🔧 Shock Absorbers - Rear Shock Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your Sierra. The front suspension uses a different setup and needs a separate procedure.

Rear shocks control bounce and body movement. Replacing worn shocks helps restore ride quality, braking stability, and towing control. On your truck, the job is straightforward if the lower fastener is free and the truck is safely supported.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands before removing any shock fasteners.
• Keep hands clear when lowering or raising the axle. The suspension can shift suddenly.
• Do not work under a truck supported only by a jack.
• No battery disconnect is required for rear shock replacement.
• If a bolt is seized, use penetrating oil and allow it to soak before forcing it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 18mm socket
• 18mm wrench
• 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
• Shock absorber upper bolt and nut hardware - Qty: 2
• Shock absorber lower bolt and nut hardware - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels.
• Loosen nothing yet. First, raise and safely support the rear of the truck.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower shock bolts and let it soak.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and support the rear

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear axle or frame safely.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Leave the rear axle lightly supported with the jack if needed to control suspension height.

Step 2: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use the 18mm socket, ratchet, and 18mm wrench to remove the lower shock fastener.
• If the bolt is tight, use the breaker bar for extra leverage.
• Keep one hand on the shock.

Step 3: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use the 18mm socket and 18mm wrench to remove the upper fastener.
• Support the shock as the last threads come out so it does not drop.
• Remove the old shock from the truck.

Step 4: Install the new shock

• Position the new shock in the same direction as the old one.
• Start the upper bolt by hand first, then the lower bolt by hand.
• Do not fully tighten yet.

Step 5: Tighten and torque the fasteners

• Use the 18mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the upper and lower shock fasteners.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) for the shock mounting bolts unless your replacement hardware kit specifies otherwise.
• Torque with the suspension near ride height.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the shock on the opposite side using the same process.
• Always replace shocks in pairs for even ride quality.

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✅ After Repair

• Lower the truck and remove the jack stands.
• Bounce the rear of the truck by hand and check for clunks or movement.
• Drive slowly over a rough road and listen for unusual noises.
• Check both shock fasteners again after the test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$400 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?

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.