🔧 Rear Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Assumption: This guide is for the rear shock absorbers. Your Explorer uses front struts, so the front job is different.

Rear shocks help control bounce and keep the rear tires planted. Replacing worn shocks can improve ride quality, stability, and braking feel. This is a straightforward suspension job, but safe lifting and support are critical.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle with jack stands before removing any wheels.
• Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension while lowering or raising the rear axle.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake functions, make sure the parking brake is fully released before lifting.
• No battery disconnect is normally required for rear shock replacement.
• Replace shocks in pairs to keep rear suspension behavior even.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Ratchet
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Trim clip tool
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mounting hardware - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower mounting hardware - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Raise the rear of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the rear

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of the Explorer at a safe lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with a lug wrench or breaker bar if needed for access.

Step 2: Support the rear suspension

• Use the floor jack under the rear suspension arm or axle area to lightly support the suspension.
• Keep the suspension slightly loaded.

Step 3: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet or breaker bar to remove the lower shock bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, hold the opposite side with a wrench if needed.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock hardware

• Access the upper shock mount from the wheel well area.
• Use a 13mm socket or 15mm socket to remove the upper shock fastener, depending on the hardware installed.
• Pull the shock out once both ends are free.

Step 5: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place by hand.
• Install the upper fastener first, then the lower bolt.
• Start both fasteners by hand before tightening.
• Torque the upper shock fastener to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs).
• Torque the lower shock bolt to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the opposite rear shock the same way.
• Replace shocks in pairs.

Step 7: Reinstall wheels and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall both rear wheels using a lug wrench or breaker bar.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack.
• Torque the wheel lug nuts to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Check that both shocks are seated correctly and that all bolts are torqued.
• Test drive slowly over bumps to confirm the ride is stable and quiet.
• Listen for clunks, rattles, or rubbing.
• After 50-100 miles, recheck lug nut torque.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$640 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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