GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Shock Absorber Replacement Without B9Q/V4U

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Removal .

  3. Object Number: 161654  Size: SH
  4. Disconnect the shock absorber electrical connector from the rear suspension support.
  5. Support the lower control arm with a screw jack in order to relieve the spring load.

  6. Object Number: 161652  Size: SH
  7. Remove the shock absorber lower nut and bolt.
  8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the top of the strut.
  9. Remove the upper mounting nut, retainer and insulator using the J 35669 .
  10. Compress the shock absorber by hand and remove through the upper control arm.
  11. Inspect the upper and lower shock absorber insulators for cracks, tears, or other damage. Replace worn or damaged insulators.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 161652  Size: SH
  1. Position the top of the shock absorber with the insulator attached in the suspension support.
  2. Install the upper shock insulator, retainer and nut.
  3. 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.

  4. Install the shock absorber lower nut and bolt
  5. Tighten

        • Tighten the upper shock absorber nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).
        • Tighten the lower shock absorber nut to 102 N·m (75 lb ft).

    Object Number: 161654  Size: SH
  6. Connect the electrical connector to the top of the strut.
  7. Connect the shock absorber electrical connector to the rear suspension support.
  8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Wheel Installation .
  9. Lower the vehicle.

Shock Absorber Replacement With B9Q/V4U

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

J 35669 Strut Rod Nut Socket


    Object Number: 161652  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the tire and wheel.
  3. Support the lower control with a suitable jack stand.
  4. Disconnect the electronic suspension air tube from the shock.
  5. Remove the lower shock absorber nut and bolt.
  6. Using J 35669 remove the upper mounting nut, retainer and insulator.
  7. Compress the shock by hand and remove the shock through the upper control arm.
  8. Inspect the upper and lower shock absorber insulators for cuts, cracks, tears or other damage. Replace if worn or damaged.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 161652  Size: SH
  1. Install the shock with upper insulator attached in the suspension support.
  2. 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.

  3. Install the upper shock absorber insulator, retainer and nut.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the shock nut to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

  5. Install the lower shock absorber bolt and nut.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the lower shock bolt and nut to 108 N·m (80 lb ft).

  7. Connect the electronic suspension air tube to the shock.
  8. Install the tire and wheel.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 190 N·m (140 lb ft).

  10. Lower the vehicle.