Chevrolet Silverado / GMC Sierra. Service manual — part 2291

Tighten: For vehicles without electronic suspension, tighten the nut (3) to 60 N.m (44 lb
ft).

9. Remove the shock absorber assembly from the spring compressor.

10. Install the strut assembly in the vehicle. Refer to Shock Absorber and Spring Assembly

Replacement.

SHOCK ABSORBER REPLACEMENT (2500 SERIES)

Fig. 60: View Of Shock Absorber (2500 Series)
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Callout

Component Name

Preliminary Procedure:
Remove the tire and wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .

1

Shock Absorber Retaining Nut

NOTE:

Refer to Fastener Notice .

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

SHOCK ABSORBER DISPOSAL

Tip: Support the lower control arm with a safety stand.

Tighten: 24 N.m (17 lb ft)

2

Insulator (Qty: 2)
Tip:

1. Install the lower insulator, which is smaller than the upper insulator and

plastic pilot ring.

2. Install the upper insulator, which is the larger of the 2 insulators.

3

Retaining Nut

Tighten: 80 N.m (59 lb ft)

4

Mounting Bolt

5

Shock Absorber
Tip: If replacing the shock absorber, refer Shock Absorber Disposal for the
proper disposal procedure.

CAUTION: Gas charged shock absorbers contain high pressure gas. Do

not remove the snap ring from inside the top of the tube. If the
snap ring is removed, the contents of the shock absorber will
come out with extreme force which may result in personal
injury.

CAUTION: To prevent personal injury, wear safety glasses when

centerpunching and drilling the shock absorber. Use care not
to puncture the shock absorber tube with the centerpunch.

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado

Fig. 61: Drilling Hole In Shock Absorber At Centerpunched Locations
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

1. Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 in) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a

centerpunch.

2. Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely

extended.

3. Drill a hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (4) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill bit.

Gas or a gas/oil mixture will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use
shop towels in order to contain the escaping oil.

4. Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the tube (3) with a centerpunch.

5. Drill a second hole in the shock absorber at the centerpunch (2) using a 5 mm (3/16 in) drill

bit. Oil will exhaust when the drill bit penetrates the shock absorber. Use shop towels in
order to contain the escaping oil.

6. Remove the shock absorber from the vise. Hold the shock absorber over a drain pan

horizontally with the holes down. Move the rod (1) in and out of the tube (3) to completely
drain the oil from the shock absorber.

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The front suspension allows each wheel to compensate for changes in the road surface without
affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel independently connects to the frame with a steering
knuckle, ball joint assemblies, and upper and lower control arms.

Two tie rods connect to the steering arms on the knuckles and to a steering gear.

Rear wheel drive models have a front suspension that consists of the following components:

Control arms

Stabilizer shaft

Shock/Coil spring modules

The upper part of each Shock/Coil spring module bolts to the frame. Three insulators, a mounting
plate and a nut secure the coil spring to the shock housing. Two bolts secure the lower part of the
shock module to the lower control arm.

A spring steel stabilizer shaft controls the side roll of the front suspension. This shaft is mounted

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

2008 SUSPENSION Front Suspension - Cab & Chassis Sierra, Cab & Chassis Silverado, Sierra & Silverado