QA

Quick Answer: How To Remove Rear Shocks

Is it hard to change rear shocks?

Shocks are pretty straightforward—you usually just have to disconnect the top and lower mount to be able to remove them. However, on certain cars, you may need to remove some paneling to gain access to the shocks.

How do you replace rear shocks?

How to change a rear shock absorber Loosen the rear wheel bolts. Put the car into gear, chock the front wheels then jack-up the rear of the car and support it on axle stands. Remove the wheel. Remove the shock absorber top mounting nut/bolt(s). Loosen and remove the mounting bolt(s) at the bottom of the shock absorber.

Can you change shocks without a jack?

You can definitely do it. I just had my shocks rebuilt and watched him remove and install the rear ones without taking off the wheels.

How long does it take to replace rear shocks?

How long does shock absorber replacement take? We’ve taken a look at some average times across the industry. Whether you’re replacing the front pair or the rear, the time taken is about the same—averaging between 1.5 and 4 hours.

What else can replace shocks?

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.

Can I replace just one shock absorber?

It’s not necessary, but it’s usually recommended to replace them in pairs, for example, both front struts or both rear shocks. If you replace only one shock absorber, it may create “unevenness” from side to side when driving over bumps.

How much does it cost to replace rear shocks?

A typical shock and strut replacement can set you back anywhere between $450 and $1,100 on parts and labor combined. An individual shock and strut assembly costs around $150 to $900, while estimated labor costs for replacing a shock and strut assembly can range anywhere from $150 to $300 per assembly.

Where are the shocks located on a car?

If your vehicle has shocks, you will likely find them mounted vertically behind the tires. In many cases, shocks will look like a spring or pump. Struts, on the other hand, are usually mounted horizontally and will appear as an extension of the wheel.

What holds the shock in place?

Struts are a structural part of the suspension system and are mounted to the chassis of the vehicle on the top, and they come down through. They give us a place to mount the coil spring, and the spring is what maintains the height of the vehicle, so we have a plate in here for the spring.

How do I know my rear shocks are bad?

The Warning Signs Of Worn Shocks And Struts Your vehicle never feels completely stable on the highway and is constantly moving up and down. The movement may be slight, but you notice it. You’ll notice the front end of your vehicle rising while the rear “squats” during hard acceleration. Tires bouncing excessively.

Do rear shocks make noise?

As shocks and bushings wear, they lose their ability to properly support the strut. The result is that the strut can bottom out. When the strut bottoms out, the metal-to-metal contact can cause a knocking sound that emanates from the front or rear wheels.

Do you need alignment after replacing rear shocks?

In general, you don’t need an alignment done after replacing shocks on a vehicle with the older style front suspension typically found on rear wheel drive vehicles. Replacing those shocks has nothing to do with the alignment whatsoever unless the spring has lost some of it’s tension.

Can I drive a truck without rear shocks?

Yes you can drive a vehicle provided it has a Solid Rear Axle and is a Rear Wheel Drive without Shocks. Just don’t expect a comfortable ride and your Braking will be severely reduced. You’ll also destroy your Springs and your Tires.

Do shocks come with bolts?

The front shocks come with a full set of new bolts so you can toss out all the old front ones.. The rear shocks come with the bolts for the “top” of the shock. IE the ones you are asking about You will have to reuse the bolt that attaches the shock to the axle.

Should I replace all 4 shocks at the same time?

Shocks and struts should always be replaced in pairs or, better yet, all four, for even, predictable handling and control. Remember, too, that whenever the struts are replaced, it becomes important to check the alignment, as it may have changed, to protect your vehicle tires and assure maximum safety.

What is the difference between shocks and struts?

The major difference between shocks and struts is that a strut is a structural part of the vehicles suspension system where a shock is not. A strut is also a pivot point for the vehicles steering system and contains a coil spring. Because of this an alignment is always needed when replacing a strut.

How long do shocks last?

On average shocks and struts can last 5-10 years or 50,000-100,000 miles under ideal driving conditions. Many factors can affect the lifespan of these components to include: manufacturer, bad roads, heavy loads, towing, hard braking and aggressive driving.