REAR SHOCK ABSORBER REPAIR REVISED REPLACEMENT PROCEDURES

MODELS AFFECTED: 1985 CIMARRONS WITH 2.8L V-6 ENGINES

1985 Cimarrons equipped with 2.8L V-6 engines use gas filled Bilstein shock absorbers on the rear. This bulletin provides service information specific to the V-6 Cimarron application which was not included in the 1985 Comarron Service Information Manual. Whenever installing a new shock absorber use the followning R & R procedure.

SHOCK ABSORBER R & R, Refer to Figure 1

CAUTION:

To avoid personal injury due to explosion, do not apply heat or flame.

Removal

1. Open deck lid, remove trim cover and upper shock attaching nut, Figure 1.

2. Raise vehicle using a suspension contact hoist. If a frame contact hoist must be used, support rear axle assembly with jack stands prior to removing any shock absorber attaching bolts. See Section 0B in the 1985 Cimarron Service Information Manual for vehicle lifting points when using various types of hoists.

3. Remove lower attaching bolt and nut and remove shock absorber.

Installation

1. To remove shock absorber retaining wire, compress shock absorber by placing shock absorber stud on a block of wood and pushing down on the opposite end of shock absorber. Remove wire and slowly allow shock absorber to extend.

2. Install the lower retainer (P/N 10029211).

NOTICE: The lower retainer is required on vehicles equipped with 2.8L V-6 engines only.

3. Guide upper shock mount studs through body opening. Compress shock absorber as required and loosely install lower attaching bolt and nut, feed bolt through holes and loosely install paddle nut. Tighten lower bolt to 54 N.m (13 ft. lbs).

4. Lower car.

5. Install upper retainer and nut. Tighten upper nut to 17 N.m (13 ft. lbs).

6. Replace rear trim cover.

DISPOSAL OF USED SHOCK ABSORBERS

If shock absorber is to be scrapped, it is advised that the pressure be released as follows:

a. Clamp shock absorber in vise with shock stud pointing down, see Figure 2.

b. Measure approximately 57mm, (2.25 in.) from the bottom of the shock absorber and drill a 5mm (3.16 in.) hole to permit the gas to escape.

c. Drain oil from shock absorber and dispose of the shock absorber.

For Warranty purposes use labor operation number:

E5800, Rear shock assembly right, at .3 hours E5801, Rear shock assembly left, at .3 hours E5807, Rear shock assembly both, at .4 hours

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.