GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2008 🢒 Vibe - FWD 🢒 Suspension 🢒 Rear Suspension 🢒 Shock Absorber Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Remove the rear compartment trim panel. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Panel Replacement .
  2. Remove the rear accessory panel. Refer to Rear Accessory Panel Replacement .
  3. Remove the rear storage compartment. Refer to Rear Storage Compartment Replacement .
  4. Remove the tool storage compartment. Refer to Tool Storage Compartment Replacement .

    5. Object Number: 829761 Size: SH
  5. Remove the shock absorber fastener access panel (1).
  6. Remove the 2 nuts (2, 6).
  7. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  8. Use a block of wood and a jack in order to support the rear axle.
  9. Remove the bolt (3).
  10. Remove the nut (5) and the washer (4).
  11. Remove the shock absorber with the coil spring.
  12. Remove the coil spring, if necessary. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .

Installation Procedure
  1. If you removed the coil spring, install the coil spring. Refer to Coil Spring Replacement .

    2. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 829761 Size: SH
  2. Install the shock absorber and the bolt (3).

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

    Important: Do not tighten the lower shock absorber nut. The weight of the vehicle must be on the tire and wheel assemblies before tightening the nut.

  3. Install the washer (4) and the nut (5).
  4. Remove the jack and the block of wood.
  5. Lower the vehicle.
  6. Bounce the rear of the vehicle in order to stabilize the suspension.
  7. Install the 2 nuts (2, 6).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

  8. Install the shock absorber fastener access panel (1).
  9. Install the tool storage compartment. Refer to Tool Storage Compartment Replacement .
  10. Install the rear storage compartment. Refer to Rear Storage Compartment Replacement .
  11. Install the rear accessory panel. Refer to Rear Accessory Panel Replacement .
  12. Install the rear compartment trim panel. Refer to Rear Compartment Side Trim Panel Replacement .
  13. Tighten the lower shock absorber nut (5).

    14. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 80 N·m (59 lb ft).

  14. Measure the wheel alignment. Adjust if necessary. Refer to Wheel Alignment Measurement .