🔧 HR-V - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

This guide covers replacing the rear shock absorbers on your HR-V. Rear shocks control bouncing and help keep the tires planted, especially over bumps and during braking.

Assumption: This procedure is for the rear shock absorbers. The front suspension uses strut assemblies, which are a different repair.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a flat, solid surface only.
• ⚠️ Never rely on a jack alone. Always support your HR-V with jack stands.
• ⚠️ Replace rear shocks in pairs so the left and right sides handle evenly.
• ⚠️ Do not remove suspension bolts while the vehicle is unstable or only partly lifted.
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is 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
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• Ratchet wrench 3/8-inch drive
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• Penetrating oil spray
• Rubber mallet
• Flat pry bar
• 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 mounting hardware - Qty: 2 sets
• Rear shock lower mounting bolts - Qty: 2

Note: Replace in pairs. If the new shocks do not include bushings, washers, or upper hardware, reuse only if the originals are in excellent condition.

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your HR-V on level ground.
• Shift to Park and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Spray penetrating oil on the rear shock lower bolts and upper mounting nuts. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
• A shock absorber is a dampening part that slows suspension bounce. It does not hold the vehicle up like a spring.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use a 19mm lug nut socket and breaker bar to loosen each rear wheel lug nut about half a turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.
• Loosen before lifting.

Step 2: Lift and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear of your HR-V at the rear jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the rear side support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Give the vehicle a light shake by hand to confirm it is stable.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat on the ground.

Step 4: Support the Rear Suspension Arm

• Place the floor jack lightly under the rear suspension arm near the shock.
• Raise the jack just enough to support the arm. Do not lift the vehicle off the jack stand.
• This keeps the suspension from dropping suddenly when the shock is removed.

Step 5: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use a 17mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lower shock mounting bolt.
• If the nut turns with the bolt, hold it with a 17mm wrench.
• Remove the lower bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is tight in the bushing, use a rubber mallet and flat pry bar gently.
• Do not damage the bracket.

Step 6: Remove the Upper Shock Mounting Nuts

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the upper shock mounting nuts.
• Support the shock with one hand as the last nut comes off.
• Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle.

Step 7: Compare the Old and New Shock

• Place the old and new shock absorbers side by side.
• Confirm the length, mounting ends, bushings, and brackets match.
• If the new shock has a shipping strap, do not cut it until you are ready to install it.

Step 8: Install the New Upper Shock Mount

• Position the new shock absorber into the upper mount area.
• Start the upper nuts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 14mm socket to snug the upper nuts.
• Torque the rear shock upper mounting nuts to 29 Nm (22 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Install the Lower Shock Bolt

• Use the floor jack to raise or lower the suspension arm until the lower shock eye lines up with the bracket.
• Install the lower bolt by hand first.
• Use a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench to snug the lower shock bolt.
• Torque the rear shock lower mounting bolt to 93 Nm (69 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the Other Side

• Move to the opposite rear shock absorber.
• Use the same 14mm socket, 17mm socket, 17mm wrench, and floor jack.
• Repeat the removal and installation steps.

Step 11: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Install the rear wheels onto the hubs.
• Thread the lug nuts by hand first.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket to snug the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.

Step 12: Lower the Vehicle and Torque Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands.
• Lower the vehicle fully to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench and 19mm lug nut socket.
• Torque the rear wheel lug nuts to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• ✅ Bounce each rear corner by hand. The body should settle quickly without repeated bouncing.
• ✅ Take a slow test drive over small bumps and listen for clunks.
• ✅ Recheck the lower shock bolts after the test drive if anything feels loose.
• ✅ A wheel alignment is not normally required for rear shock replacement unless other suspension parts were loosened or replaced.
• ✅ Recheck lug nut torque after 25-50 miles.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $120-$280 (parts only)

You Save: $230-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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