Chevrolet Silverado 1999-2006: The Ultimate Shocks Guide
- Step 1 – Safely jack up the front of the truck and remove wheels ...
- Step 2 – Compress the control arms with your jack ...
- Step 3 – Loosen top of shock ...
- Step 4 – Remove bottom nut and bolt ...
- Step 5 – Install new front shock ...
- Step 6 – Loosen bottom of rear shock (but don't remove the bolt) ...
Full Answer
How to install front and rear shocks on a Chevrolet Silverado?
Chevrolet Silverado 2007-2013: How to Install Front and Rear Shocks Step 1 – Raise the truck. If you do not have access to an air or electric impact wrench, loosen the lug nuts with a 22mm... Step 2 – Remove the sway bar end links. The sway bar end links attach the sway bar to the lower control arm. ...
How do I replace the front shocks?
To replace the front shocks, we're going to need some room to work, so the wheels need to come off. Don't forget that loosening the wheel nuts before putting the front of the truck in the air is a good idea, and can save you a bit of headache later. On level ground, get the truck up in the air and situated on stands.
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 rear shock on a Honda Accord?
Start the three 18mm nuts by hand, and then install the bottom of the shock to the lower control arm with the two 15mm bolts. Re-install the sway bar end links to the sway bar and lower control arms. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
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.
How much does it cost to replace shocks on a Silverado 1500?
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement Cost Estimate. The average cost for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 suspension shock or strut replacement is between $1,035 and $1,340. Labor costs are estimated between $226 and $285 while parts are priced between $809 and $1,055.
Can you replace shocks without a lift?
no. the weight of the truck compresses the shocks. you have to get the weight off before you can remove them.
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.
Do Silverados have shocks or struts?
Your Silverado drives smoothly and comfortably because of the shocks and struts that are included in the vehicle. These help in absorbing the bumps that you encounter on the road.
Should you replace all 4 struts at once?
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.
How long do shocks last on a pickup truck?
On average, if your car has been “babied,” you can expect your shocks/struts to last about 10 years. If you have really used your car like a workhorse, 5 years is probably all you can expect. This means that for the average driver, 7 or 8 years is the maximum life expectancy of most shocks and struts.
How do I know if my rear 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.
Do new shocks make a big difference?
A new strut or shock is only as good as the parts that secure it to the vehicle and suspension. This is because a shock or strut is one of the parts connecting the suspension to the body.
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.
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.
Why does my truck ride so rough?
Rough, bumpy rides can be due to bad tire alignment, incorrect air pressure – too low, too high, different pressures in each tire – or even the tires not being mounted properly. Worst case scenario could be the rims themselves have become damaged or warped.
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 much are shocks for a truck?
The cost to replace shocks is going to be slightly less than struts since they are generally not as complicated as struts. The average total cost to replace a pair of shocks will run about $250 to $580. An individual shock absorber will cost around $50 to $140 so parts alone will set you back between $100 and $280.
Does a 2004 Chevy Silverado have struts?
We currently carry 49 Front End Shocks and Struts products to choose from for your 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and our inventory prices range from as little as $37.99 up to $411.99.
How much does it cost to replace suspension on a car?
between $1,000 to $5,000Replacing a suspension system typically costs between $1,000 to $5,000, but the price can vary depending on the type of vehicle, price of replacement parts, and the complexity of the replacement.
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.
Step 1: Make Sure You like to Replace the Rear Shock
The first and foremost thing is to find out if you need to replace the rear shock of your vehicle or just like to improvise anyway. Finding that is a piece of cake. If you find the suspension is worn out, outnumbered the bounce rate on road, or fluid leaking, don’t hesitate to replace the shock.
Pro Tips For Replacing Rear Shocks on Chevy Silverado
Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts, specially the top and the bottom of the shock.
How To Replace Front Struts 07-13 Chevy Silverado
If you know how to replace the rear shock on a Chevy Silverado, you can save some hundreds of dollars and get it fit anytime. By learning and following the steps as the guideline suggests, you can get your vehicle fully functional within half an hour. The process is pretty simple.
Why Change Shock?
Shock is one of those crucial parts of your vehicle that needs to be inspected regularly. More to say, you should check the status of the air shock after every 12,000 miles drive. Therefore, each time before you start the engine of the vehicle, you must test the shocks along with other parts.
What is the Difference Between Strut and Shock?
Although people mess up with these two diverse parts, they are practically not the same at all. They look quite similar in shape and sometimes even in size. Despite the fact, they don’t play the similar role. Technically, there is a difference between the shock and strut. Each wheel of your vehicle has any of them, not both of them together.
How to Replace Shocks Or Struts
Once you have done an inclusive research on the shocks and struts anyway by asking any expert or consulting your manufacturer’s manual, you can now move forward with shocks or struts. Make sure you go through the guideline below thoroughly or hire any professional to succeed the project.
Tools You Need
This step is not applicable for all vehicles, except for those who come with spring and shocks/struts. They are integrated together. If so, you’ll require a matching compressor to separate them first. Get a compressor or you can save some money by taking in rent. Make sure that you know how to use the compressor competently.
How to remove front shocks?
Remove these, and then finish removing the front strut by loosening the two bottom bolts with a 15mm socket attached to the lower control arm. Pull the shock down and away from the truck to remove it.
How to install shocks on a truck?
Slide the new shock into position into the strut and tighten down the large center nut. Slowly release the springs compression once the strut collars/hats have been placed back into position. Fit the new shock into the truck. Start the three 18mm nuts by hand, and then install the bottom of the shock to the lower control arm with the two 15mm bolts. Re-install the sway bar end links to the sway bar and lower control arms.
How to replace shock absorber?
If you are only replacing the shock absorber, you will need to compress the spring and disassemble the strut. Loosen the nut on top of the strut once the coil is compressed to separate the shock from the strut. You will need to hold the shaft by clamping on a pair of vice grip pliers.
How to attach sway bar to lower arm?
The sway bar end links attach the sway bar to the lower control arm. Use a wrench to hold the nut at the top of the end link still, while turning the bottom bolt loose with a socket. Lift the sway bar up and off of the end link.
Why do shocks compress?
Shocks compress fluid, and sometimes gas to absorb the bumps you encounter on the road. Manufacturers design shocks for different purposes. Some are better suited for off-road, while others provide more of a luxury feeling for the driver and passengers.
When should shocks be changed?
Shocks should be changed whenever there is a large increase or decrease in ride height. A ride height change will also change the area of movement that the shock performs best in.
How to raise a truck with jack stands?
Ready your jack stands and use your floor jack to raise each corner of the truck. Position the floor jacks under the frame rail. Using blocks of wood will give you additional height and eliminates damage to the truck from the jack stands hard surface.
How to loosen rear shocks?
Loosen the nuts on the bottom of the two rear shocks using a breaker bar, 21mm sockets, and a big ratchet and/or cheater pipe. If you have air tools, this would be a good time to bust 'em out if you haven't already.
Where to use wrench on truck shocks?
Some shocks make this easy on you by providing a place to use a wrench at the top of the shock , as shown here. Hopefully, the shocks on your truck currently are these kind.
What is the nut on a front shock?
The top of your front shock has threaded rod coming out of it. Threaded onto that is a 15mm nut that needs to be loosened and removed so you can back the shock out of the shock perch in the frame. But it's not quite that easy, because when you turn the nut, the innards of the shock are going to want to turn inside it rather than the nut moving off the threaded rod.
What is a Bilstein shock absorber?
Manufacturer Description: BILSTEIN 5100 series shock absorbers are designed specifically to help your lifted truck, Jeep, or SUV reach its pinnacle in ride performance while supplying the correct tuning and length for your specific lift. Recommended for those who value the confidence that comes with buying a recognized product.
What are Rancho shocks?
Manufacturer Description: Rancho® RS9000™XL 9-position adjustable shocks deliver an exclusive nine levels of performance to stock or lifted off-road trucks, SUVs,and Jeeps. Globally recognized as the first 9-position manually adjustable shocks series in the off-road market, this advanced line of shocks is ideal for off-road use, towing, hauling and more. The RS9000XL 9-position shocks allow the driver to control how soft or firm the ride quality is through the shock’s manual dampening and provide up to 400-percent change in vehicle control and response from setting one to nine. Plus, the RS9000XL series shocks come housed in an extra-large shock body, allowing for cooler and more consistent performance under even the most demanding conditions. These shocks come covered by a limited lifetime warranty and 90-Day free-ride offer. Recommended for those who desire flexibility to change ride quality depending on the conditions.
How to use two wrenches to thread a rod?
Another way would be to find two nuts the exact same size as the threaded rod, and thread them on at the top so that they press against one another, then use two wrenches to apply opposite direction of force. Or, you can use a grinder to cut a slot into the top of the threaded rod so you can jam a screwdriver in it.
What is a front suspension bar called?
The front suspension is sprung using what is called a "torsion bar. ". This is good news, because it makes life a little easier when replacing shocks than if there were a spring or coilover setup. So, let's replace those shocks and enjoy the ride.
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.
Where to remove shock nut?
Starting on one side, remove the nut at the upper end of the shock.
Where to install shock absorber nut?
Install the upper insulator on the shock absorber and the nut on the tenon end. Don’t tighten the nut until the vehicle is lowered.
How to park a truck on a level surface?
Park on a level surface. Raise the front end of the truck and support the lower control arms with jack stands.
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 replace shocks on a 2003 Silverado?
These step-by-step instructions and video detail a front shock absorber replacement on a 2003 Silverado 1500, and the procedures will be the same for your 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevy Silverado 1500. 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.
How to Test the Shocks?
To find out that the shocks are not working correctly is not at all problematic. Even an essential visual inspection can also lead you to the conclusion. When you see the weeping or leakage of hydraulic fluid around the piston base, it is a sign of wear on hydraulic based shocks.
How to stop a shock rode from spinning?
Remove the upper shock retaining bolt using the socket. You can also use the threaded rod with a separate tool to stop the rode from spinning. Then, remove the bottom shock bolt and give it a few taps with a hammer. Step 6: When you are doing the whole process, protect the threads or use new hardware.
Why do trucks need shocks?
It absorbs the excessive energy and the shocks caused by the uneven road. With the passing time, the components of the shocks wear down which may create a bounce of the vehicles. If the shocks of the truck are not proper, then even the smallest bump of the road can also start to hit harder. So, it is imperative replacing shocks on a truck.
Can you replace shocks on a truck?
So this is the detailed guideline for replacing shocks on a truck . I hope this article can solve your doubts. Changing the shocks or any other hardware as easy as DIY bedliner, if you follow the instruction or step by step guide given by the manufacturer.
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.
