How to Replace the Rear Shock Absorber

To replace the rear shock absorber, first loosen the wheel nuts. Then lift the car and remove the wheel.

As you can see from the images, the shock absorber is covered in oil and likely needs replacing. Remove part of the rear seat to access the upper mounting bolts of the shock absorber.

With the car lifted off the ground, the spring is fully extended, so to relieve some tension and make your job easier, lift the hub. Unscrew the upper bolts, then move on to the lower ones as shown in the images. Finally, remove the brake line from its support, taking care not to bend it too much.

Then extract the spring-shock absorber assembly. Now secure the spring compressor tools with the necessary precautions and safety pins.

It is advisable to orient the tools with the screw to turn on the side where the spring is largest for easier handling. Now that the spring is compressed, you can safely unscrew the upper bolt, then sequentially remove the spring support plate, the bump stop, the protection tube of the piston, and the rubber ring of the lower plate.

Always check that the replacement part is the same, left or right, as the one just removed. Remove the bracket on the new replacement piston that is only for transport purposes.

Further compress the spring. Once the components to be reused on the shock absorber are reinstalled, position the spring as indicated.

Secure the upper plate. While holding it firmly, release the spring by removing the tools.

Reinstall the spring-shock absorber assembly on the car by re-tightening the two lower support bolts. Lift the hub to facilitate the fastening of the bolts inside the cabin.

Don't forget to re-tighten the bar and brake line. Check that everything has been reassembled correctly.

Car model: Hyundai Elantra Year: 2004 Necessary tools: jack, axle stands, 12-14 mm socket wrench, spring compressor pliers.