🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers. The front shocks on your Sierra use a different suspension layout and are not covered here.

Rear shock replacement is a straightforward suspension job, but the truck must be safely supported and the axle controlled so the shock does not bind. Replacing shocks in pairs keeps the ride balanced and helps prevent uneven handling.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely on jack stands before removing any suspension fasteners.
• Keep the rear axle supported with a floor jack so the shock is not under tension.
• Do not work under a truck supported only by a jack.
• Replace shocks in pairs for even handling and ride quality.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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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
• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 15mm wrench
• 18mm wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly if you plan to remove the wheels for access.
• Raise the rear of the truck and support it with jack stands under the frame.
• Support the rear axle with a floor jack so the suspension does not droop suddenly.
• Soak the shock bolts with penetrating oil if they are rusty.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the truck

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the truck.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Leave the rear axle supported with the floor jack.

Step 2: Remove the wheel if needed

• Use an 18mm socket to remove the rear wheel lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel for easier access to the shock bolts.

Step 3: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Hold the nut with a 15mm wrench or 18mm wrench if needed.
• Support the shock so it does not fall.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket or 21mm socket to remove the upper shock bolt, depending on fastener style.
• Pull the old shock absorber out of the truck.

Step 5: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place and start the upper bolt by hand.
• Install the lower bolt loosely by hand.
• Do not fully tighten anything until both ends are started.
• Torque the upper shock bolt to 100 Nm (74 ft-lbs).
• Torque the lower shock bolt to 100 Nm (74 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reinstall the wheel and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck enough for the tire to touch the ground.
• Torque the lug nuts to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.
• Repeat the same procedure on the other rear shock.

Step 7: Final check

• Remove all tools and lower the truck fully.
• Bounce the rear of the truck gently and check for clunks or binding.
• Inspect both shocks for correct seating and fastener tightness.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive at low speed and check for rattles, clunks, or unstable ride behavior.
• Recheck the shock bolt torque after the test drive.
• If you replaced only one shock, expect uneven ride and handling compared with a pair replacement.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$480 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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