How to Replace the Shocks and Struts in a Cadillac Escalade

Cadillac first introduced the Escalade to the SUV market in 1999. But even with a new vehicle, it's important to keep your shocks and struts in good repair to maintain the luxurious ride and the safe driving experience.

Instructions

Change the Front Shocks in a Cadillac Escalade

1

Jack up your Escalade and set it on jack stands.

2

Grab the connector lock tabs on the real-time damping link rod, and twist them counterclockwise. Pull the tenon up hard, and hold it with a wrench while you unscrew the nut. Slide the upper insulator off, but don't throw away the pilot ring.

3

Ratchet out the mounting bolts from the lower control arm, and take the shock absorber out through the bottom of the car.

4

Use a jack to raise the lower control arm to align the tenon by pushing it up toward the mounting hole. Slide the shock through the lower control arm from the bottom and the tenon through the mounting hole on the top side of the spring. Slide the mounting bolts through the mounting holes in the shock absorber into the lower control arm. Torque the bolts to 59 foot pounds.

5

Put the upper insulator on the shock absorber with the pilot ring and hand-tighten the nut on the tenon. Lower the car from the jack stands onto the ground and grab the end of the tenon with a wrench. Torque the nut to 15 foot pounds.

6

Align the tabs on the real-time damping link rod so they're perpendicular to the wrench flats on the tenon side. Push the connector down to engage the connection with the tenon. Grab the connector lock tabs and twist them counterclockwise until they snap and the tabs are in line.

Change the Rear Shocks in a Cadillac Escalade

7

Jack your car up and prop it on jack stands.

8

Disconnect the electrical connector if your Escalade has selectable ride.

9

Use the ratchet to remove the upper shock absorber nut and bolt, and then remove the lower mounting nut and bolt. Pull out the shock absorber.

10

Mount the shock absorber with the lower nut and bolt, and torque it to 70 foot pounds. Repeat with the upper mounting bolt and nut.

11

Connect the electrical connector if you have selectable ride. Use the jack to prop up the SUV while you remove the jack stands, and then lower it.