🔧 Outback - Shock Absorber Replacement

This repair replaces the rear shock absorbers on your Outback. The front suspension uses complete strut assemblies, while the rear uses separate shock absorbers and coil springs, so “shock absorber replacement” usually refers to the rear shocks.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface and never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Use jack stands under the vehicle before removing any wheel.
• ⚠️ The rear coil spring stays in place for this job, but the suspension arm can drop suddenly if unsupported.
• ⚠️ Support the lower control arm with a floor jack before removing the lower shock bolt.
• ⚠️ Do not remove the center nut from the shock rod unless the shock is out and safely controlled.
• ⚠️ 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 2-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 2-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug nut socket
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Ratchet 1/2-inch drive
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 17mm box-end wrench
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Penetrating oil
• Paint marker
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorbers - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper mount nuts - Qty: 4
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts and nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Outback on level ground.
• Set the parking brake and place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• Open the rear hatch and remove cargo from the rear area.
• Spray penetrating oil on the lower shock bolts and upper shock mount nuts before starting.
• A breaker bar is a long-handled wrench used to loosen tight bolts safely.
• A torque wrench tightens bolts to an exact tightness so parts are not too loose or too tight.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Lug Nuts

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen each rear wheel lug nut about one turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen before lifting the car.

Step 2: Raise and Support the Rear

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of your Outback at the rear center jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the correct rear side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Keep the floor jack nearby because you will use it to support the suspension arm.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.

Step 4: Access the Upper Shock Mounts

• Open the rear hatch.
• Use the trim clip removal tool and flathead screwdriver to carefully remove or pull back the rear cargo side trim near the shock tower area.
• Look for the two upper shock mount nuts on each side.
• Do not force the plastic trim. It can crack if pulled sharply.

Step 5: Support the Lower Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack under the rear lower control arm near the shock mounting point.
• Raise the jack just enough to lightly support the arm.
• The lower control arm is the suspension arm that holds the wheel hub area and moves up and down with the wheel.

Step 6: Mark the Lower Shock Position

• Use the paint marker to mark the position of the lower shock mount and bolt area.
• This helps you install the new shock in the same orientation.

Step 7: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the 17mm socket, ratchet 1/2-inch drive, and 17mm box-end wrench to remove the lower shock mounting nut and bolt.
• If the bolt is tight, use the breaker bar 1/2-inch drive with the 17mm socket.
• Keep one hand on the shock while removing the bolt so it does not swing down.

Step 8: Remove the Upper Shock Mount Nuts

• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the two upper shock mount nuts inside the cargo area.
• Hold the shock from below while removing the final nut.
• Remove the shock absorber from the wheel well.

Step 9: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Place the old and new shock absorbers side by side.
• Check that the length, upper mount style, and lower bushing style match.
• Use your hands to slowly compress the new shock if needed. It should extend smoothly.

Step 10: Install the New Shock Upper Mount

• Guide the new shock absorber into place through the wheel well.
• Start the two upper mount nuts by hand inside the cargo area.
• Use the 14mm socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the upper shock mount nuts to Torque to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).
• Start nuts by hand first.

Step 11: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack to raise or lower the control arm until the lower shock eye lines up with the mounting hole.
• Slide the lower shock bolt through by hand.
• Install the nut by hand.
• Use the 17mm socket, 17mm box-end wrench, and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the bolt.

Step 12: Torque the Lower Shock Bolt at Ride Height

• Use the floor jack under the lower control arm to raise the suspension until it is near normal ride height.
• This means the suspension is lifted close to where it sits when the vehicle is on the ground.
• Use the 17mm socket, 17mm box-end wrench, and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the lower shock bolt to Torque to 90 Nm (66 ft-lbs).
• Repeat Steps 5 through 12 on the other rear shock absorber.

Step 13: Reinstall Cargo Trim

• Use your hands and the trim clip removal tool to align the rear cargo trim panels and clips.
• Press the clips back into place gently.

Step 14: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Install both rear wheels by hand.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 15: Lower the Vehicle and Torque Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear slightly and remove the jack stands.
• Lower your Outback fully to the ground.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the rear lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 120 Nm (89 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner gently. The body should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Take a slow test drive over a smooth road first, then a mildly bumpy road.
• ✅ Listen for clunks, rattles, or squeaks from the rear suspension.
• ✅ Recheck the lower shock bolts and lug nuts after the test drive.
• ✅ If the steering wheel is off-center or tire wear was already uneven, schedule an alignment check.
• ✅ Replace shocks in pairs so the rear suspension reacts evenly side to side.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$390 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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