🔧 Impreza - Shock/Strut Replacement

On your Impreza, the front “shocks” are actually strut assemblies, and the rear uses separate shock absorbers. The exact steps, parts list, and torque specs change depending on whether you’re doing front, rear, or all four, and whether you’re swapping complete assemblies or reusing your springs.

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

Two quick questions so I can give you the exact OEM-correct steps + torque specs:

• 🔎 Are you replacing front struts, rear shocks, or all four?
• 🔎 For the front, are you installing complete strut assemblies (quick-struts) or reusing your springs/top mounts (requires a spring compressor)?

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Never work under a car supported only by a jack; use jack stands on solid ground.
• ⚠️ If reusing springs: a spring compressor squeezes the coil spring under high force; incorrect use can cause severe injury.
• ⚠️ Suspension work can change alignment; plan for a 4-wheel alignment after front strut replacement.
• ⚠️ Keep hands clear of pinch points at the knuckle/control arm while raising/lowering the suspension.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not typically required for shocks/struts.

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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 3/8"
• Torque wrench 1/2"
• Metric socket set 10mm-21mm
• Metric wrench set 10mm-21mm
• Hex key socket set (metric)
• Pry bar
• Needle-nose pliers
• Flat trim tool
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Spring compressor (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assemblies or front struts - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear shock absorbers - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Front strut mount/top hat (if worn) - Qty: 2
• Front bump stops and dust boots (if worn) - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounts (if worn) - Qty: 2
• Rear bump stops and dust boots (if worn) - Qty: 2
• New self-locking nuts/bolts (as required) - Qty: as needed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the wheels staying on the ground.
• Break loose the lug nuts slightly before lifting the car.
• Spray penetrating oil on lower strut/shock bolts and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
• If you’re reusing springs, confirm you have a spring compressor and understand its instructions before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm your replacement path

• Reply with: front / rear / all four and quick-struts / reuse springs.
• Once I have that, I’ll give you the exact step sequence for your A4WD CVT sedan, including OEM torque specs and the correct order to prevent alignment/ABS wire issues.

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✅ After Repair

• Road test at low speed first; listen for clunks over bumps.
• Re-check lug nut torque after a short drive.
• Get a 4-wheel alignment as soon as possible after front strut work.

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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.