Front Shock Replacement 1995-2005 GMC Safari (Chevrolet Astro Van) | Fix It Friday

NOTE: These specs and procedures are only applicable to RWD models. Not AWD
Torque Specs (Rear Wheel Drive model)
Shock Upper Attaching Nut 15 lb-ft
Shock Lower Attaching Bolts 20 lb-ft
Directions
Safely Raise the vehicle, it is important to have the vehicle tall enough to remove the shock from the bottom of the vehicle.
Remove the Wheel and inner fender liner
Break the top of the shock rod off.
Remove two lower mount bolts
Remove shock assembly.
Re-install in reverse order.
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#RevitAuto #FrontShocks #GMCSafari
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If you're in the Greater Washington D.C. Metropolitan area and in need of car repair services, be sure to visit revitauto.com to schedule your service today!
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[@Revitauto]

Thanks for watching. Here we have more GMC videos you might be interested in! Please like and subscribe!😀 Rear Shock Replacement 1995-2005 GMC Safari (Chevrolet Astro Van) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zn3Yp2yml9Zjqqc How to replace an engine starter on a 2010 GMC Savana kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWGypYSZhMZqptU How to change the oil and oil filter on a 2003 GMC Sierra 3500 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKmZhXyhh9pkkLM 2002 Safari Oil Change kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZfLmnaorN2eiqs

[@steveslivinski8182]

Super time and knuckle saver. It's so nice to break something on purpose, for a good reason! Great video. THANKS!

[@oldskoolwayy]

This guy should definitely Make more videos working on Astro vans..He made it so simple for the slow people like myself.

[@Revitauto]

Glad it was helpful. Might start doing some more Atro repairs soon. We would appreciate it if you subscribed to help us grow and continue creating repair videos to help everyone. Happy motoring!

[@austinspears3248]

Great idea breaking that top bolt off. I was worried about doing this job but now I feel more confident about doing it.

[@FranksWorld1]

Struggled for 1 hr trying to get the top shock nut off…kept spinning with the shaft. Watched this video…went back to the garage….had the shock out in 4 minutes flat…! Very useful video…thanks so much! Frank

[@BonoMeArse]

Great tip on snapping the tip off the rod...

[@Revitauto]

Yeah once I realized I could do that I was so excited hahaha

[@NextStop2030]

From working Audi's to rebuilding small blocks, in 25 some odd years I have never thought of just breaking that damn nut off. Thanks for the tip. Word of caution for people, if you value your life, never try this on a strut.

[@eds.877]

I followed your video instructions on my 90 GMC Safari and breaking that top stud was a life saver. The lower two nuts were a 13mm however on the 1990. Could have been different being a 1990. Pushing a gas charged shock up to get the two bottom bolts in was a real pain on mine. Being up on a hoist would probably help with that like you had. I just had a floor jack available.

[@forwimp]

Excellent tip. The top of my shock broke off after 30 or so wiggles. One of the bottom nuts was stripped. Those nuts are impossible to find. It's a M8 1.25 clip nut. Or 5/16 24. No autoparts store stocks them or even has them in the system. I'd think those nuts would be breaking by the hundreds every day. And they're apparently used on a great variety of GM shocks. I gave up and put a M8 toothed head bolt and wingnut on it from HomeDepot.

[@OKBAOK]

forwimp You can find some in junk yard

[@factsaboutus]

Hey Dude, You Make Great Videos. I Loved How You Explained Everything. Keep it UP!

[@Spectt84]

thanks for the video, we need more Astro/Safari repair videos!

[@Revitauto]

Not a problem, a new company just signed up with us, and a majority of their vans are Astro's. Hopefully we will have opportunities to post more videos.

[@veggiepowered]

I'am Your Newest Subscriber Great Videos. iI Just Got A 1999 Astro Van

[@Dick123abc]

I learned much and will do my shocks. Thanks Bud! GOOD JOB

[@Revitauto]

You got it! Happy Motoring!!!

[@johnc6496]

Great video sir. Thank you.

[@rigogarcia6727]

Thank you so much

[@Revitauto]

Gad it was helpful!

[@joserivera9191]

Great video. it helps me a lot. It is way easier when you break the top of the spindle.

[@Revitauto]

Jose Rivera glad this video helped you! Happy Motoring!

[@madisonfeb102006]

Worked like a charm. I thought i was screwed. F’n genius.

[@Revitauto]

Haha Thanks! I learned this trick from an old timer, was something that needed to be shared!

[@RetiredAtenPilot]

Great job and narration......... Thank you

[@Revitauto]

RetiredAtenPilot glad this video helped! Happy Motoring !

[@Erix7810]

Man this was such a great video. So well done. Thank you!

[@Revitauto]

Glad this video helped! Make it a great day!

[@joelaco1]

Muchas gracias por su video

[@Revitauto]

De nada!

[@howardblasingame7961]

Great video. Thank you

[@Revitauto]

Thanks! Happy to Help! Happy Motoring!

[@lalotex8333]

great video👍

[@Revitauto]

Glad you liked it! Happy Motoring!

[@stinkintoad]

I can attest this method works- just replaced my front shocks on my 99 astrovan - thanks

[@Revitauto]

Glad it helped! Happy Motoring- Blair

[@cr112784]

What brand and type did U end up getting? I’ve got a 99 rwd too

[@ronsheldon1418]

Nice tip. Thanks

[@Revitauto]

You bet!Thanks for the comment! MAke it a great day!

[@jasonpiatt2744]

So where do the needle nose go?

[@ivanestrada4850]

Awesome thanks

[@Revitauto]

Glad it was helpful. We would appreciate it if you subscribed to help us grow and continue creating repair videos to help everyone. Happy motoring!

[@paultarkington5286]

that's beauty change method, who cares if he says strut you meat heads can't process that

[@raybin2086]

Great video. What are the torque settings?

[@Deucealive75]

Won't the vise grips leave tool marks on your brand new shock?

[@Revitauto]

They sure will!!!!! But we aren't concerned with the beauty of the shock :D! Happy Motoring-Blair

[@mojool]

He's talking about marks on the shaft, i believe. Then the seal might not function as designed if the shaft is all marred up?

[@veammmmmm3189]

which ratchet are you using? I think my ratchet is too weak and the joint is getting loose from moving it like that

[@PAULCCFOX]

Thank youuuuuuuu 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@Revitauto]

YOURE WELCOME! Happy Motoring-Blair

[@willpoortenga164]

when you broke the top of the shock off, did you break the nut with it? did you have to loosen the nut first in order to pry it? thanks for the info, great video

[@Revitauto]

Hi Will, the rod will break with the nut attached. Make sure the socket is seated around the nut. You wont have to fuss with the nut once it is broken off. Happy Motoring

[@Alex1997626]

Great video! Quick question though how do you end up tightening down to top bolts so it doesn't move?

[@Revitauto]

Alexander Diaz. That top nut only needs to be torqued down to 15-25 ftlbs. Which is not much force at all. If you have turned the top bolt all the way till it bottoms out you are good. If you are concerned still, there is a specialty tool you can purchase to stop the top nut from spinning.

[@Alex1997626]

RevitAuto Thanks man appreciate it!

[@ep9203]

@@Revitauto what is this tool and where can i buy it.... my nut is just spinning

[@Revitauto]

@@ep9203 Can you give me as much detail as possible so I can try to help? What nut? Are you putting it on or taking it off? Etc

[@EricMalmstromEmangroovin]

So the nut is 9/16th? What’s the 1/2 wrench for ? Bottom bolts?

[@86jekstrom]

He meant to say 1/2" drive ratchet... Just misspoke

[@kylestewlow3361]

hello my name is kyle. im doing exactly like your saying but the 9/16th is too big. i am using a 15mm. its very tight. also....are you lifting up and down(top of van to ground?) and did you remove all the wheel well lining? i cant get a good lift on the wrench. what are you doing differant then me??

[@Revitauto]

Hello Kyle, Please watch the video again and follow the instructions as exactly shown. It is possible that your front struts have been changed before and new hardware was provided (Hence the 15mm socket). In the video I am breaking the "Rod-Stud" of the shock absorber off with the bolt still attached. To do break the shock, put your ratchet wrench and socket that fits the bolt onto the stud. You then want to force the stud side to side, not van to ground. This will start to bend the strut stud/rod. And eventually it will break. Imagine bending a paperclip enough times that the metal fatigues and breaks. That is what you want to do here. Remove the upper wheel well lining so that you can clearly see what you are doing. The van in the video had damaged upper wheel lining so I could not show how to remove it. Happy Motoring! You can do this!

[@bodeine454]

Thanks for the video but wouldn't it be beneficial to put some Loctite or Neverseaze on the threads?

[@Revitauto]

Hey Jeff, are you thinking never seize so that you can take it back off? Or Loctite so it never comes off? You could certainly go either way about it if you wanted to, I would go loctite of anti seize. Happy Motoring!

[@bodeine454]

@@Revitauto Yeah, either one I think. Something to protect the threads from rusting and corroding up in the future...

[@juancervantes6635]

Do you have a video I need to replace tps sensor

[@Revitauto]

Sorry we do not currently have a video on how to replace the TPS Sensor. If we have one come across the job list we will video tape it for you!

[@clamo6362]

What cover? I've only seen a shock cover on a strut assy.

[@Revitauto]

At what minute and the second point is your question? I will do my best to answer! -Happy Motoring Blair

[@ldubel5922]

I would have liked to at least seen a test of the new shock. With so many garbage products coming out of Asia, testing a product before putting it on your vehicle, is a better idea and finding out later that it's no good.

[@Revitauto]

How would you suggest that I test the Shock? Quality control can be challenging for sure!

[@stinkintoad]

So is it a strut or a shock?

[@Revitauto]

O man, dont ask me that I am always calling bolts nuts and nuts bolts!! A shock absorber is just a shock by itself, a Strut has structural components to the suspension with spring etc.

[@johnny-k8933]

I don't see no needle-nose pliers and he keep saying struts

[@RuciosDubstepMixs]

What are the torque specs?

[@Revitauto]

Hey! We post them in the video description. Torque Specs (Rear Wheel Drive model) Shock Upper Attaching Nut 15 lb ft Shock Lower Attaching Bolts 20 lb ft Directions Safely Raise the vehicle, it is important to have the vehicle tall enough to remove the shock from the bottom of the vehicle. Remove the Wheel and inner fender liner Break the top of the shock rod off. Remove two lower mount bolts Remove shock assembly. Re-install in reverse order. Happy Motoring Blair

[@Miradaleon]

How much would you charge me to change the shocks?

[@Revitauto]

Send an email to [e-mail] with your VIN number and address and we will send you a quote!! Happy Motoring!

[@kylestewlow3361]

also no matter how hard i clamp that rod it still spins.

[@Revitauto]

Hello Kyle, You would need superman strength to hold the rod and back the nut off. Instead try and break the nut and stud off together by going side to side, and not up and down. Please see other response! Happy Motoring!

[@nathanielyourfather2133]

Very informative video check this out my fellow stro bros

[@Revitauto]

Thanks brotha!! Happy Motoring-Blair

[@coleman6131]

Kind of annoying when someone who's supposed to know what they're talking about doesn't know the difference between a shock and a strut, or a wrench and a ratchet.

[@pag1045]

Shock strut same fuckin thing