Greetings- I've only owned this vehicle for two months or so , but I've already got the "itch" to start working on it. When I purchased the car, a brand new pair of OEM Volvo rear adjustable struts were included with the deal. Due to a falling on ice incident a month ago, I fractured my Coccyx (tail bone) and it's still hurting like heck , so I'm considering having my friend's repair garage due the removal , and install of the new (4C?) adjustable struts. I'm trying to get a general idea of how long this job should take for a competent mechanic of 35 years using a hydraulic lift? The mechanic is my friend's younger brother , and he seems to think that he can do the job in two hours., I either read or was told that this particular removal/install could take 5 hours. Anyone with personal experience have an idea what the time frame is for this job? Thanks in advance, Paul, Providence, R.I.

 

most shops quote hours based on a book rate versus their own estimates from past experience. You can simply call around like to a dealer and say you want a labor estimate for replacing the rear shocks.

Other than the cost of the part, the only difference between the 4C shocks and the standards seems to be that there's an electrical connector that plugs in the shock to the control system. 5 hours for installing two shocks seems conservative but there will be work to remove interior panels to access the shock mounts up top etc. Maybe that was a DIY estimate for someone without a full set of tools and a lift.