🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

This job covers replacing the shock absorbers on your Sierra, including the front and rear units. The rear shocks are straightforward, while the front shocks on 4WD models take a little more space and may need the suspension supported for alignment of the lower bolt.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck securely on jack stands before working underneath.
• Keep hands clear of the suspension when removing the last shock bolt.
• Do not work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• If a bolt is seized, use penetrating oil and proper support before forcing it.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 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
• Ratchet
• Socket set: 15mm, 18mm, 21mm
• Wrench set: 15mm, 18mm, 21mm
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim tool
• Paint marker

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front shock absorber set - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorber set - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• New shock mounting hardware - Qty: 1 set

---

📋 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 if you plan to remove a wheel for more access.
• Spray the shock bolts with penetrating oil and let them soak before starting.
• Work on one side at a time so the suspension stays easier to control.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the truck at the proper frame or axle support point.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove the wheel if needed for access.

Step 2: Support the suspension

• Use the floor jack under the control arm for the front, or under the axle for the rear.
• Raise it slightly to keep the suspension from dropping too far when the shock comes out.
• Keep light pressure only.

Step 3: Remove the rear shock absorber

• Use a 21mm socket and wrench to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Use a 21mm socket and wrench to remove the upper shock bolt.
• Pull the shock out of the truck.

Step 4: Remove the front shock absorber

• Use a 21mm socket and wrench to remove the lower front shock bolt.
• Use a 21mm socket and wrench to remove the upper front shock bolt.
• If the shock is tight, raise or lower the floor jack slightly to line up the bolt holes.
• Remove the shock from the wheel well.

Step 5: Install the new shocks

• Position the new shock in place by hand.
• Start the upper and lower bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 21mm socket and wrench to snug both bolts.
• Torque to 175 Nm (129 ft-lbs) for the shock mounting bolts.

Step 6: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the matching shock on the other side the same way.
• Replace shocks in pairs so both sides match.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheels and lower the truck

• Reinstall the wheels if removed.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 190 Nm (140 ft-lbs) for the wheel lug nuts.
• Lower the truck to the ground.

---

✅ After Repair

• Drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or loose hardware.
• Check that the truck sits evenly on both sides.
• Recheck shock bolt torque after a short test drive.
• If the old shocks were badly worn, get an alignment check if you notice pull or uneven tire wear.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$450 by doing it yourself!

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

---

🎯 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.