Rear Shock Life Expectancy [2014 Volvo XC90]

Post by **1997volvo850** » 08 Dec 2016, 06:03

The vehicle in question is a 2014 Volvo XC90.

We took our XC90 in for a routine tire rotation (hoping the new tires last longer than the 20K on the first set) and we were told the rear tires are shot because the rear shocks are bad. The vehicle has 58k miles on it.

The (tire shop) technician told us that XC90 shocks last 50k miles. I've never had similar problems with shocks on my 850 so I'm wondering if this is another unique feature of the XC90 to look forward to (like replacing tires every 20k).

According to the technician the wavy tread wear on the back tires clearly indicate the shocks are bad and that we need new shocks. I'm wondering if this is common on the XC90 or whether they are full of it. Any rough idea on what I should expect for independent to replace shocks?

Thanks in advance.

Post by **cuhfs** » 08 Dec 2016, 20:22

What brand were those tires so I know not to buy.

Post by **1997volvo850** » 09 Dec 2016, 16:24

Tires. That's what I suspect too. I was doubting the shock story they told my wife (bad shocks and bouncing tires) and didn't see any horror stories here on the XC90 shocks. My independent said the same thing - cheap tires. I'll have to get more details. I believe we have about 25K on the tires which are rated for 50k.

I'm a little upset they would recommend replacing the rear shocks for $500x2 plus labor. Well, actually I'm not that surprised since they
were talking to my wife. Even I went in for an inspection a few years back and another place 'recommended' new everything for suspension springs/shocks/struts ($2-3K if I recall) for my old 850. I didn't think there was anything wrong and my trusty independent agreed they were nuts. I usually take it to him for a few laughs.

I'm wondering whether this is worth pursuing for tire tread warranty? I've never bothered before since there is always an excuse why the warranty is not valid... never been told shocks before...but we followed the rotation schedule and paid to keep this aligned for a year and a half trying to get the longest life out of the tires.

I'm not sure what to do other than shop somewhere else and buy better tires. I could have our XC90 looked at by someone else but I'm not sure how to 'prove' the shocks are good. I'd like to make them replace the two back tires but last time we had an issue I ended up paying quite a bit (for all the extras) even under warranty.

I'll try bouncing the XC90 when I get home. If they seem fine I will try to find someone to attest that shocks are ok. Will report back.

Masscomguru · Post by **Masscomguru** » 18 Dec 2016, 14:41

My nivomats have 208k on them and are still holding up fine..

Post by **precopster** » 18 Dec 2016, 16:40

It's a heavy car that chews through cheaper tires. Unless they can show you that the shocks are leaking or that the car doesn't settle after a bounce test they are looking for extra revenue (aren't garages always doing this?) Also Volvo rear shock absorbers generally last over 140K miles.