GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 1997 🢒 Catera 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Shock Absorber Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Open the rear door.
  2. Pull the rear seat backs forward in order to allow access to the upper shock absorber mount.

    3. Object Number: 205682 Size: SH
  3. Remove the rubber protective cap from the shock absorber tower.
  4. Remove the mounting nut from the upper shock absorber.
  5. Remove the upper mounting washer.
  6. Remove the upper mounting grommet.

    7. Caution: To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle at the opposite end from which components are being removed. This will reduce the possibility of the vehicle falling off the hoist.

  7. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    8. Object Number: 205689 Size: SH
  8. Remove the Automatic Level Control (ALC) air line connection from the shock absorber.

    9. Object Number: 205698 Size: SH
  9. Remove the mount bolt from the lower shock absorber.
  10. Remove the shock absorber.

Installation Procedure
  1. Remove the shipping plug from the air line (tubing) port if installing a new shock absorber.
  2. Lower the vehicle in order to allow access to the shock absorber tower through the rear seats.
  3. Attach the lower rubber mounting grommet and the washer to the shock absorber.

    4. Object Number: 205682 Size: SH
  4. Install the shock absorber to the shock absorber tower.
  5. Install the upper rubber mounting washer.
  6. Install the grommet.
  7. Hold the shock absorber in place with one hand, while reaching inside the vehicle with the other hand in order to start the shock absorber mount nut.

    8. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  8. Install the shock absorber mount nut.

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the mount nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).

  9. Install the rubber protective cap to the shock absorber tower.
  10. Install the rear seats into their proper position.

    11. Caution: To help avoid personal injury when a vehicle is on a hoist, provide additional support for the vehicle at the opposite end from which components are being removed. This will reduce the possibility of the vehicle falling off the hoist.

  11. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  12. Support the lower control arm in order to allow for installation of the mount bolt to the lower shock absorber if necessary.

    13. Object Number: 205698 Size: SH
  13. Install the mount bolt to the lower shock absorber.

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the mount bolt to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).


    Object Number: 205689 Size: SH
  14. Install the ALC air line connection to the shock absorber.

    15. Lower the vehicle.