Chevrolet Cruze Repair Manual: Shock Absorber Disposal
Warning: 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.
Warning: 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.
- Make an indentation 10 mm (0.4 in) from the bottom (4) of the tube (3) using a centerpunch.
- Clamp the shock absorber in a vise horizontally with the shock absorber rod (1) completely extended.
- 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.
- Make an indentation in the middle (2) of the tube (3) with a centerpunch.
- 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.
- 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.
Shock Absorber Replacement
Removal Procedure
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and
Jacking the Vehicle.
Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and
Installati ...
Rear Spring Insulator Replacement
Removal Procedure
Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the
Vehicle.
Support the rear axle with a tall jack stand near the shock absorber.
Remove the lower sh ...
Other materials:
Shock Absorber Disposal
Warning: Use the proper eye protection when drilling to prevent
metal chips from causing physical injury.
Clamp the strut in a vise horizontally with the rod ( 1) completely
extended.
Drill a hole in the strut at the center of the end cap (3) using a 5 mm
(3/16 in) drill bit. Gas o ...
Where to Put the Restraint
According to accident statistics, children and infants are safer when properly
restrained in a child restraint system or infant restraint system secured in a rear
seating position.
We recommend that children and child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including:
an infant or a child ridin ...
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat
or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:
• Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
• Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
• Shift to a lower g ...
