🔧 Trax - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

This procedure covers replacing both rear shock absorbers on your Trax. The front suspension uses complete strut assemblies, so it requires a different procedure.

Assumption: “Shock absorbers” refers to the separate rear shocks.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Replace both rear shock absorbers together so damping remains balanced.
• ⚠️ Support your Trax with jack stands. Never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.
• ⚠️ Support the rear suspension before removing either shock. Do not allow the rear axle assembly to hang from brake hoses or wiring.
• ⚠️ Remove and install one shock at a time to keep the suspension controlled.
• ⚠️ Do not open, heat, crush, or drill a gas-pressurized shock absorber.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnection is not required.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Hydraulic floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm impact-rated wheel socket
• 18mm six-point socket
• 18mm combination wrench
• 1/2-inch-drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar
• 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench rated 20-200 Nm
• 150mm socket extension
• Nylon cleaning brush
• Mechanic’s gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorber upper bolts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorber lower bolts and nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• 📋 Park your Trax on firm, level ground. Shift into Park and apply the parking brake.
• 📋 Place wheel chocks securely in front of both front tires.
• 📋 Keep the new shocks beside the vehicle and compare their length, mounting sleeves, and bushings with the original parts.
• 📋 A torque wrench clicks when the selected tightening force is reached. Stop pulling immediately after it clicks.
• 📋 No infotainment setting, scan-tool command, alignment procedure, or battery disconnect is needed.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Nuts

• Put on the mechanic’s gloves and safety glasses.
• Use the 19mm impact-rated wheel socket and 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar to loosen each rear wheel nut approximately one-quarter turn.
• Do not remove the wheel nuts while your Trax is still on the ground.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear

• Use the hydraulic floor jack under the reinforced rear-center lifting area to raise the vehicle.
• Position the two jack stands beneath the reinforced rear side support points.
• Lower the vehicle slowly onto the jack stands with the hydraulic floor jack.
• Gently push the body to confirm that it is stable before continuing.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm impact-rated wheel socket and 1/2-inch-drive ratchet to remove the rear wheel nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and place them flat away from the work area.

Step 4: Support the Rear Suspension

• Place the hydraulic floor jack beneath the rear suspension arm near the shock being replaced.
• Raise the jack only until it lightly supports the suspension. Do not lift your Trax off the jack stands.
• This removes tension from the shock bolts and prevents the suspension from dropping unexpectedly.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Fastener

• Use the nylon cleaning brush to remove dirt from the lower shock bolt and nut.
• Hold the nut with the 18mm combination wrench.
• Use the 18mm six-point socket, 150mm socket extension, and 1/2-inch-drive breaker bar to loosen the lower bolt.
• Remove the nut and bolt with the 18mm combination wrench and 18mm six-point socket.
• Adjust the hydraulic floor jack slightly if the bolt binds. Never hammer the bolt while the suspension is under tension.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Bolt

• Hold the shock with one hand so it cannot fall.
• Use the 18mm six-point socket, 150mm socket extension, and 1/2-inch-drive ratchet to remove the upper mounting bolt.
• Lower and remove the old shock absorber.
• Inspect the mounting areas for cracks, corrosion, damaged threads, or distorted brackets.
• Match each new shock before installation.

Step 7: Install the New Shock Absorber

• Position the new shock with the same upper-to-lower orientation as the original.
• Align the upper mounting sleeve with the body bracket.
• Install the new upper bolt by hand for several turns. Do not cross-thread it.
• Use the 18mm six-point socket and 1/2-inch-drive ratchet to make the bolt snug, but do not apply final torque yet.
• Move the shock’s lower eye into its bracket. Adjust the hydraulic floor jack until the holes align naturally.
• Install the new lower bolt and nut by hand.

Step 8: Tighten the Shock Fasteners

• Use the hydraulic floor jack to hold the suspension near its normal loaded position.
• Use the 18mm six-point socket and 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten the upper shock bolt to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
• Hold the lower nut with the 18mm combination wrench.
• Use the 18mm six-point socket and 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten the lower shock bolt to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
• Remove the hydraulic floor jack from beneath the suspension.

Step 9: Replace the Opposite Shock

• Repeat Steps 4 through 8 on the opposite side using the same listed tools.
• Do not remove both shocks simultaneously.
• Confirm that both shocks have the same orientation and that no brake hose or wheel-speed sensor wire is trapped.

Step 10: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Place each wheel onto its hub.
• Install all wheel nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
• Use the 19mm impact-rated wheel socket and 1/2-inch-drive ratchet to snug the nuts in a crisscross pattern.
• Use the hydraulic floor jack to raise your Trax slightly, then remove both jack stands.
• Lower the vehicle until the tires contact the ground fully.
• Use the 19mm impact-rated wheel socket and 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench to tighten the wheel nuts in a crisscross pattern to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Check that the upper and lower fasteners are seated correctly on both shocks.
• ✅ Push down firmly on each rear corner. The body should rise and settle without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Drive slowly over a small bump and listen for clunks, rattles, or rubbing.
• ✅ Stop immediately if your Trax feels unstable or if a new knocking noise appears.
• ✅ Recheck wheel-nut torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) after approximately 80-160 km.
• ✅ Rear shock replacement alone does not normally require a wheel alignment.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 USD (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 USD (parts only)

You Save: $230-$350 USD by doing it yourself!

Local pricing in Sonīpat can vary because the Trax is a U.S.-market vehicle and compatible parts may require importation. Shop labor for this repair is approximately 1-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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