🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

This job covers replacing the shock absorbers on your Sierra. The front and rear shocks are different, so the procedure is split into separate sections below. If you're replacing all four, do one side at a time so the suspension stays supported and easier to line back up.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely with jack stands before removing any shock bolts.
• Keep your hands clear of the suspension when removing the last fastener. The axle or control arm can move.
• Rear shocks can be under tension. Lower the axle slowly with a jack.
• If your truck has factory electronic suspension, disable it before service if equipped.
• No battery disconnect is normally required for standard shock replacement.

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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
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Socket extension set
• Open-end wrench set
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Shock mounting nuts and bolts - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
• Loosen wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting if you plan to remove the wheels.
• Work on one corner at a time.
• Spray rusty bolts ahead of time.

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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 lift the corner you are servicing.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• If needed for access, remove the wheel using a 21mm socket.

Step 2: Remove the rear shock absorber

• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Use a 15mm socket and open-end wrench to remove the upper shock hardware.
• Remove the shock from the truck.
• Torque to factory specification when installing the new rear shock.

Step 3: Install the rear shock absorber

• Position the new rear shock in place by hand.
• Start the upper hardware first using a 15mm socket.
• Raise or lower the axle slightly with the floor jack until the lower bolt lines up.
• Install the lower bolt with a 15mm socket.
• Fully tighten both fasteners with a torque wrench to factory specification.

Step 4: Remove the front shock absorber

• Use a floor jack under the lower control arm to slightly support the front suspension.
• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Use a 13mm socket to remove the upper shock nut.
• Remove the front shock from the truck.
• Torque to factory specification when installing the new front shock.

Step 5: Install the front shock absorber

• Slide the new front shock into position by hand.
• Install the upper nut first using a 13mm socket.
• Use the floor jack to move the suspension until the lower bolt hole lines up.
• Install the lower bolt using a 21mm socket.
• Tighten both fasteners with a torque wrench to factory specification.

Step 6: Reassemble and repeat on the other side

• Reinstall the wheel if removed using a 21mm socket.
• Lower the truck carefully.
• Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.
• Replace shocks in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly over bumps and listen for clunks or squeaks.
• Recheck all shock bolts after the test drive.
• Inspect for any contact between the shock and suspension parts.
• If the truck pulls, vibrates, or sits unevenly, inspect the suspension again.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$1,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$500 (parts only)

You Save: $320-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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