Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: How to Install Front and Rear Shocks
- Step 1 – Raise the truck ...
- Step 2 – Remove the sway bar end links ...
- Step 3 – Remove the front strut assembly ...
- Step 4 – Separate the shock from the coil spring ...
- Step 5 – Install the new front shocks ...
- Step 6 – Remove the rear shocks ...
- Step 7 – Finish the installation ...
Full Answer
When should I replace my shocks on my GMC Sierra 1500?
It’s recommended that you inspect or replace your shocks every 50,000 miles, and both shock absorbers on your GMC Sierra 1500 should be replaced at the same time since they have experienced the same amount of use.
How to replace a rear shock on a pickup truck?
Depending on the ground clearance, you may or may not need to lift and support the rear of the truck. Loosen the lug nuts and remove the wheel from the truck. This will give you more work space when removing and installing a new rear shock.
How do you replace a shock absorber on a Toyota Corolla?
Use a box wrench and breaker bar with a 21mm socket to loosen the bottom nut and bolt securing the shock, and remove it. After removing the bottom nut and bolt, remove the upper shock absorber nut and bolt. At this point, you should be able to remove the shock. Set it next to your new shock to make sure you have the right replacement.
How do you install a shock absorber on a Harley Davidson?
Lift the new shock absorber into place, inserting the stem through the hole in the shock bracket. Align the shock with the mounting holes in the lower control arm. Install the bolt at the lower control arm and tighten it to 59 foot pounds. Install the upper insulator on the shock absorber and the nut on the tenon end.
Why are my shocks failing on my GMC Sierra 1500?
Why replace shock absorbers?
Why do shocks wear out?
How to lift a truck with a jack?
Do you have to have a dust boot on a shock?
Can you remove a shock?
See 3 more
About this website
Can I replace my shocks myself?
The good news is, some repairs are easy to do at home. Like replacing shocks and struts. It's not a job that you should attempt if you're not familiar working with vehicles, but with a little training and experience, you'll be ready to tackle the job.
When should shocks be replaced on GMC Sierra?
Struts and shocks may need to be replaced anywhere between 50k and 100k miles. If at any time the struts or shocks are leaking, broken, or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
Will new shocks make my truck ride smoother?
Changing the suspension system of your car and replacing it with one that is softer yields the best results when it comes to making the riding experience of your vehicle more smooth. Swapping the shock absorbers built for firmness with ones that are made for comfort is an easy way to soften the suspension.
How do I know if my truck shocks are worn out?
The Warning Signs Of Worn Shocks And StrutsInstability at highway speeds. ... Vehicle “tips” to one side in turns. ... The front end dives more than expected during hard braking. ... Rear-end squat during acceleration. ... Tires bouncing excessively. ... Unusual tire wear. ... Leaking fluid on the exterior of shocks or struts.
How can you tell if your shocks are bad?
If your vehicle dives when braking, bottoms out (scrapes loudly) when going over a speed bump, the rear-end squats when accelerating, or your vehicle bounces more than usual after going over a bump, it could be signs of bad shocks or struts.
How do I know if my car needs new shocks?
One way to test the condition of the shocks and struts of your car is to push down hard on each corner of a vehicle. If the vehicle continues to bounce after you let go, your shocks need replacing.
Which brand of shocks is the best?
Top 10 Best Shock Absorber BrandsMonroe. When it comes to performance shocks and struts, Monroe emerges among the first brands that come to mind. ... KYB. KYB shock absorbers are products of the renowned KYB Corporation. ... Pedders. ... BILSTEIN. ... KONI. ... Fox Racing. ... Rancho. ... Gabriel.More items...•
Which is better gas or oil filled shocks?
Gas charged shocks provide a sportier ride. must compress before the oil can be forced through the valve. Hydraulic shocks give a softer and smoother ride. is increased at a slower in the hydraulic shocks which produces the softer feel.
Why is my truck so bouncy?
To summarize, the four main reasons for your car bouncing or swaying are wheels that are not aligned, excessive or uneven wear on the tires, damaged struts and worn shock absorbers, or a loose steering linkage.
When replacing shocks what else should be replaced?
Getting Your Shocks & Struts Replaced Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs (front axle or rear axle), and it's even better to replace the shocks/struts on all four wheels at one time. This helps maintain reliable handling and a consistent response on both sides of the vehicle.
What do worn out shocks sound like?
Unusual noises – When shocks and struts are worn out you may hear a clunking or knocking sound. This sound is caused by metal-to-metal contact when the shock or strut bottoms out when hitting a bump. In addition, these noises could be a result in worn shock or strut mounting components.
What happens if you drive on bad shocks?
Loss of handling and control – Driving with failing shocks or struts has a direct impact on your ability to control your vehicle. You may notice that your vehicle bounces excessively, rolls or sways abruptly when making a turn, or that you feel out of control when hit by a cross wind.
How often should truck shocks be replaced?
every 50,000-100,000 milesGenerally, shocks and struts wear out every 50,000-100,000 miles. If you're a more aggressive driver and/or frequently drive on rough roads, they will wear out faster. Shocks and struts don't go out all at once; they deteriorate slowly over time.
How much does it cost to replace shocks on a truck?
A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100. However, keep in mind that this can vary depending on the type of vehicle suspension you have and your location. To begin with, shocks come in several grades, and you get what you pay for.
How long do shocks last on Silverado?
Struts and shocks may need to be replaced anywhere between 50k and 100k miles. If at any time the struts or shocks are leaking, broken, or damaged, they should be replaced immediately.
How long do 4x4 shock absorbers last?
If you're city-based and drive carefully all the time on well-maintained, perfectly smooth tar roads, your shocks could last up to 10 years. But for those of us who may hit potholes from time to time and drive on dirt roads now and then, expect to get around 5 years from your shock absorbers.
How to Change the Front Shocks on a 1999-2007 Chevy Silverado
Your GMC Sierra 1500 or Chevy Silverado 1500’s front shock absorbers dampen the suspension movement of your truck for a smoother ride. Replacing worn shock absorbers on your 1999-2007 GMC Sierra is a straightforward repair that can help improve your truck’s handling, tire wear, movement, braking time, and the overall ride.
Why are my shocks failing on my GMC Sierra 1500?
If your GMC Sierra 1500’s shock absorbers are failing, you may experience excessive rocking, poor handling, oil leaks near the lower shock tube or shaft seal, knocking noises, damaged rubber bushings, or longer braking time. Exposure to high temperatures and other weather conditions can contribute to failing shock absorbers, ...
Why replace shock absorbers?
Replacing worn shock absorbers helps you maintain a safe, working suspension system, and can help you avoid an accident. If you notice oil leaks near the shock tube or shaft seal, knocking noises, excessive rocking, longer braking time, or decreased handling, it is important to replace the front shock absorbers as soon as possible.
Why do shocks wear out?
Exposure to high temperatures and other weather conditions can contribute to failing shock absorbers, but often they simply wear out over the truck’s lifetime, and they should be replaced as soon as you suspect a problem in order to prevent tire and suspension damage to your truck. It’s recommended that you inspect or replace your shocks every ...
How to lift a truck with a jack?
Step 1: Lift Truck Using a Jack. Park on a level surface. Depending on the ground clearance, you may or may not need to lift and support the rear of the truck. Show More Show Less.
Do you have to have a dust boot on a shock?
Do It Right: Be sure to have the shock upright with the dust boot or metal shield at the top when priming and when installing.
Can you remove a shock?
At this point, you should be able to remove the shock. Set it next to your new shock to make sure you have the right replacement.
Why are my shocks failing on my GMC Sierra 1500?
If your GMC Sierra 1500’s shock absorbers are failing, you may experience excessive rocking, poor handling, oil leaks near the lower shock tube or shaft seal, knocking noises, damaged rubber bushings, or longer braking time. Exposure to high temperatures and other weather conditions can contribute to failing shock absorbers, ...
Why replace shock absorbers?
Replacing worn shock absorbers helps you maintain a safe, working suspension system, and can help you avoid an accident. If you notice oil leaks near the shock tube or shaft seal, knocking noises, excessive rocking, longer braking time, or decreased handling, it is important to replace the front shock absorbers as soon as possible.
Why do shocks wear out?
Exposure to high temperatures and other weather conditions can contribute to failing shock absorbers, but often they simply wear out over the truck’s lifetime, and they should be replaced as soon as you suspect a problem in order to prevent tire and suspension damage to your truck. It’s recommended that you inspect or replace your shocks every ...
How to lift a truck with a jack?
Step 1: Lift Truck Using a Jack. Park on a level surface. Depending on the ground clearance, you may or may not need to lift and support the rear of the truck. Show More Show Less.
Do you have to have a dust boot on a shock?
Do It Right: Be sure to have the shock upright with the dust boot or metal shield at the top when priming and when installing.
Can you remove a shock?
At this point, you should be able to remove the shock. Set it next to your new shock to make sure you have the right replacement.
