04 V70 rear shock replacement

Post by **SteveBaker** » 18 Sep 2007, 12:48

Hi All

What a great place this is! I'm really glad I stumbled on it.

I have an 04 V70 with a 2.5 turbo engine, 2wd, and no Nivomat, that I know of. One of the rear shocks is going bad so I plan to replace the pair. It looks pretty easy: undo the top retaining nut, undo the bottom nut, pull the shock out, reverse and repeat. I've done things like this dozens of times.
The dealer , and another shop as well, are quoting 500 bucks for the job, including 2.5 hours of labor. Am I missing something critical that will make this impossible to do in my driveway this weekend?

Thanks as always.

Steve

Post by **JRL** » 18 Sep 2007, 14:08

Basically a one hour job
You may want to consider another shock. Monroe makes a decent shock and of course Bilstein.
Both I'm sure would be cheaper (and better) than an OEM Volvo, Sachs/Boge shock

Post by **SteveBaker** » 19 Sep 2007, 06:49

Once again, JRL, thanks!

Post by **SteveBaker** » 29 Sep 2007, 17:00

Well, I got them in and what a difference! These things go bad so gradually you don't really notice. One additional benefit: my steering wheel is now straight. The new shock jacked up the rear corner a hair and now my wheel is aligned as it should be. (There's a thread on this problem somewhere.)

Anyhow, I saved a couple hundred bucks so I'm headed on up top to make a contribution.
Thanks to all.

Steve

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Sep 2007, 18:29

We have a V70 2.5 '04 as well. Though our shocks aren't dragging like yours was, please tell me which shocks you chose and where you got them.
Regards,
MIJ

Post by **SteveBaker** » 29 Sep 2007, 18:42

MadeInJapan wrote:<<Though our shocks aren't dragging like yours was, please tell me which shocks you chose and where you got them.
Regards,
MIJ

I got a set of Koni Sports from FCP Groton. They seem to have really good prices and quick shipping. Several other brands for Volvos are available there as well.

The Konis seemed soft compared to the shock that was actually working but they really control the rear end without any harshness at all; quite a change from how I remember Konis "back in the day".

Steve

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Sep 2007, 20:06

Thanks Steve. When I need them, I'll check them out.