🔧 Equinox - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

The rear shock absorbers control body bounce and help keep the tires planted on rough roads. On your Equinox, this job is straightforward, but the suspension must be safely supported before any fasteners are removed.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before working underneath.
• Replace rear shock absorbers in pairs to keep handling balanced.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension as it unloads.
• If the vehicle has electronic parking brake activation through the brake pedal, keep the key off and wheels chocked.
• No battery disconnect is 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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Bungee cord or support strap

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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 nuts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts - Qty: 2

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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 before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray the shock fasteners with penetrating oil and let it soak for a few minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and support the rear of the vehicle

• Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the vehicle at the approved lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the rear wheel with a 13mm socket or the correct lug tool for your wheel nuts.

Step 2: Support the rear suspension

• Use a floor jack under the lower control arm or rear suspension arm to hold it in a neutral position.
• Keep the suspension from dropping suddenly.

Step 3: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock mounting bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, use a breaker bar for extra leverage.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the upper shock mounting nut.
• Hold the shock steady by hand as the fastener comes out.
• Remove the shock absorber from the wheel well.

Step 5: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place and start the upper mounting nut by hand.
• Align the lower mount and install the lower bolt by hand.
• Use a 15mm socket and 18mm socket to snug the fasteners.
• Torque to 52 Nm (38 ft-lbs) for the upper fastener.
• Torque to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs) for the lower shock bolt.

Step 6: Reassemble the wheel and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower it to the ground.
• Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive on a smooth road first, then on a rough road.
• Listen for clunks or rattles from the rear suspension.
• Check that the vehicle sits level and feels stable in turns.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $330-$590 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?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.