How Do I Replace the Shock Absorbers on a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer?

Like most vehicles, the 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer uses different types of shock absorbers on the front and rear wheels. Removing and replacing these shocks depends on whether you're changing the front or rear-end shocks, but for either end, you need to change both when you change one. You can test the shocks by pushing down hard on the bumper; if it continually bounces, you need to change the shocks. This will help protect the truck from the dangerous banging and bumping of the road.

Instructions

Front Shocks

1

Loosen and remove the two upper nuts for the shock module that are located underneath the hood.

2

Raise the truck's front end, support it on jack stands and remove the wheel. Raise the floor jack underneath the outer end of the lower control arm.

3

Remove the nut connecting the shock to the control arm and pull the shock's yoke off the control arm's stud using a small two-jaw puller.

4

Lower and remove the shock from the vehicle.

5

Install the replacement module, slipping the upper mounting studs into their holes and the yoke onto the control arm's stud.

6

Tighten the upper mounting nuts to 33 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Tighten the lower nut to 81 foot-pounds.

7

Reconnect the wheel and lower the truck off the jack stands.

Rear Shocks

8

Raise the vehicle's rear end and support it on the jack stands. Block the front wheels with blocks or chocks.

9

Raise the floor jack underneath the axle tube close to the shock you are removing.

10

Unscrew and remove the upper and lower mounting fasteners for the shock absorber with your wrench and remove the shock.

11

Install the replacement shock and tighten the upper fasteners to 63 foot-pounds. Tighten the lower fasteners to 52 foot-pounds.

12

Lower the TrailBlazer off the floor jack and jack stands.