🔧 Shock Absorbers - Front Strut / Rear Shock Replacement

Assumption: on your XC90, the front units are strut assemblies and the rear units are separate shock absorbers. Replace one side at a time, then repeat on the other side if needed.

The front suspension uses a strut-style assembly, while the rear uses separate shock absorbers. This job involves supporting the suspension safely, removing the mounting hardware, and transferring or replacing related hardware as needed.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-8 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before removing any suspension fasteners.
• Do not disconnect any high-voltage components; this vehicle does not require HV isolation for shock service.
• Rear suspension may be under load; use a jack to support the control arm or axle before removing shock bolts.
• Front struts are under spring tension if you are replacing the full strut assembly; use a spring compressor if disassembling the strut.
• Wheel alignment is recommended after front strut replacement.

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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
• 17mm socket
• 18mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim removal tool
• Spring compressor (specialty)
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front strut assembly - Qty: 2, replace in pairs if worn
• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2, replace in pairs if worn
• Upper strut mount / bearing - Qty: 2, recommended with front struts
• Front strut mount hardware - Qty: 1 set
• Rear shock upper mount hardware - Qty: 1 set
• Rear shock lower mounting bolt - Qty: 1 set
• Bump stop / dust boot kit - Qty: 2, if damaged

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the wheel lug bolts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise and support the vehicle with jack stands at the factory lift points.
• Spray penetrating oil on the shock and strut fasteners before removal.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift the vehicle and remove the wheel

• Use a floor jack and jack stands to raise the corner you are servicing.
• Remove the wheel with a 19mm socket.
• Work one side at a time.

Step 2: Disconnect the shock or strut connections

• Rear: Use an 18mm socket or 21mm socket to remove the lower shock bolt.
• Front: Use a 17mm socket, 18mm socket, and 21mm socket to remove the strut mounting fasteners and any linked brackets.
• If a brake hose or sensor bracket is attached to the strut, remove it carefully with a trim removal tool or the correct socket.

Step 3: Support the suspension

• Use the floor jack under the control arm or rear suspension arm to control spring tension.
• Raise or lower slightly until the bolt slides out without binding.
• Do not let the suspension hang freely.

Step 4: Remove the shock or strut assembly

• Remove the upper and lower mounting hardware with the correct socket and breaker bar if needed.
• Pull the shock or strut assembly out of the wheel well.
• Front only: If replacing the internal strut, compress the spring with a spring compressor (specialty) before removing the top nut.

Step 5: Install the new assembly

• Position the new shock or strut in place by hand.
• Install the upper and lower fasteners finger-tight first.
• Tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench.
• Torque to factory specification for the exact fastener location.

Step 6: Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the wheel with the 19mm socket.
• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands with the floor jack.
• Tighten the wheel lug bolts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to factory wheel specification.

Step 7: Repeat on the opposite side if needed

• Replace shocks or struts in pairs for balanced handling.
• Repeat the same steps on the other side if both are being replaced.

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✅ After Repair

• Test drive slowly and listen for clunks or knocking.
• Check for loose fasteners after the first drive.
• Schedule a wheel alignment if front struts were replaced.
• Inspect for any shifted brake hoses or sensor wires.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $900-$2,400 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $650-$1,500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-8 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.