GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Shock Absorber Replacement FE1, FE3

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 472979  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
  2. Remove the wheel and tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
  3. Support the lower control arm with a jack.
  4. Disconnect the Electronic Level Control air tube from the shock.
  5. Disconnect the shock electrical connector and remove the wiring from the control arm.
  6. Remove the 2 bolts securing the shock to the control arm.

  7. Object Number: 105016  Size: SH
  8. Pull the trunk trim back to gain access to the upper shock.
  9. Remove the upper shock dust cover.
  10. Remove the 2 nuts and the reinforcement from the shock.

  11. Object Number: 337438  Size: SH
  12. Remove the shock from the vehicle

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 337438  Size: SH
  1. Install the shock on the vehicle.

  2. Object Number: 105016  Size: SH
  3. Install the shock upper mount.
  4. 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.

  5. Install the shock reinforcement and the two nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  7. Install the shock cover.
  8. Position the trunk trim in the proper location.

  9. Object Number: 472979  Size: SH
  10. Install the lower shock bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  12. Connect the Electronic Air Control air tube to the shock.
  13. Connect the electrical connector and route the wiring on the control arm (FE3 and FE45).
  14. Install the wheel and the tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
  15. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 125 N·m (80 lb ft).

    Important: Before lowering the vehicle onto its wheels (or before driving the vehicle, if it was not on a lift) turn the ignition ON and wait approximately 45 seconds. This will permit the ALC system to execute the ARC, ensuring that the air adjustable shock absorbers are filled with residual pressure.

  16. Lower the vehicle.

Shock Absorber Replacement FE7

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 472979  Size: SH
  1. Raise the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Remove the wheel and the tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  3. Support the lower control arm with a jack.
  4. Disconnect the electronic level control air tube from the shock.
  5. Remove the 2 bolts securing the shock to the control arm.

  6. Object Number: 105016  Size: SH
  7. Pull the trunk trim back to gain access to the upper shock.
  8. Remove the upper shock dust cover.
  9. Remove the 2 nuts and the reinforcement from the shock.

  10. Object Number: 337438  Size: SH
  11. Remove the shock from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 337438  Size: SH
  1. Install the shock on the vehicle.

  2. Object Number: 105016  Size: SH
  3. Install the shock upper mount.
  4. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  5. Install the shock reinforcement and the 2 nuts.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  7. Install the shock cover.
  8. Position the trunk trim in the proper location.

  9. Object Number: 472979  Size: SH
  10. Install the lower shock bolts.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  12. Connect the electronic air control air tube to the shock.
  13. Install the wheel and the tire. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel nuts to 125 N·m (80 lb ft).

    Important: Before lowering the vehicle onto its wheels, or before driving the vehicle if it was not on a lift, turn the ignition ON and wait approximately 45 seconds. This will permit the automatic level control (ALC) system to execute the ARC, ensuring that the air adjustable shock absorbers are filled with residual pressure.

  15. Lower the vehicle.