2003 XC90 help w REAR SHOCK Replacement Topic is solved

2003XC90 · Post by **2003XC90** » 21 Aug 2014, 13:25

The rear shocks or struts have worn out on our 2003 XC90 after 171K miles.

Is this a repair that you can do yourself? The "shocks" are inside the spring, that I can see.
I found an "OEM/Volvo shock retaining nut strut removal socket tool" at Autozone for $24.99 part number 24365
Here is the link:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/access ... umber=true.

Has anyone done this repair? Is it a no-brainer or do we need any special compression tools like for struts?

The Volvo dealer tells us that if the shocks are "Nivomat" shocks, then they cost $585 each. Ouch! They told us that there is a silver plate on the firewall or under the fenderwell which will let you know which shocks you have on your vehicle.

I hope that this is a simple 1-hour garage job because every repair on this vehicle seems to be more than $1,000.

Thanks!

Stravlr · Post by **Stravlr** » 24 Aug 2014, 13:15

Open the hood. On the drivers side look for the VIN Plate below the VIN there is a long string of number typically starting with a 33, 34 or 35. In that string do you see the number 26? If you do then you have Nviromat shocks, and you can get them new for about $380 (ea) on Amazon.

Yes this is a DIY job.. but will involve you cutting thru some sound deadener under the third row or rear floor to reach the top mount. Then you will also need to raise/lower the rear suspension to help slide the shock thru the spring.

WalRob · Post by **WalRob** » 15 Aug 2016, 08:35

I hope this thread is not closed.
I have a 2004 XC90 5 cylinder engine.
My VIN plate has the sequence, "321764126952" in the lower right corner.
Is this the sequence referenced above and does the "26" indicated those expensive shocks?
To do the job, am I correct in thinking now compression tool is required?
Thanks in advance Wal

Post by **Roger_850T** » 16 Aug 2016, 20:15

Hi Wal,

Yes, according to that plate, you have the Nivomat (expensive) shocks. BTW, they are expensive because they are self leveling. That means that however much you load into the back of your XC90, once you start moving down the road, they use the motion of the vehicle to pump themselves up so that the car remains level, front to back and side to side. Pretty cool, really.

For what it's worth, that number is called the "Chassis Code", and it has details of all the suspension parts that the factory put in your vehicle. Here's your whole number decoded. "p/n" is the Volvo part number for the part that's on your vehicle. Many of them say "XC90" because the table also includes other models. Here's the data:

32 Spring, Front, p/n: 30648139 "XC90 Medium" (there is a light, medium, and heavy)
17 Shock Absorber, Front, p/n 30645515 "XC90"
6 Roll Bar, Front, p/n 8672471, "23mm XC90"
41 Spring, Rear, p/n 30645933, "XC90 Heavy Nivomat"
26 Shock Absorber, Rear, p/n 30683451, "XC90 Nivomat"
9 Anti Roll Bar, Rear, p/n 9465759, "23.5mm XC90"
5 Auxiliary Spring, Front, p/n 30647076, "XC90"
2 Auxiliary Spring, Rear, p/n 8672488, "XC90"

So, as you look for a source to replace your shock, you might try searching on "Volvo 30683451". I hope this helps!

Roger

dbworld · Post by **dbworld** » 25 Sep 2016, 05:11

This is great information that I couldn't find anywhere else on the internet. However, I also still can't find the "Chassis Code" on my car. Is this located in the same place on all year XC90's? I have an 08 and can NOT find this plate.

I see there are two Nivomat shocks that fit the XC90 and want to make sure I buy the right one.
Code 48 - 30635776
Code 26 - 30683451

I think one is for 2WD and the other is for AWD, but the descriptions I find aren't clear.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 27 Sep 2016, 09:54

You're looking for the "Product Plate", which is typically attached inside the engine bay, on the left hand side. It looks like this:

Volvo Product Plate.pdf: (98.32 KiB) Downloaded 1743 times

The "Chassis Code" is in location "H".

Here's mine (with part of the VIN blocked out for privacy):

: Volvo Product Plate XC90.jpg (118.6 KiB) Viewed 7734 times

Thus, my chassis code is 33AB65426952, and my rear shocks are "26", or the 30683451 version.

Roger

dbworld · Post by **dbworld** » 27 Sep 2016, 17:57

Thanks for the photo of the plate. From the picture I can't tell where in the engine compartment this is. Since everyone responds like its easy to find. I'm pretty sure mine is missing, as I saw 2 holes but no plate the other day. Car is getting a new muffler in the shop. I'll check for the plate when I get it back. Thanks again..

dbworld · Post by **dbworld** » 01 Oct 2016, 16:52

So in my case, the plate is missing. You can see the two holes where it should be mounted. The dealer was able to look it up using my VIN.

dbworld · Post by **dbworld** » 02 Oct 2016, 11:39

Went into do my rear Nimovat shock replacement today. Thought I had the tools I needed, in that I bought the tool referenced in the original post.
The autozone direct link is
http://www.autozone.com/test-scan-and-s ... 00125_0_0/
and a better price in amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GS ... 6Q8280F2Q3

HOWEVER, I don't see how this tool helps me AT ALL. Instead in a different thread someone described the process, without this tool which makes sense...
http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthrea ... #post98016

Has anyone ever used one of the specialty tools referenced here. If so, how did this get used or even help? (Perhaps this is a front shock only tool (vs rear shock tool) or something?)
My bolt and nut are just spinning when using just a socket wrnch. I'll need to use a torque wrench in combo with a socket, SOME HOW.

dbworld · Post by **dbworld** » 03 Oct 2016, 07:14

**** I've tried the torx wrench in the middle of a socket held by vise grips but the vice grips don't hold. Can someone help with advise on getting this shock top nut removed? Otherwise, I'm looking at taking it to the shop and paying 100+ for the replacement. ****