How to Change the Shocks on an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Shock absorbers on an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme keep the tires in contact with the road while driving. While the name is a bit of a misnomer, the shocks are a very important component in the suspension. Without shocks, the vehicle would bounce and sway badly, allowing the tires to come off the ground, which greatly reduces a driver’s control. If the shocks are blown, or simply worn out, it’s a good idea to replace them as soon as possible before damage occurs to other suspension components.

Open the hood and unbolt the top shock mounts from the shock towers using the socket set. You’ll need to hold the bottom nut in place while you remove the top with the socket set. The nut size will vary depending on the year and brand of shocks in your Cutlass Supreme.

Lift the front end of your car with the floor jack and support it, by the frame, on the two jack stands. Do not support it by any part of the suspension, as you need the suspension to hang down in order to remove the shocks.

Unbolt the lower end of the shocks from the shock mounts in the front suspension using the socket set. Once the bolts are out, pull the shocks out of the mounts by hand.

Place the new shocks into the mounts and then bolt them in place with the socket set using the old hardware.

Put the new bushing over the top of the shock. Cut the nylon strap off the shock with the knife and guide the upper stud through the top of the shock tower by hand. Install the new nuts and washers on the top side in reverse of how you removed the old ones. Never reuse the top hardware. Repeat this on the other front shock.

Lower the front of the Cutlass off the jack stands with the floor jack.

Unbolt the rear upper shock hardware with the socket set. Lift the rear of the Cutlass up and place the jack stands under the rear frame.

Unbolt the rear shock lower mounting hardware with the socket set and box wrench. You will need to hold the bolt in place with the wrench while removing the nut with the socket set. Repeat on the other rear shock.

Pull out the shocks by hand, insert the new shocks in their place and bolt the lower portion of the shocks to the shock mounts in reverse of how you removed them.

Cut the nylon bands off the new shocks and guide the upper shock into the mounts, just as you did with the front shocks. Make sure the bushings are in place before cutting off the nylon. Put the nuts on the top and tighten them down with the socket set in reverse of how you removed them. Never reuse the top hardware. Lower the Cutlass off the jack stands when finished.