GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do not attempt to cut the shock open before all gas pressure is released. Failure to do so may result in personal injury.

Caution: To prevent personal injury, wear safety glasses when centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber. Use care not to puncture the shock absorber tube with the centerpunch.


    Object Number: 822377  Size: MH
  1. Make an indentation (2)50 mm (2 in) from the top (2) of the tube using a centerpunch.
  2. Make an indentation (4) 25 mm (1.0 in) from the bottom (A) of the tube using a centerpunch.
  3. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely extended.
  4. Drill a hole in the shock absorber at the indented position (4) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill. Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to wipe off the escaping oil.
  5. Drill a second hole in the shock absorber at the indented position (2) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill. Oil will exhaust when the drill penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in order to wipe off the escaping oil.
  6. Remove the shock absorber from the vise. Hold the shock absorber over a drain pan horizontally with the holes down. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (3) to completely drain the oil from the shock absorber.