The shock absorber on the Vauxhall Vivaro 2015 is a common failure item — they leak oil and lose their damping over time. The same procedure applies to the Renault Trafic and Nissan Primastar which share the same platform.
This guide covers removal and refitting of the shock absorber including spring compressor work to swap the spring and top mount onto the new unit.
When You Need This Job
- Oil leaking down the shock absorber body
- Excessive body roll or bouncing on bumps
- Knocking or clonking from the suspension
- Failed MOT advisory or failure on shock absorber condition
Tools You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Remove the top nut from inside the engine bay
Open the bonnet and locate the top of the strut. Use a 21mm spanner to undo the top nut. There is a washer with a cut-out that only fits one way — note its orientation.
Remove the wheel
Take the wheel off to expose the lower shock absorber and hub assembly.
Undo the anti-roll bar drop link
The drop link has a 16mm nut. If the ball joint spins use mole grips on the back to hold it while you undo the nut.
Remove the two 21mm bolts through the lower shock
Two 21mm nut and bolt assemblies pass through the bottom of the shock absorber into the hub. Undo both. Unclip the brake line from its holder on the shock body.
Tap out the lower bolts and remove the shock
The lower bolts are splined and may need tapping out with a copper hammer. Once both are out the shock can be pushed away from the hub and pulled downward to remove.
Transfer the spring to the new shock
Clamp the spring in a spring compressor. With the spring compressed use a 21mm socket to undo the top mount nut. Remove the top mount, collar and spring. Fit the new shock absorber into the spring, refit the top mount and do up the nut.
Refit the shock absorber
Offer the shock back into position. Start the top nut a couple of turns by hand. Line up the lower mounting holes with the hub and insert the splined bolts. Refit the two 21mm nuts and tighten. Refit the anti-roll bar drop link. Refit the brake line clip.
Lower the vehicle and torque the top nut
Lower the van so the weight of the vehicle pushes the shock to full extension. Now torque the top nut. Refit the wheel and torque the wheel nuts.
Torque Specifications
These three vans share the same underpinnings. This procedure is identical across all three.
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