Strut and shocks suspension

PAULIRAE

MEMBER
2001 GMC SONOMA
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
218,747 MILES

I had my mechanic test drive my truck and diagnose it and the right rear shock is leaking. I thought it looked slightly bent not sure, but when he took for test drive we heard clicking, kind of shimmy sounds. But he didn't hear the clunking on right side that I hear and heard after when turning sharp rights and vibration sounds also. He told me it's okay to drive because the struts or springs are all not damaged. But it bounces over holes or bumps up and down and makes the right clucking when going over bumps and holes as well. Do I need to replace my struts or springs as well as my shocks? And do I park it until the shock parts come in or is it okay to drive for a week? I don't want to drive it because I researched and when a shock or strut is wearing it puts all the weight on all the 3 other tires and makes your tire treads unbalanced with driving wear and tear. What do I do? I have an awesome mechanic I just want to be smart and not take a safety risk driving or cause more damage until it's fixed. Thanks

2 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

You have standard shocks on your truck, not struts. Struts are for cars and trucks with the coil spring and shock as one unit.

I would replace them if the truck bounces too much to give the ride stability.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-shock-absorber

I would see if the noise is still there after the replacement. A worn out shock could cause the noise as well.

Roy

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the rear axle.
3. Disconnect automatic level control air lines from shock absorber, if equipped.
4. Remove the shock absorber upper mounting bolts.
5. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting nut.
6. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolt (four door utilities only).
7. Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.

Front

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands.
Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Remove the shock absorber upper mounting nut.
Hold the shock absorber stem with a wrench while backing the nut off.
3. Remove the retainer.
4. Remove the grommet.
5. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting bolts.
5.1.Pull the shock absorber out of the spring from below.
5.2.The lower grommet and the retainer are on the stem.
5.3.Replace the parts as necessary.
6. Remove the nuts, if damaged or worn.

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