How to Replace the Rear Shocks & Springs on a '97 Cavalier

The Chevrolet Cavalier replaced the Chevrolet Monza when the former was introduced in 1983. The 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier was equipped with a 2.2-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine in the base model, and a 2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder in the upgraded trim packages. The rear shocks on the 1997 Cavalier are known as coil-over shocks. Similar to struts, these shocks have a coil spring wrapped around the shock assembly for assisting the shock. Coil-over shocks are available in ready-to-mount form, with the coil springs already attached to the shock. This ready-to-mount option makes installation quicker and easier.

Instructions

1

Raise the trunk lid of the Cavalier. Carefully pull the inner trunk lining inward at the forward corners of the trunk, just rearward from the seat backing. This will expose the upper end of the coil-over shock, as well as the single mounting nut inside the trunk. Remove the mounting nuts from both coil-over shocks on either side of the trunk, using a ratchet and socket. Place the nuts in a holding tray.

2

Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts on both sides of the Cavalier, using a tire iron. Raise the rear of the Cavalier by the axle beam, using a jack. Place jack stands beneath both lower control arms, directly inward from the rear brake assemblies. Lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove the rear wheel lug nuts completely.

3

Remove the two bolts from one of the coil-over shocks, using a ratchet, socket and extension. The bolts are located in the top of the wheel well, opposite the side of the strut tower from where the mounting nuts were removed. Remove the lower mounting bolt from the shock mount, using a ratchet and socket. The shock mount nut should be a fixed nut welded to the assembly. If the nut on the opposite side of the shock mount spins freely, install an open-end wrench on the nut to keep it from spinning.

4

Push the coil-over shock downward from the top to release it from the shock tower, then pull the shock rearward. Pull the shock free from the lower shock mount, by hand. Use a rubber mallet to hit the bottom end of the shock to release it, if needed.

5

Install the new coil-over shock into the upper shock tower, then start the bolts in, by hand, to ensure proper threading and alignment. Install the lower shock into the mount and insert the lower shock bolt. Tighten the lower shock bolt with a ratchet and socket until it is snug, using an open-end wrench to hold the nut, if needed. Tighten the upper mounting bolts into the shock tower, using a ratchet, socket and extension, until they are snug.

6

Torque the upper mounting bolts to 21 foot-pounds with a torque wrench, socket and extension. Tighten the lower mounting bolt to 125 foot-pounds, using the open-end wrench on the nut, if needed.

7

Repeat Steps 3 through 6 to complete the coil-over replacement on the second side of the Cavalier. Double-check all of the mounting bolt torques on both shock assemblies. Install the rear wheels and snug the lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the Cavalier off the jack stands, then remove the stands from beneath the car. Lower the Cavalier to the ground. Tighten the rear wheel lug nuts to 100 foot-pounds of torque.

8

Reach into the trunk and install and tighten both upper shock tower mounting nuts to 15 foot-pounds with the torque wrench and socket. Install the trunk lining by tucking it back into the sides of the trunk.