The shock absorber is responsible for the smoothest ride inside a Chevy Silverado on bumpy roads. It absorbs rough energy and evenly distributes it to minimize the bumping effect.

Furthermore, the shock dampens uneven pavement bumps. However, the position and shock sealing wear out over time and need replacement. This is why you must know how to replace shocks on a Chevy Silverado.

If you think your Chevy Silverado needs a shock replacement. The most obvious indication is that road bumps seem to be more challenging. Moreover, your vehicle will rock when you accelerate or stand stationary.

Silverado Shocks Replacement Process

Below are the necessary steps for replacing the shocks on a Chevy Silverado. Note that you should always change the shocks in pairs.

If you mix the old shocks with the new ones, your Chevy Silverado will have uneven performance and an inferior experience. Furthermore, “in pair” means either the front two or the back two shocks. You will see the steps below.

First step

At first, make sure your wheels are blocked to avoid rolling out. Then, loosen the lug nuts partially. What we mean by partly is not fully opening the nuts.

Check if the shock absorber seems to catch rust. If so, spray penetrating oil before you begin all the work to replace the shocks.

Second Step

Place a jack underneath the Chevy Silverado and secure it with the stands. Ensure your settings are strong enough to hold the car and prevent it from falling.

It will damage the vehicle and break some parts. Place a jack on the lower shock mount to lift the rear Axle.

Furthermore, the jack stand was put on to cradle the axle. Repeat the same process on the opposite side of the vehicle to elevate the whole Axle.

Third step

Place safety goggles on your eyes because you will be sliding underneath your Chevy Silverado. Grab a ratchet and socket to remove the upper shock retaining bolt.

You might need an additional tool if your mount uses a threaded rod to halt the rod from spinning when you lose the upper nut. Proceed to the next step to keep knowing how to replace shocks on the Chevy Silverado.

Fourth step

Now grab a box-end wrench. With this, you will hold the bolt head of the bottom shock bolt. Then, use a ratchet and socket to loosen the nuts.

Hit the bolts with a hammer to free them, but be sure enough to make them turn with a wrench. Don’t use non-compatible hardware to damage the threads.

Fifth step

Take a new shock and attach it to the Chevy Silverado. Start the process with upper shock bolts and washers.

Moreover, it can be expanded by eliminating the shock retainer. Make it a bit compressed to align with the lower shock bolt. Furthermore, secure the bolt with nuts and tighten the nuts with a wrench.

Sixth Step

Do the same process on the other side of the vehicle.

Step seven

This is the last step in replacing shocks on a Chevy Silverado: Clean the boxes or other packaging from under the vehicle.

Moreover, check for debris and remove it if you notice it. Recheck if all the nuts and hardware, including the lug nuts, are perfectly tightened.

Now, you should lower your Chevy Silverado and go for a test drive with a professional car mechanic.

Important Notes

Ensure you are knowledgeable enough to replace the shocks on your Chevy Silverado. Failure to do so might result in damage or malfunctioning units.

Furthermore, the abovementioned installation is only intended for the general installation process and may or may not work with your particular Chevy Silverado model.

Moreover, after the installation, always show the vehicle to a car mechanic to properly fit every part.

Take the car for a test drive with the mechanic for additional safety. Each new shock absorber has an installation manual, so check it before installing it.

Conclusion

Chevrolet’s Chevy Silverado is a great vehicle. The shock absorbers help make the ride relaxing.

Hence, it would help if you were always careful with the absorbers. Remember, many fake aftermarket shocks promise to be good but are worthless.

Therefore, always check thoroughly before replacing the shocks with a new one. Be careful enough not to tighten the lug nuts over as it might cut the nuts; as a result, loosen the shocks. The consequences can be severe; hence, consider this while tightening.

Best of luck with the new absorber. Hopefully, you know how to replace the shocks on your Chevy Silverado by now.

You may read our recent article:

How long does it take to change brake pads?