Rear Shocks. Can't access upper mount bolts. Misaligned

[Goldchemist]

Thank you both for the quick replies. More questions now that I see what I’m getting into. Would my struts have the sensors and electrical connections too? I ask because first I thought I had basic struts. Now I see they’re different. But are they the higher end struts with all the bells and whistles or are they some mid level strut? I will surely find out when I take them out but just wondering if you already know. Is there a mid level? Thanks!!!

[- Pete -]

Is your S60 an R?

I’ll borrow XHeart’s photo & explain which is which.

The blue square is what you probably have for shocks/springs (standard).

Circled in red (on the same picture) you can see a “bellows” type shape on the bottom of that shock. If yours looks like that you have what is called “Nivomat” rears, or self leveling. I honestly haven’t heard of these being installed on S60’s, but possible.

625CA4C9-CD2C-4CE1-B50D-000EE0A2A49E.jpeg (205.85 KiB) Viewed 1059 times

Lastly, there is the 4C/FourC suspension. This one will be obvious. If your dash has 3 buttons by the hazard light button labeled “Comfort”, “Sport”, and “Advanced” you have 4C electronic suspension. Also, on the shock itself you can see where the wire inserts.

[xHeart]

I believe, you've AWD with Haldex AoC:


I'll stick with recommended part numbers for rear suspension parts. IPD and FCP carry quality OEM parts.

[Tarquin]

Hello original poster. What did you end up doing for your rear ‘shocks’? I discovered the same issue today. I am thoroughly surprised because I ordered my shocks from IPD. I made sure they fit my vehicle. Even spoke to them on the phone and told them I have an AWD. Does this mean I need to remove the whole assembly? That would really defeat the purpose of purchasing the loaded assemblies for the fronts only to find out I need to disassemble the rears. Hope to hear how you completed the job. Thanks.

Actually, I haven't done it yet! I know..I know... For shame.
But it was far from urgent, I didn't really need to do them, but I want to refresh the ride.
I still have the parts and am looking to do it soon.
I don't have a spring compressor, and am a little wary of them. So I may just take the whole assembly off and bring them into the shop.

[Tarquin]

Searched through numerous videos as usual and none showed this type of assembly. (Until last night I actually found one.)

Hi Goldchemist,
Would you be able to share the link to the video of the AWD rear strut?

[Goldchemist]

I have a 2006 S60 2.5T AWD. No ‘R’. You’re right, I have the standard like in the blue square. Still surprised because all the standard videos I watched had the standard shocks. Heck I had the exact situation as the original poster. I guess when I searched for videos to ‘replace rear shocks on AWD S60’ the videos that popped up were actually NOT for AWD’s. OP: I’ve used the rented spring compressors from Auto Zone and they’re easy to use. If you ask me the toughest part will be using the ratchet or come-along to bring the rear control arms down. Is that REALLY the only way? How’s it done in the shop? I will try to post the link to the video. Try below. This is actually for the 4C’s. Thanks all!!!

[- Pete -]

.....ratchet strap or come-along to bring the rear control arms down. Is that REALLY the only way? How’s it done in the shop?

I’m pretty certain that it even depicts this in the ViDA procedure. I can pull up ViDA & verify, when I have time.

I don’t really see another method that would be more effective and of any time savings.

I have done it without a come-ah-long/ratchet strap. It is extremely strenuous without the mechanical advantage.

[- Pete -]

.....ratchet strap or come-along to bring the rear control arms down. Is that REALLY the only way? How’s it done in the shop?

I’m pretty certain that it even depicts this in the ViDA procedure. I can pull up ViDA & verify, when I have time.

Edit: I've done 4C "R" rear strut spring/shock replacement, XC70 rear strut spring/shock replacement (X3), and also P2 AWD V70 standard rear suspension strut spring/shock replacement. I have used spring compressors on all. It is absolutely not optional on an XC, and in my opinion, should not be viewed as optional on any loaded strut disassembly. Robert does say that a spring compressor is "not needed" in his video. For safety's sake, I would never attempt to loosen that top center nut on any loaded strut assembly without having a set of spring compressors clamping the spring down. People have been seriously injured doing this specific type of work. Potential energy is not something you fool around with. Please, be smart & work carefully around anything that is compressed. Sorry to drone on, but stupid things happen when negligence enters the mindset.

[xHeart]

For safety's sake, I would never attempt to loosen that top center nut on any loaded strut assembly without having a set of spring compressors clamping the spring down. People have been seriously injured doing this specific type of work. Potential energy is not something you fool around with. Please, be smart & work carefully around anything that is compressed. Sorry to drone on, but stupid things happen when negligence enters the mindset.

+1000%

[Goldchemist]

Okay. Thanks again for the quick confirmation. I guess I will give this a try. I will definitely use the spring compressors. Will report back soon.