GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Shock Absorber Replacement 2WD, Z85, ZQ8

Tools Required

J 45400 Strut Spring Compressor

Removal Procedure

Notice: The front shock absorbers of the vehicle are multifunctional. In addition to contributing to a smooth ride they also provide the only stop to the front suspension when fully extended. Therefore, when servicing the shock absorber, service replacement shock absorbers must be equivalent to original shock absorbers in both extended length and strength. Use of shocks not complying to original equipment or strength could result in suspension over-travel or shock breakage. Suspension over-travel may result in suspension component breakage.


    Object Number: 942176  Size: SH
  1. Remove the absorber/spring assembly upper mounting nuts.

  2. Object Number: 942249  Size: SH
  3. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  4. Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  5. Remove the absorber/spring assembly bolt and nut.
  6. Remove the front stabilizer link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 942268  Size: SH
  8. Remove the absorber/spring assembly from the vehicle.
  9. Notice: Use care when handling the coil springs in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the coil springs.


    Object Number: 743246  Size: SH
  10. Install the absorber/spring assembly (2) into the J 45400  (1).

  11. Object Number: 743241  Size: SH

    Important: The spring is compressed when the shock absorber moves freely.

  12. Turn the spring compressor forcing screw (1) until the coil spring (2) is compressed.

  13. Object Number: 743242  Size: SH
  14. Remove the absorber upper retaining nut, bushings, and washers.
  15. Remove the absorber from the assembly.
  16. Do not remove the spring from the J 45400 .

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 743241  Size: SH
  1. Install the absorber to the J 45400  (1).
  2. Install the absorber bushings and washers (2).
  3. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 743242  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure that the absorber bushings and tennon align correctly with the mounting bracket before securing the retaining nut.

  4. Install the absorber retaining nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the shock absorber retaining nut to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 743246  Size: SH
  6. Remove the absorber/spring assembly (2) from the J 45400  (1).

  7. Object Number: 942268  Size: SH
  8. Install the absorber/spring assembly to the vehicle.

  9. Object Number: 942249  Size: SH
  10. Install the absorber/spring assembly bolt and nut.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the absorber/spring assembly bolt to 110 N·m (81 lb ft).

  12. Install the front stabilizer link. Refer to Stabilizer Shaft Link Replacement .
  13. Install the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
  14. Lower the vehicle.

  15. Object Number: 942176  Size: SH
  16. Install the absorber/spring assembly upper mounting nuts.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the absorber/spring assembly nuts to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

Shock Absorber Replacement 4WD, 2WD Z71

Removal Procedure

Notice: The front shock absorbers of the vehicle are multifunctional. In addition to contributing to a smooth ride they also provide the only stop to the front suspension when fully extended. Therefore, when servicing the shock absorber, service replacement shock absorbers must be equivalent to original shock absorbers in both extended length and strength. Use of shocks not complying to original equipment or strength could result in suspension over-travel or shock breakage. Suspension over-travel may result in suspension component breakage.

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  2. Support the lower control arm with a suitable stand.
  3. Hold the tennon end with a wrench while removing the nut.

  4. Object Number: 942203  Size: SH
  5. Remove the nut.

  6. Object Number: 477707  Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper insulator (1). Do not discard the plastic pilot ring (2).

  8. Object Number: 942211  Size: SH
  9. Remove the shock absorber mounting bolts at the lower control arm.
  10. Remove the shock absorber through the lower control arm from below.

Installation Procedure

  1. Support the lower control arm with a suitable jack in order to align the tennon with the mounting hole.
  2. Install the shock absorber through the lower control arm from below. Insert the tennon through the mounting hole in the upper spring pocket.
  3. Align the shock absorber with the mounting holes in the lower control arm.

  4. Object Number: 942211  Size: SH

    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 absorber mounting bolts to the lower control arm.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 70 N·m (52 lb ft).


    Object Number: 477707  Size: SH

    Important: The upper insulator (1) must be installed above the shock mounting bracket on the frame. The plastic pilot ring (2) will assist the alignment of the isolators.

  7. Install the upper insulator to the shock absorber.

  8. Object Number: 942203  Size: SH
  9. Install the nut to the tennon end.
  10. Hold the tennon end with a wrench while torquing the nut.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

  12. Remove the support stand.
  13. Lower the vehicle