🔧 Shock Absorbers - Replacement

Assumption: rear shock absorbers only. On your S60, the front uses strut assemblies, so this guide covers the rear dampers/shocks. Replacing worn shocks helps restore ride control, reduce bounce, and improve stability over bumps.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the car securely with jack stands; never work under a car held only by a jack.
• Keep hands clear of the rear suspension while lowering or raising the control arm.
• Use caution around the spring seat and suspension bushings; they can shift as the shock is removed.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 13mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Paint marker
• Trim panel tool
• Penetrating oil

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mount - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper nut - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower bolt - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel bolts slightly before lifting the car.
• Replace shocks in pairs on the same axle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear of the car

• Use the floor jack to raise the rear of the car at the approved lift point.
• Place jack stands under the rear support points and lower the car onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with the 13mm socket or the correct wheel bolt tool for your wheel set.
• Do one side at a time.

Step 2: Access the upper shock mounting area

• Open the trunk and remove the rear trim covers with the trim panel tool.
• Expose the upper shock mount on the side you are working on.

Step 3: Support the suspension

• Place the floor jack lightly under the rear control arm.
• Raise it just enough to support the suspension so the shock is not loaded.

Step 4: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Use the 13mm socket or 14mm socket to remove the upper shock nut, depending on the hardware on the car.
• Hold the shock shaft if it spins while removing the nut.
• Lower the jack slightly if needed to free tension.

Step 5: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Apply penetrating oil to the lower bolt if it is rusty.
• Use the 15mm socket and breaker bar to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Remove the shock absorber from the wheel well.

Step 6: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place.
• Start the lower bolt by hand first.
• Install the upper mount hardware by hand.
• Torque the lower shock bolt to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).
• Torque the upper shock nut to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reassemble the trim and wheel

• Reinstall the trunk trim panels with the trim panel tool.
• Reinstall the wheel and snug the wheel bolts.
• Lower the car and torque the wheel bolts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same steps on the opposite rear shock absorber.
• Always replace shocks in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly over a bumpy road.
• Listen for clunks or rattles from the rear.
• Check that the car sits evenly side to side.
• Recheck torque on the wheel bolts after the first drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$1,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $320-$550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3 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.