Rear Shocks - Pair

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of both rear shock absorbers on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear shock absorber × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. If shock mounting bolts are corroded, apply penetrating oil 30 minutes before starting
4. Verify replacement shocks match the originals in length and mounting configuration

Procedure

1. 1

   Loosen rear wheel lug nuts
   Using the 21mm socket and breaker bar, loosen but do not remove the lug nuts on both rear wheels while the vehicle is still on the ground. Break them loose approximately 1 turn each.
2. 2

   Raise and support vehicle
   Lift the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack positioned at the rear differential or frame-mounted jacking point. Raise high enough to allow wheel removal and shock access. Place jack stands under the frame rails on both sides, just forward of the rear axle. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
3. 3

   Remove rear wheels
   Fully remove the lug nuts and take off both rear wheels. Set them aside in a safe location away from the work area.
4. 4

   Support rear axle
   Position the floor jack under the rear axle housing near the shock being removed. Apply just enough upward pressure to slightly compress the shock and take load off the mounting bolts. This prevents the axle from dropping too far when the shock is removed.
   ⚠Do not lift the axle high enough to raise the vehicle off the jack stands. The jack is only to support the axle during shock removal.
5. 5

   Remove upper shock mounting bolt
   Locate the upper shock mounting bolt where it attaches to the frame. Using an 18mm socket and ratchet on the bolt head and an 18mm wrench to hold the nut, remove the upper mounting bolt completely. The shock will remain supported by the lower mount.
6. 6

   Remove lower shock mounting bolt
   Locate the lower shock mounting bolt where it attaches to the rear axle. Using an 18mm socket and ratchet on the bolt head and an 18mm wrench to hold the nut, remove the lower mounting bolt. Guide the shock out from between the frame and axle. The shock may need to be angled or rotated slightly to clear surrounding components.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting points
   Examine the frame and axle mounting points for corrosion, damage, or elongated bolt holes. Clean the mounting surfaces with a wire brush if necessary. Check that the mounting bushings in the new shocks are in good condition and properly seated.
8. 8

   Install new shock absorber
   Position the new shock between the frame and axle. Align the upper mounting eye with the frame bracket and insert the upper mounting bolt finger-tight. Then align the lower mounting eye with the axle bracket and insert the lower mounting bolt finger-tight. Use the floor jack to adjust axle height if needed for alignment.
9. 9

   Torque shock mounting bolts
   Using an 18mm socket and torque wrench on the bolt head and an 18mm wrench to hold the nut, torque both upper and lower shock mounting bolts to 106 lb-ft (144 Nm). Torque the upper bolt first, then the lower bolt.
   ℹ️While these are shock mounting bolts, the torque specification for rear shock mounts on this vehicle matches the strut bolt specification.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for second shock
    Reposition the floor jack under the opposite side of the rear axle. Repeat steps 5 through 9 to remove and replace the second rear shock absorber. Ensure both mounting bolts are torqued to specification.
    Torque spec

    Strut Bolts144 Nm (106 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall rear wheels
    Place both rear wheels back onto the hubs, ensuring they are seated properly against the hub surface. Thread all lug nuts on by hand to prevent cross-threading.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque the lug nuts to 125 lb-ft (169 Nm) in a star pattern on both wheels.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts169 Nm (125 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Remove wheel chocks and verify all tools have been removed from under the vehicle
2. Lower the floor jack completely and store all equipment

Verification

• Start the vehicle and verify no unusual noises from the rear suspension
• Perform a test drive at low speed over smooth and slightly uneven surfaces to confirm proper shock operation
• Listen for any rattling or clunking that would indicate loose mounting bolts
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check lug nut torque to ensure wheels remain properly secured

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