Right rear shock bad.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 17 Dec 2023, 21:38

On my 2002 V70XC, the right rear side of the car is bouncy indicating a shock failure. All of the other corners are fine. I know it's recommended to replace in pairs, but what would happen if I only replaced one of the rear shocks?

Is it possible to just replace the shock and not the whole coil assembly? I know you can easily do it on the non XC models, but it seems the shock is attached to the spring on mine.

If replacing the shock requires a spring compressor, would I still need a spring compressor if I replace the shock/coil assembly?

Do coils wear out often? Based on this photo is the ride height lower because of a worn spring?

Post by **abscate** » 18 Dec 2023, 04:21

Replacing one shock is fine if it failed for a defect rather than being worn out.

There are a lot of internet parrots who spew lore without understanding of mechanical function.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 18 Dec 2023, 15:14

My Volvo has almost 300k miles and I’m not sure when or if the suspension was replaced, so I’m assuming it’s failing due to being worn out.

Post by **Skymongrel** » 18 Dec 2023, 15:39

Congrats on 300k! Nice. You probably already figured this out but the rear shocks are self leveling shocks called Nivomat shocks, and are really expensive. You can convert to regular shock from what I understand. You should confirm that your car hasn't already been converted.

To my eye the ride height looks normal? Get a tape measure and compare the wheel to fender measurement for both sides. If they are very different then you might need new coil. I believe you can replace the coil or shock independent of one another. Also, check shock for leakage, if it's bad you should see where hydraulic fluid has leak out.

For the record I've never replace my rear shocks on my XC70...but I did have a coil break on my front struts!

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 18 Dec 2023, 20:40

I don’t think I have nivomat shocks since they don’t look as thick and don’t have the rubber boot. I inspected the other side rear shock, and although it works, it is leaking. The front ones look fine.

Should I replace the whole assembly with the coil or just the shock part?

The measurement of both wheels are the same

: IMG_4622.jpeg (356.53 KiB) Viewed 265 times

Post by **br0dy519** » 19 Dec 2023, 13:50

This doesn't help you now, and I Haven't done this job yet, but some crazy bird on here used the spare tire jack somewhere on the suspension to make this job easier. I believe the solution was highly praised. Worth a search of the forums.

I replaced the rear shocks on my 2.4 s60, and they were just shock absorbers. No springs back there.

Post by **Skymongrel** » 21 Dec 2023, 08:10

If it were me I'd just replace the shock. I just measured the wheel to fender distance on my 2006 XC70 and got 3 inches. They are original shocks, I have 190k. I have 3 inches all the way around (fronts were changed). BTW I think I saw that jack method you referred to ...I wasn't a fan, but then I've never done the rear replacement. Good luck.

02V70 · Post by **02V70** » 21 Dec 2023, 14:51

That's what I will end up doing. I ordered two Sachs shocks for $60 each from Rockauto and a spring compressor. The rubber bushings seemed fine so I will probably reuse those too.

Post by **Blacklab467** » 21 Dec 2023, 17:54

Here’s the link to a post that I did on this job a couple years ago, it’s easy and can be done in a few hours with basic tools. Hope this helps.
viewtopic.php?p=588012#p588012