Hints for rear shock replacement on 2003 V70 AWD

DEMonte1997 · Post by **DEMonte1997** » 12 Mar 2016, 13:28

Purchased a set of Sachs. Look easy enough to replace. Saw a tutorial on youtube for doing them on an S60. That was easy as easy gets. But my V70 has to be different. How in the world do I get access to the top nut? It's half buried under a piece of sheet metal so I can't put any tools on it. Part of me just wants to cut the metal because I only need a half CM to get to it. But I know I'm looking at this wrong so I figured I would consult you first.

Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Post by **oragex** » 12 Mar 2016, 16:44

Maybe with an offset key? I also use an adjusting wrench just like in the picture with a torx socket on the rod https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=28318

The lower bolt has a nut that is usually welded to the chassis, so the ratchet will go on the bolt side. I tried to loosen the nut and my back didn't like it

DEMonte1997 · Post by **DEMonte1997** » 12 Mar 2016, 18:51

Thank you for the quick reply. Mine looks a lot different than the earlier models.

In real life, the nut is half buried under a piece of sheet metal. So I can't get the torx socket on the shock shaft and cannot get a wrench on the nut. Never seen anything like this...

Any further suggestions?

Post by **vtl** » 12 Mar 2016, 19:26

Can you post a photo?

DEMonte1997 · Post by **DEMonte1997** » 12 Mar 2016, 19:27

Here's a photo. Hopefully it posts okay.

Post by **vtl** » 12 Mar 2016, 19:31

So the design is same as XC70 has. Remove two screws mating spring seat to chassis. Shock, spring and seat come out as one piece.

DEMonte1997 · Post by **DEMonte1997** » 12 Mar 2016, 19:53

Ah. So that means I have to compress the spring to get the shock out. Not sure why I thought it would be easier but not the end of the world. Thanks for the responses.

Post by **vtl** » 12 Mar 2016, 19:56

I would replace springs as well, while the whole assembly is out.

Post by **scot850** » 15 Mar 2016, 15:57

We just had our 06 XC70 rear shocks and springs replaced. 1 shock was getting weepy but one of the springs was actually broken!

Springs are the cheap part, and if you don't have 4C suspension like the XC and R have then thank the car gods as they are stupid expensive. As it takes the same amount of labor to swap the shock and spring, then do both would be my suggestion.

Neil.