Replace Shocks and Struts on '02 - '09 Chevy TrailBlazer

1. Remove the Wheel

Begin by loosening the lug nuts on the wheel using a suitable socket. Position the hydraulic jack under the vehicle's jacking point and lift it until the wheel is off the ground. Secure the vehicle with jack stands to ensure stability. Once elevated, fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the suspension components.

2. Remove the Air Filter Cover

Locate the air filter cover at the top of the engine bay. Using a screwdriver, remove the three screws that hold the cover in place. Carefully lift the cover and move the air filter hose aside to provide clear access to the strut assembly.

3. Detach the Strut Assembly

Utilize an 18mm socket with an extension to loosen and remove the two upper nuts securing the strut assembly. Next, remove the bolts holding the brake line in place using a 10mm socket. Carefully disconnect the wheel speed sensor by popping it open with a screwdriver. Using a 15mm wrench and a 15mm deep socket, remove the upper control arm, ball joint, and associated nut.

Separate the upper control arm from the spindle and remove the top bolt from the strut assembly mounting bracket with an 18mm breaker bar. Finally, remove the lower mounting bracket nut using a 24mm socket. A mallet may be necessary to pull the assembly and bracket off the stud. Use a punch or separator to open the bracket enough to extract the strut, which might require gentle wiggling and hammering.

4. Install the New Strut Assembly

Take the new Duralast Loaded Strut and slide it into the mounting bracket, ensuring the separator remains inside. Remove the separator and gently hammer the bolt back into the bracket. Attach the new strut with the strut arm bracket already in place, sliding the bottom of the bracket back onto the lower control arm stud located under the hood. Secure the two upper strut mounting nuts, preferably using an extension for easier tightening.

5. Reassemble the Suspension

Reconnect the air filter hose and reinstall the air filter cover by tightening the screws. Install the bottom nut on the lower control arm stud, followed by the nut on the bracket bolt clamping onto the strut assembly. Reattach the knuckle to the upper control arm, then fasten the upper control arm bolt and nut securely. Reinstall the clips for the wheel speed sensor and reconnect the brake line bolts. Place the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

Lower the vehicle slightly so the wheel touches the ground, then tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's torque specifications. Lower the car completely and ensure the lug nuts are properly torqued. Repeat the process on the opposite side to ensure balanced suspension performance.

6. Install the Rear Shocks

With the vehicle still elevated and secured, remove the rear wheels following the same procedure as the front. Locate the rear shock absorbers by inspecting the suspension from the side of the vehicle. Identify the upper and lower mounting bolts that secure each shock absorber in place.

7. Remove the Rear Shock Absorber

Using a 19mm half-inch socket and a ratchet, loosen and remove the nuts and bolts at both the top and bottom of the existing rear shock absorber. If the bolts are rusted or difficult to remove, apply rust penetrant and use a mallet or flat punch to assist in loosening the stubborn nuts.

8. Install the New Rear Shock Absorber

Insert the new rear shock absorber into the mounting points where the old one was located. Secure it by tightening the upper and lower nuts and bolts with the 19mm socket and ratchet. Ensure that the shock absorber is firmly in place and that all connections are tight to prevent any movement during vehicle operation.

9. Finalize the Installation

Repeat the shock absorber replacement process on the opposite side of the vehicle to ensure even suspension performance. Reattach the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the hydraulic jack and fully tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque. Before driving, test the suspension by pushing down on the vehicle to ensure proper function and check for any leaks or loose components.