. For example, if you’re doing a lot of off-road driving, then you might want twin-tube shocks.
Or, if you want to alter the height of your car, then try coil shocks. These upgrades aren’t necessary. But, as long as you’re replacing the shock it’s worth considering.
Prep the Vehicle and Shock Mounting
First, park your car on a level service and jack the vehicle. Depending on your vehicle your shock will be attached to vertical bolts that are in your engine bay or trunk.
Once you locate the old shocks you’re going to want to spray the mountings with metal cleaner. Why?
Because removing old shock mountings can be difficult. Over time dirt, debris, and bumps can wear the mounts down.
Before you spray with the metal cleaner you can try to see if they’re loose enough to go on their own. If there’s resistance, then spray some WD-40 and let it sit for a few minutes.
When you try again it should be a lot looser. Alternatively, if you don’t have any metal cleaner you can try forcing it.
You’re likely to crack the rubber near the bushing. But, since you’re replacing it that doesn’t matter.
Remove the Old Shock Absorbers
The first step to removing your truck shocks is to take the bolts out of the shock tower. Most of the time these are easy to locate. However, the top bolts on some cars are located underneath the fabric in the trunk.
If you fall in this category, then you need to lift back the lining. Then, take out the shock bolts by twisting your ratchet and socket counterclockwise.
If the bolts are too rusted, then apply some greasing material to loosen them. Next, find the nut that bridges the shock to the suspension system.
Use your socket set to disengage this nut. This will then disconnect the shock from the suspension system. If space is tight, which it sometimes is, you may need to use WD-40 to help.
Finally, it’s time to separate the shock absorbers from the top bolt and the bottom bolts. This is probably one of the more difficult parts.
It can require a lot of wiggling around especially if you have a vehicle with studs on the retaining bracket.
Install the New Shock Absorbers
Now, take your new car shocks and place them so it meets the suspension control arm. This can require a bit of balance so be patient.
Use a bit of pressure to hold the sock in place so that you can install all of the bolts back into their previous position. If you have an anti-roll device, then attach that using bolts.
Next, you should reattach those shock tower nuts at the beginning of the operation. Now, it’s time to tighten everything down. However, before you do this you should check your vehicle manual.
Look for the specifications of torque. That way, your shock system is nice and secure. Then, simply repeat the steps for any other shocks you need replacing on your vehicle.
Consider a Professional If You Need Help
If you have some experience with cars or trucks, then replacing shocks can be a pretty straightforward job. However, if you have no experience, then you might want to think twice.
For starters, you’ll need to jack your vehicle. While this isn’t hard to do, if you set it up wrong you can seriously hurt yourself and your vehicle. The work itself also requires a lot of knowledge of the anatomy of a car or truck.
If you want to learn, then feel free to approach it. But, know that it might take you a lot longer than normal.
And, if you install it incorrectly, then it can seriously hurt your vehicle.
Appreciate Learning How to Replace Your Shock Absorber? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn more about replacing your shock absorber. As you can see, replacing a shock absorber is a pretty straightforward job.
However, if you don’t have the experience that’s needed, then you shouldn’t feel bad hiring a professional. After all, the last thing you want is to be in a bunch of work only to damage your vehicle in the process.
Want similar car-related topics? We have lots more on our site, so keep reading to find more of them.