🔧 Optima - Shock Absorber Replacement

On your Optima, the front “shocks” are built into the front strut assemblies, while the rear uses separate rear shock absorbers. The exact steps and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing front, rear, or all four—and whether you’re swapping complete assemblies.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-6 hours

Two quick questions so I can give you the exact procedure + correct torque specs:

• ❓ Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or all four?
• ❓ For the front: are you installing complete quick-strut assemblies (strut + spring + mount preassembled), or reusing your coil springs (requires a spring compressor)?

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never loosen the center nut on a strut mount unless the spring is safely compressed.
• ⚠️ Support the car with jack stands on solid, level ground—never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of suspension pinch points while lowering/raising the hub.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• 1/2" drive torque wrench (20-200 ft-lbs range)
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive torque wrench (10-80 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (10mm-22mm)
• Combination wrench set (10mm-22mm)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat trim tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Rubber mallet
• Pry bar
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies (quick-strut) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount and bearing - If not included with quick-strut - Qty: 2
• Rear upper shock mounts/bushings - If worn - Qty: 2
• New self-locking suspension nuts/bolts - If required by parts kit - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the shifter in P, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels if lifting the front; chock the front wheels if lifting the rear.
• Loosen lug nuts 1/2 turn with a 21mm socket before lifting.
• Spray penetrating oil on the strut-to-knuckle or shock bolts and let it soak 10 minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm your replacement type

• If you’re doing the front, decide between quick-strut or reusing the spring with a spring compressor (specialty) (a tool that safely squeezes the coil spring so it can’t “launch”).
• Reply with your answers to the two questions above, and I’ll give you the exact front/rear procedure with Torque to XX Nm (YY ft-lbs) specs for every fastener.

Step 2: (Next)

• Once I know front/rear and quick-strut vs spring reuse, I’ll lay out the complete numbered steps for your Optima.

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✅ After Repair

• Get a 4-wheel alignment after front strut replacement.
• Road test at low speed first; listen for clunks and recheck fasteners.
• Re-torque lug nuts with a torque wrench after a short drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $450-$900 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.