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

[Tarquin]

Hey everyone,

Today I tried to replace the rear shocks on my 2005 S60 2.5T AWD and since this is my first time working on shocks, I watched some videos... Looks pretty easy and straight forward.

When I removed the trunk liner and the little round foam over the shock mount, I was a little surprised.

I expected to see three bolts for the shock mount and 1 bigger bolt in the center for the shock.

They are there, but not lined up, and not attached to the body the way I expected.
From the pictures I'm sure it looks like I have already taken out some bolts, but I haven't. That's the way I found it. I believe that they are the original shocks & the round foam disks were both still glued down.
Right side 2005 S60 2.5T AWD:

Right side 2005 S60 2.5T AWD:

I took a look at my 2001 V70 2.4T and THAT'S what I expected to see (Here's a picture for comparison) The V70 looks good.
V70 2001 2.4T:

My question is... If I undo the one accessible bolt for the shock mount will I be able to easily move it into position by hand or is there something else I need to do first?

Can I proceed with the shocks? Or am I going to need to bring it in or get special tools?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[abscate]

Load your images in the post (Full Editor mode, attachments, Add files ) so we can see the hot mess and figure out a strategy

[Rattnalle]

The AWD cars use struts in the rear while fwd cars use separately mounted spring and shock. I think that's why you're not seeing what you expect.

[Tarquin]

Load your images in the post (Full Editor mode, attachments, Add files ) so we can see the hot mess and figure out a strategy

Thank you for your reply and help with posting images. I have edited the post to include the images.
Initially I tried including the images with the [img] tag. Guess it didn't work

[Tarquin]

The AWD cars use struts in the rear while fwd cars use separately mounted spring and shock. I think that's why you're not seeing what you expect.

Ahhh... That could be it. Thank you.
This is my first AWD car.
Can it be that youtube videos (on FWD cars) gave me heightened confidence? LOL

[Goldchemist]

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.

[- Pete -]

Not to steal anyone’s thunder, but, unfortunately, yes. The expense that comes with P2 AWD suspension repairs (at a shop) comes chiefly in the labor involved.

All AWD P2’s require removal of the entire assembly to replace worn out shocks or cracked springs.

To do either, you will need spring compressors (like $25-30 at HF), and all the other normal tools. An impact (Electric or air powered) really quickens the task. Also a very large ratchet strap or come-ah-long to “scissor” the rear control arms towards the floor so you can remove the strut assy’s.

Getting the strut assy out of the rear has busted many a DIY’ers knuckles & pride. It’s far from impossible, but maybe not quite novice territory.

[Goldchemist]

Thanks for the advice. Isn’t it possible to cut away about 1/4 inch of the metal body to get at that center shock bolt? Then pull the shock out through the spring?
I’m really disappointed because I gave my VIN to the dealer parts manager and he gave me the part number I needed. I used that to search on IPD and I made sure this shock would fit my AWD S60. Searched through numerous videos as usual and none showed this type of assembly. (Until last night I actually found one.) but all other info pointed to this being an easy switch. Oh well, if I can cut away some of that sheet metal this could work. Thanks for any advice.

[- Pete -]

Actually, I’d be willing to bet that the shocks you got from IPD do fit. Part of fitting the shocks requires removal of the entire assembly, and then taking apart that assembly.

There honestly is no way around that. Cutting into your trunk metal will accomplish nothing as you will still need to remove the entire strut to replace the shock.

The only bolt you need to remove from the top to free the strut from the car is the one with the “half moon” shaped washer. The other 2 large bolts you remove from underneath. Once the strut is out & on the bench, get your spring compressors positioned & tighten them down until the top hat is free from tension. Then and only then can you remove the center top hat nut to replace the shock.

It truly would be impossible to use the cars weight as a spring compressor to get the strut/shock out. Cutting the metal would just add insult to injury.

[xHeart]

There honestly is no way around that. Cutting into your trunk metal will accomplish nothing as you will still need to remove the entire strut to replace the shock.

It truly would be impossible to use the cars weight as a spring compressor to get the strut/shock out. Cutting the metal would just add insult to injury.

Concur!

If front suspension is about steering, handling, and motorist safety, then rear suspension would add those 3 + ride and comfort. This diagram may help a little: