How to Replace Front Shocks
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- How to replace shock absorbers. Learn how to replace front shocks quickly and easily with no special tools required. Follow the step by step video and you can fix your own car and save a lot of money!
See what abuse shocks take: • What Abuse Does Your S...
How to replace rear shocks: • How to Replace Shocks ...
Here is where I get my inexpensive shocks: www.amazon.com/...
Here is the ratchet/socket set I was using: www.amazon.com/...
Here is a good inexpensive torque wrench: www.amazon.com/...
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.
I love the clear camera work and lack of distracting background music.
Background music is overused in YT videos.
Your videos are exactly what how-to videos should be:
- how to tell when there's an issue in the first place
- which tools you'll need to fix it
- clear establishing shots showing the relative positions of all the parts you're working on
- clear tight, detail shots showing any particulars
I'm actually working on a series of support-type videos for the large company i work for, and i've gotten a lot of good notes from your series here (aside from learning how to work on my own car). Well done and can't wait to see new videos in the future!
gdogbert001 Thanks a lot man! I do my best to make the most clear and concise videos out there and I am glad you are learning a lot!
ProtectionDirect It really doesnt need to be that tight. It just has to be tight enough so that the rubber expands to the edge of the washer (as I showed in the video). If you got that rubber expanded, then you are good to go!
+Aaron Sargent for some reason I cannot reply to your comment but I hope you see this. I have no particular kit that I like because most of them try to maximize the number of "pieces" and it is useless stuff like a bunch of different screwdriver bits. I need to make a video on my tool box. I basically started with smaller different tool sets and combined them. If I were you I would get a good set of wrenches in both metric and in sae. Most common size nuts and bolts is 8mm through 18mm and get the same range for SAE. Then, get a 1/4in ratchet, 3/8in ratchet, and 1/2in ratchet and a lot of sockets. They make long sockets and short ones. Also, get a long breaker bar (This is a MUST). A breaker bar will save you from so much frustration. When I first started, I didnt even know about a breaker bar and I slipped old pipe over the wrench lol. Then you can look for other basics that you might want like screw drivers, hammers, and specialized tools that you think will be useful. To start off, I would go to Harbor Freight because their prices are really cheap and for hand tools, they really are not that bad (lifetime warranty is a plus). I will make a video on my tool box in a few weeks. Let me know if you have any other questions. Oh, and if you really want a kit to start off, harbor freight has a pretty decent mechanics kit that wont break the bank. Check it out.
Thanks Chris!
Maybe it's time to make a video of your new sonic tools setup that you have in your garage now, love to see what you have
do u have a video to replace a front strut
ChrisFix
quick question man I noticed when you replace shocks you don't replace to a Bilstein , fox , rancho etc ..
is it because you standby Monroe shocks or do you feel that closer to oem is better
obviously it's not the money lol
x
Thanks for the guidelines Chris. I changed out the front and rear shocks on my 2008 Ford Ranger 3.0 tortion bar truck today(took about 6 hours total for all)! For the front, both top nuts snapped off about 3/5 the way up (I'm in Canada where they aren't shy with salt) but came off nonetheless. I used a double wrench for extra torque to snap the passenger nut on top of the assembly. Took about 3-4 hours total dealing with the rusty situation. One of the shocks failed and exploded on me after removing, but probably due to the twisting during removal. As a reminder to DIY mechanics, never point the ends toward yourself when analyzing the compression of the shock after dismount, esp with old rusty parts! The nut below the bottom washer and bushing was somewhere between 3/4" and 18- 17mm due to rust swelling and I had to experiment with what size I could hammer on. My top nut was 15mm for both sides. Plenty of WD40 helped to penetrate the rusty parts. On the driver side, the lower nuts snapped the bolts coming off, but the passenger ones had to be fully ratcheted off. A 4lb hammer tapped to the bottom of the shock removed it from the lower control arm mount on both sides. Thank you for the detailed guides for these tasks on this model. I lucked out with having a similar model to your truck! Taker easy bud.
Your videos are awesome Chris!!! Both my front and rear shocks went out on my 2002 Mazda B3000. Your videos are so visually and instructionally clear and easy to follow. Plus they saved me so much money while teaching me more about my truck. Thank you Chris! And please keep making more videos!! =D
adventson Thank you for putting MY thoughts into words 😃.
Thanks Chris, I watched your videos and tackled the front and rear shocks on my 1999 Ranger that I just bought 3 weeks ago. I also cleaned my mass air flow sensor as well. Your videos are very thorough. I got several co-workers to watch and they are hooked. Keep up the good work.
+Sully Cop Awesome man! I am glad the videos are helpful and nice work!
i wanna change so many things on the used truck i bought because of you. Shame on you for making such good and informative videos Chris!
haha I am glad you caught the bug!
Same here!
Hey Chris! Huge fan of your channel. Been learning a lot lately. If you have a moment to answer an inquiry, it would be so appreciated. I recently had the car's shock absorbers changed and not 6 months later, they tell me it's now defective. Note that I had the left and right front shock changed a month apart due to the store's stock. Am I in the right here if I claim warranty and ask them to replace both shocks as a quick google search indicated that shocks should be changed every 50,000 miles? Stay awesome man. Love your channel!
@@k.sozed.5829 If you find a recent vid of his and ask the same question you should have a better chance of him answering it he checks some vids for new comments
I’m trying to find a tool set for cheap any ideas guys? I need a breaker bar and at least a socket set
Used your video to finally change my two front shocks in my 2002 Nissan xTerra! It was super easy...nearly the same as your video. I had one bolt on the top and one bolt on the bottom. The only issue I had was how to compress the shock to get it back in and aligned. I basically just had to push down with all my strength to compress it enough to put it into the top hole.
I couldn't afford to do all of them at the same time so I just did the fronts. Saving up now so I can do the rear ones!
Thanks for much for your fantastic videos...they give ordinary people courage to try these things themselves and save money!
+Jeffrey B Awesome Jeffrey! That is what I like to hear! Glad the videos are helpful and nice work!
Seriously the best how-to videos. Short, clear video, good instructions. Thumbs Up'd and Sub'd.
Thanks a lot Aaron! I try hard to make the best "how to" videos I can! Thanks for the thumbs up and welcome aboard!
I am in "shock" because of how quick and easy this is.
Ily
get out
RealDarkFilm
took me a while to absorb that joke... i better bounce out of here
lolz
right. I think the mechanic that worked on my wife's car was talking on the phone and having lunch in the wheel weld for about an hour
I'm done watching kilmer.... Keep punching out those videos buddy!!
This is great! I was doubting doing it myself until this video. I called my local tire discounters and the estimated me for all around shocks for $650!!! I'm deffinatly doing it myself now.
You got this! It is really easy. Just take your time and reference the video. I will also answer any questions you have. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
omg these car shops are a rip off smh
This one shop quoted me 600 for just the front shocks
was just quoted $900 for just front shocks wtf
My local shop only charges $30 per shock lol
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into all of your videos. I recently bought a 1999 Ford Ranger that needs some work and I have my trusty 2002 Subaru Legacy I'm starting to work on myself. Manuals are a great reference, but it really helps to be able to see the process especially when one isn't familiar with all the technical terms for parts yet. Thanks again! Nick
I want to say thank you for you video about fixing front shocks on the Ranger. I have 2011 ford ranger that I got back in 2012. I just recently replaced all 4 shocks on my truck. But knowing and seeing how you did the front shocks really helped and made changing mine much more easier. The video was clear and straight to what is needed and that there. I have seen other video's on replacing my shocks and they were good but I find your was a lot better. And gave me bit more confident about doing my on work on my truck. So thank you very much.
I do want to know after I changed my shocks I did have sway bar link snap on me there few days after. But getting under my truck and seeing that issue and how suppose on the other side I was more than able and felt the ability to replace them as well, which I was able to pretty easy. Down side is I am hearing a slight knocking or clunking on the front left driver side as I drive. This only seems to happened when I reverse out of my drive way and when driving down the road. Not sure if there is something loss or possiblity when then sway bar link snapped that it may have damaged something else. So far I have looked multiple times under the truck and not seeing anything as of yet.
I must have watched 3 other front shock videos for my ford ranger and this was by far the best and most descrptive.
Hi Chris I’ll speak for everyone that’s subscribed to this amazing channel we need more videos it’s boring in UA-cam without you please upload more I already watched most of your uploads
Thanks
Eliran from Israel
Hey Chris thanks for all the videos you put out to help people work on their cars. I just finished up installing my front shocks. It wasnt as hard as i thought it would be. Your a good man for helping others with your knowledge. Keep up the great work my friend.
+Joe Pedroza awesome Joe!
Thanks Chrisfix! After watching many of your videos, and doing many repairs that I thought I'd never be able to do, I have to say thank you very much for your videos. And I wonder if anyone else has subconsciously started to say "good" after completing a step?
I agree w/ ALL of what Derik wrote and YES< I now say, "good!" LOL
I've been backyard mechanicing for 40 odd years and by far, Chris has been the best advisor I could have ever found to help an old guy out with working on newer vehicles!
Oh, and just to clarify,,, my name is NOT Kat! It's Jim... I am using the wife's PC! :0
Ty for your videos, they have saved me alot of money. I noticed yesterday my shock i had replaced didn't look right and I could move the whole shock side to side. I had a garage do them 2 years ago, but no more....
Mate your videos are great! I am just a basic car maintenance bloke but your videos show me how less scary it is to change worn bits on my car. I own a 2004 4wd Ford Courier (Mazda) dual cab ute and its been making a terrible grinding noise on the front right when on full lock. I might get under it to see what the issue is.....thanks again mate
I'm diggin' your videos dude! I can't remember if it was one of your videos or not, but when I first started using the youtube source for mechanical help it was for a serpentine belt on my Corolla. I can't remember how much the dealer wanted, but it took me like 10 minutes and that was without an auto-tensioner on my car. I couldn't believe how easy that was. I know there's some more complex stuff, but there's a lot that you've done/demonstrated on here that I would've just paid someone else to do that I will now do on my own. It's not just about the money savings either, it's about pride, something fun to do, and just all around making sure my car is well taken care of. I've been to the Jiffy Lubes and the Wal-Marts for oil changes and such and will NEVER go back, even in a pinch. Now I'm waiting for the rear shocks video. :-) Thanks again!
Paul Hood Thanks a lot Paul! I am glad my videos have helped teach you! And you are exactly right, the money savings are great but the self pride, knowing you did the job right, and the fun factor make it all worth it!
Hey Chris, I replaced my front shocks yesterday on my 95 Ranger, just need to rear set next weekend. Thanks for posting these vids. I probably saved myself at least a couple hundred dollars if I would of taken it to shop someplace. After shocks, I have to repair my bench seat on driver side. The spring let a few year back , the seat looks pretty knarley. Already spotted a couple good vids on quick fixes on seat repair. Thanks again.
Great video Chris, thanks for helping out the public. Wish there would be more mechanics as honest and helpful as yourself.
Manguz24 Thanks! I am glad the video was helpful! Definitely consider subscribing! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!
Man I love your videos, because of your clear explanations and camera work.
Thanks!
I made the mistake of over torquing my replacement shocks, and buying cheap replacements last time. They didn’t last long. Made sure to spend the money on decent Rancho shock absorbers and followed these tips for a proper replacement of the cheap ones
Fantastic video! I watched it twice, went outside and replaced the front shocks on my 99 Ranger. Really enjoying your channel in general.
You explained very clear. I watch your video many times before I replace it with my friend. Thank you so much brother !
cnguyen616 Awesome! That is what I like to hear!
Great video and camera work
+Fernando Gaxiola Thanks!
This has been really helpful, I have a 1967 Buick Skylark Sport Coupe and I plan to do this to my front shocks when I have the time. I knew how the rear shocks get replaced, but wasn't so sure what I will be expecting for the fronts. Since the front shock of your Mazda is exactly the same set up as the front shock of my Buick, I realized that its not as hard as I thought it might be. Your video is very informative and clear. Thanks ChrisFix! =D
+Dustin DaHusky Awesome! Good luck!
Love it man I watch these any time I need some extra help. U the MAN
I am a graphic designer and because of your videos I want to start working on my car. Killer videos bud.
Awesome!!! That's the goal!
Youre freakin awesome watched you do this and im going to help myself, called places to assist some refused cause i didnt buy from them, and others wanted way way to much for the job, i will get this done thanks im not mechanic but grew up around cars will give feedback
My hero. I spent almost 2 hours trying to get the new shock in. It just would not line up and made me sad. I'm working on my 68 impala
good job! no B>S. to have to endure and skip through as well as info that is not pertaining to the topic Straight to it. No nonsense and informative , well done bud !! I appreciate it immensely
What's up man
A good fan of your channel
I noticed you didn't use the blue threadlocker in this video?
Thanks for the support! And this was old school ChrisFix :p
My favorite channel. Thanks Chris
Thanks!!!
Just did this today. Had a hell of a time getting the top tight. First sideI used a wrench under the mount. However, on the SensaTracs the spot to put the wrench is very thin and it pinched the wrench in when tight. On the other side I held the top cylinder by hand but didn't feel like I got the top nut tight enough.
Your tutorials are so easy to follow! Thanks
+oiboy626 Great! I am glad the videos are helpful!
I'm not sure if anyone else asked this yet but i have a 1989 F150 xlt lariat with 57k miles and even though it wasn't used all that much the shocks are nearly rusted through and i am going to be replacing them in the next few weeks. So after watching your video and a few others i'm still unsure as to where the best spot is to position the jack under my truck? Thanks and hope you're having a great holiday.
Wow I didn't really how easy this was thanks man.
Ryan Carpenter Yea man, most stuff is "easy" once you see how it is done. Glad the video was helpful!
hey kris you need to do a video on how to measure for shocks
Have you done a shock diagnosis video yet? Like how to tell if they are bad? Don't think I've seen one
This is an superb video. Very clear instructions. Thanks!
Thanks, Chris...clear and easy to follow, as usual!!
Thanks man! Appreciate the feedback!
Chris, How are your shocks holding up? There seems to be much discussion as to who makes the best shocks. Monroe, Gabriel, KYB and many others seem to have their loyal followers.
Hello Chris, you have great video and lessons. Can I ask you if you can put a video of wheel and steering alignment? It will be a big help and will appreciate. Thanks and keep your work flow on for people like me.
+sabi0410 Thanks a lot! There is no easy way to do an accurate wheel alignment at home.
Great video. I just replaced my front shock on my 93 Vette and that is even easier.
Nice! Did you use bilsteins?
ChrisFix Bilsteins all the way. I actually like the new ones they are putting out as you can now use an allen wrench on the top of the shock to install and remove them instead of relying on flimsy locking vice wrenches while removing the upper nut. I had them both out and installed in 15 minutes where the old configuration could take me up to 45 minutes.
That sounds awesome!
Excellent video, clear, concise and no shaky camera. I just had my shop change mine and he put on KYB's claiming that was all he could find. I should have just gone to the Ford store a half mile away. I don't like the kyb's at all. How much were these and did you put them on the rear as well?
tonerapture These were $40 for the pair and I am putting them on the rear as well. These shocks feel great! New automotive 'how to' videos every Thursday and most Mondays so stay tuned!
I thought Sensatrac was a trademark of Monroe but your box has a different name on it.
tonerapture This is Monroe.
you know how to explain in short amount of time thx so much good job ChrisFix
te la rifas. make a video "how to install a gas pressure regulator" for a 99 ford ranger.
Thanks! I am glad the video was helpful! The fuel pressure regulator is in the tank on the ranger unfortunately. Here is how to change one in general : ua-cam.com/video/yG0y3bqaV7E/v-deo.html
This was one of my first videos actually!
It is a measurement of the length of a shock absorber while it is closed and it is extended
Can you make a video on how to change rear struts?
How about the placement of jacks and/or jack stands? If the lower control arm isn't supported by a jack or jack stand, isn't the shock the only thing supporting it? Meaning... if you disconnect the shock without the control arm supported, won't the suspension spring shove (possibly violently) the spindle toward the ground?
all your vids need thumbs up. i might even make another account just to thumbs up all your vids
Okay Chris, another video well done. A question for you, I've done plenty of shocks and tighten the top nut until BOTH bushings are the same diameter as the washer. Just put shocks on the RAM it, and just the top bushing seems to be compressed. WTF gives? Both bushings are where they should live, am I missing something here? I'm old, so it's a good possibility. Thanx for your vids man, good stuff.
Nice video, very helpful
Thanks! Remember to give the video a "thumbs up" (it helps me out, Thanks)!
GREAT DETAIL YOUNG MAN , AWESOME .
Hey man I love your videos! You've saved me a ton of money. Thank you so much!
AWESOME! Glad the videos are helpful! Remember to give the videos a "thumbs up" (it helps me out, thanks!).
Hey Chris, how can you fix a truck that has alot of play when steering I enjoy your videos they are very helpful
Man you make it look so easy lol
Chris fix you are the best I am gonna tell everybody about you ☺☺☺☺
So did you flip or turn the shock to get less angle?
Chris I just did mine but I had to cut the top stud off
I have ben working on cars for years would like to chat with you msg me
I bet the dislikes are from mechanics that work in the shop, you are putting them out of business from ur well done tutorials lol
Thanks, really helpful, clearly-presented video!
As a point of information, if you have struts and not shocks (struts have springs around them) you cannot access the large nut at the top of the shock to hold it when removing the top nut. It is very difficult to remove this nut since the entire shock will turn and they are usually rusted. Vice Grips sometimes work but as you can see what happened to Chis, it broke off. This is my suggestion: Don't spend hours trying to get this nut off. Get a reciprocating saw with a metal cutting blade and just cut the stud off below the nut. This takes 5-10 minutes and saves much agony and time. You could do it with a hacksaw but it will take a little longer. Work smarter not harder.
Thank you ChrisFix this help me out a lot
Great! Glad the video was helpful! Remember to "thumbs up" the video (it helps me out, thanks!).
hello Chris, do you have any video about how to change engine mounts? and thanks for your videos their really helpful!
It's such a great job, after watching your videos I felt that repairing a car by myself is not difficult at all and we could save lots of money. I replaced the tie rods on my Mazda 6 2004 two months ago. Recently I decided to replace the front shock and strut, but I got a question. Do I need to replace the coil spring at the same time? Or how can I tell that I need to replace the coil spring? My Mazda has a mileage of 57000. To buy the strut/spring/mount assembly is really expensive, and I could buy a better shock if I don't need to replace the spring. Thanks.
Yawei Chen That is the goal! Glad the video was helpful! When you do the strut, buy a loaded strut with the spring in it already so you dont have to mess around with compressing a spring. I know it might be more expensive but that spring is very dangerous if you do not compress it correctly.
I do not see strut in this video. Is it that the vehicle either has a struct or a shock?
Which fluids did you use in this video? In future, do you mind linking the fluids you use in the videos? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the quality video. This is helpful!
looks good, got some how to videos up myself on auto stuff.
My 3/4 won’t fit on the lower bolt on the top of the shock it’s annoying the hell out of me, I gave the same truck lol & changed one side so I know it’s the right size
Dang, are you using a 3/4 wrench or socket?
could u explain difference between shocks and struts
gracias desde Colombia
por compartir tus conocimientos de mecánica!! excelente profesor, excelente pedagogía!!
You should invest in a acedaline toarch. Makes getting bolts off SOOOOOOO much easier.
I picked one up sometime after this video was made, it definitely helps with those stubborn bolts!
Gracias por el video... Me fue muy util y de mucha ayuda.
Saludos desde Argentina
Hi Chris, love your videos, very informative. If I could ask you one thing, How can you find out specific torque settings when you are doing jobs like this on your car ? I drive a Grand Vitara and will be changing the rear shocks soon and I would like to retighten all the nuts to thier correct torque's.
You should make a video on how to lift the truck
Didn't even have to remove the brakes? That's awesome, it was my biggest concern with replacing the brakes first before the shocks, guess I can go head and replace my rotors and pads first!
Great video as always Chris
Question:
I had all 4 shocks replaced in my accord 2004 (200k miles)
But car still feels harsh and hard on bumps
Any idea why???
Me: Oh I can fix that.
Them: What school did you go to?
Me: ChrisFix.
Hi Chris. I replaced front & rears shocks plus front struts on nissan versa/tiida 2008. Car rides firmer now but the real issue is that I still feel the car vibrate/noisy over bumps / rough roads. Its like the sound doesn't damp out on rough roads. Should I also replace the spring coils front & rear as they are the same ones. Car has done 146K miles to it. Thanks
very helpful. thank you very much
Great video
Hey Chris awesome videos. I do have a probably dumb question but for me its kinda important. I have an 04 silverado 2wd and i replaced the front shocks, tightened everything down to specs but when i put the wheels on and dropped the truck the upper washer and bushing seem to be loose, like i can turn them. Not the nut though. Is this suppose to happen? Thanks man
Good presentation. Thank you!
Hi Chris! i´m learning a lot thanks to your videos, just one question where do you find information about the amount of torque needed to bolt a screw??? i can´t find anything about my car! thanks.
When are you going to make more videos about the engine?
Thank you for such a good video.
Hey Chris there is no link to the video about symptoms of bad shock absorber in the description. As u said 2:25.
0:05 that bushing under his wrist what is that called because the one on mine is falling apart. I think it’s an upper control arm bushing? But I also have seen it’s possibly a ball joint? Any help would be appreciated.
It's a ball joint
@@chrisfix thanks!
Hey ChrisFix , is it safe to buy shocks from Amazon/Ebay? It's true that their prices are way better than other sites, but I'm kind of concerned about their quality but at the same time I can't afford something super expensive. Awesome videos by the way! Hope you answer, thanks!
Leonardo Lopez Buy from a brand people trust, EBay is a retailer, not a manufacturer, same as Amazon, or the auto store. Essentially, find the brand you want to buy, then search for where they are sold cheapest.
great videos fantastic job
I recently drove off the road into a ditch and the aftermath was that the back end of my truck was very high and the front was really low would that be because of the shocks or struts?
thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.really useful info
No problem and thanks! Glad the video was helpful! Remember to give the video a "thumbs up" (it helps me out, thanks).
Is there a reason that you are not bleeding the shock or using copper slip on the threads?
Having this done to my 99 Tahoe in 2 months as it bounces on dips (I actually like it bouncing but my dealership told me a few times now I should replace the front shocks), so I will be. Definitely not doing it myself though.
Ha i've got a 99 suburban with the same issue, gonna change all 4 out myself these trucks are very user friendly to work on! give it a shot
@@jonathann2093 The passengers side came out fine but the drivers side bolt was super rusted when they tried to undo it so it snapped off, they had to drill it so another bolt could be put in. You may have the same problem so you might want to put some rust penetrating stuff on them before you try to remove them. Definitely a smoother ride than before, though I do miss the dips a little bit lol.
Smashing job chris :-))
So nice to have new parts, it does show up the rusty bits though lol, it would make me want to use rust killer and a large tin of black paint+brush lol.
For people that dont have a torque wrench, what indication can we use, a clenched mouth and medium pitched grunt while showing teeth.... just being daft :-))
Thanks bud! I actually spray painted everything afterwards a nice black. Everything looks new now lol. To put the torque wrench in perspective, take a 1ft ratchet and put a 20lb weight on the end of it so it pulls downwards. That is 20ft-lbs. If you use a small 1/4 in ratchet, 20ft lbs is about as hard as you can tighten it with one hand. That is a good idea with explaining what each torque is like. I will have to use that in a video! Cheers!
ChrisFix Yes thats the way ive allways seen torque wrenches and you could test them with weight for a rough calibration.
But i was just being silly with the grunting and bearing teeth, you see more in my comment than i did ha ha :-))
I have a 2000 B3000 that looks the same except a coil spring surrounds the shock. Any difference in changing the shock from this video?
Just a heads up! 21 ft/lbs is barely nothing lol you could basically get that torque with a regular open ended wrench