🔧 Kicks - Shock/Strut Replacement

On your Kicks, the rear uses separate shock absorbers, but the front is a strut assembly (a strut is a shock that also supports the spring and steering). The exact steps and required tools change a lot depending on whether you’re doing front, rear, or all four, and whether you’re swapping complete front assemblies or reusing the spring.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: Rear: 1.0–2.0 hours | Front: 3.0–6.0 hours

Two quick questions so I can give you the exact, trim-correct steps and torque specs:

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the Kicks with jack stands on solid, level ground; never rely on a floor jack.
• ⚠️ If reusing front springs: a spring compressor stores extreme energy—incorrect use can cause severe injury.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points at the knuckle/strut area and suspension links.
• ⚠️ After any front strut work, an alignment is required (camber/toe will change).

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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
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Breaker bar (1/2")
• Torque wrench (1/2", 20–200 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (8mm–22mm, 3/8" and 1/2" drive)
• Wrench set (8mm–22mm)
• Pry bar (18")
• Hammer (2 lb)
• Needle-nose pliers
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Strut spreader tool (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies (quick-strut, complete) - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front upper strut mount - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut bearing - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front bump stop and dust boot kit - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear upper/lower shock hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks on the opposite end you’re lifting.
• Loosen the wheel lug nuts slightly using a breaker bar and correct-size socket before lifting.
• Spray visible suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and let it soak 10–15 minutes.
• If doing front struts, plan for a 4-wheel alignment after the repair.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

I’m ready to lay out the exact step-by-step with the correct torque specs for your Kicks, but I need your answers to the two questions in the Overview (front/rear/all four, and quick-strut vs reusing springs). Once you reply, I’ll give you the full procedure tailored to your choice.

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✅ After Repair

• Recheck all fasteners after a short test drive.
• If any front suspension parts were removed/replaced, schedule a 4-wheel alignment.
• Listen for clunks over bumps; that usually indicates loose hardware or a mis-seated mount.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $600-$1,600 (parts + labor, depends front/rear/all four)

DIY Cost: $180-$900 (parts only, depends quick-struts vs bare struts)

You Save: $420-$700+ by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-6 hours depending on which end you’re doing.

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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.