How to Replace the Rear Shocks on a 2004 Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute first appeared in 2001. The 2004 Mazda Tribute DX base model came equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2004 Tribute has the option of a 3.0-liter V6 as well. The 2004 Tribute came in a two- and four-wheel drive format. The rear suspension on the 2004 Tribute consists of shock absorbers and coil springs, on a multi-link rear suspension. Replace shock absorbers in pairs to keep up the congruity of the rear suspension.

Instructions

1

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts on the Tribute with a tire iron. Raise one side of the Tribute using the frame of the truck as a lifting point. Place a jack stand beneath the frame rail, just in front of the rear wheel well. Repeat this lifting process and set the second jack stand beneath the frame rail on the second side of the vehicle. Remove the rear wheel lug nuts, and then remove the rear wheels completely from the Tribute.

2

Place the jack under one side of the Tribute, directly below the lower shock-mounting bolt. Raise the jack slightly to compress the suspension on one side of the vehicle. Do not actually lift the vehicle.

3

Remove the upper shock nut using a ratchet and socket. Lower the jack, and allow the suspension to set. Remove the lower shock mount bolt with the ratchet and socket. Remove the shock completely from the rear of the Tribute.

4

Install the rubber bushing into the new shock absorber, if not already installed. Simply press the bushing into the mounting holes at the top and bottom of the shock absorber. Install a new shock bushing into the upper shock mount hole on the chassis, using your hand to push the bushing into the hole.

5

Install the lower shock-mounting bolt, and tighten the bolt until it is slightly snug. Leave yourself slack to swing the shock into place on the upper end. Align the shock with the upper shock mount. Gently raise the jack until the shock post protrudes through the top of the upper shock mount. Install the lock nut onto the shock. Tighten the upper shock nut to 13 foot-pounds of torque, using a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and socket. Tighten the lower shock-mounting bolt to 129 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench and socket.

6

Repeat Steps 2 through 6 to complete the rear shock replacement on the second side of the Tribute. Double check your torque on both upper and lower shock mounts prior to installing the rear wheels.

7

Install the rear wheels onto the Tribute and snug the lug nuts with the tire iron. Raise the vehicle off the jack stands one at a time. Remove the jack stands from beneath the truck, and then lower the truck to the ground. Immediately tighten the wheel lug nuts to 85 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench and a socket.