SHOCK ABSORBER, Suspension: Removal: Load-Leveling

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Dodge Charger and 2010 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Quick Reference/Hoisting - Standard Procedure

Fig 1: TIRE AND WHEEL MOUNTING
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On both sides of vehicle, remove wheel mounting nuts (3), then rear tire and wheel assembly (1).

Fig 2: FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY
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WARNING: Before opening fuel system, review all Warnings and Cautions.
If servicing left side shock absorber, remove fuel filler tube. Refer to Fuel System/Fuel Delivery/TUBE, Fuel Tank Filler - Removal
Position an extra pair of jack stands under and support forward end of engine cradle to help stabilize vehicle during rear suspension removal/installation.
Perform following if vehicle is equipped with dual-exhaust or are servicing right side on vehicle with single exhaust.
1. Position under-hoist utility jack or stand several inches below exhaust at muffler.
2. Disconnect exhaust isolators at muffler and resonators hangers.
3. Lower exhaust down to rest upon top of jack or stand placed below muffler.
Fig 3: SUPPORT REAR SUSPENSION USING JACK
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Position under-hoist utility jack or transmission jack (3) under center of rear axle differential (1). Raise jack head to contact differential and secure in place. When securing crossmember to jack, be sure not to secure stabilizer bar.

Fig 4: SHOCK MOUNTING - UPPER
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Remove shock absorber (1) upper mounting screws (2).

Fig 5: SHOCK MOUNTING - LOWER
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Remove shock absorber (1) lower mounting bolt (2) and nut (4).

Fig 6: AWD CROSSMEMBER SPACERS
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NOTE: If equipped with AWD, when removing crossmember mounting bolts in following step, be sure to not to misplace spacers (1) between crossmember mounts (2) and body.

Fig 7: REAR CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS
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CAUTION: When removing crossmember mounting bolts (2 and 3) it is important NOT to loosen or remove crossmember mounting bolts on opposite side of vehicle. Doing so will require rear wheel alignment following reinstallation to ensure proper thrust angle.
Remove both front and rear crossmember mounting bolts (2 and 3) on repair-side of vehicle.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging other components of vehicle, do not lower crossmember (1) any further than necessary to remove shock absorber.
Slowly lower jack allowing repair-side of crossmember to drop. Do not lower jack at a fast rate. Lower jack just enough to allow top of shock absorber to clear body flange.

Fig 8: COIL SPRING AND SHOCK ASSY.
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Remove shock absorber (3) by tipping top outward and lifting lower end out of pocket in spring link (4).