Planning to do my first DIY project by replacing my '05 S60's struts and shocks. Just can't let the dealer gouge me, and I may at least get a local shop to quote me if I buy the parts. However, I'd really like to do this myself and since this is essentially my kids car I can take my time. A couple of questions to gain some confidence?

1. I am pretty handy although I don't do a lot of car repairs in general. I figure if I go slow and educate myself it is doable, right?

2. I think either way I am going to take the new/old struts to a shop to have them compress and swap the spring. Buying or renting the tool is likely to set me back what it would cost to have a shop do it anyway, plus doing this myself frankly..scares me.

3. I assume the shocks are easier as you don't have to compress the spring, yes? You just remove and replace the shock I think (I have found much guidance googling this)

4. The upper spring seats have been replaced as they broke at 80k which I am pretty sure this was a standard problem with this model. I am planning on just getting the strut and the shock not the whole kit unless I see something else that looks worn. The whole kit is pretty expensive so I'd like to avoid that. Does that make sense?

5. I've priced out the KYB units at $109 for the strut and $80 for the shock. Is KYB a good brand and that does seem to be a good price, yes?

Thanks for any input you have!

 

KYB should be fine. If it were me I would replace the upper shock mounts while you are there. You really don't want to redo the labor in a year or so. You may want to check if your local import parts store will loan you the spring tool and be competitive on the price of the shocks. It really isn't that tough a job. There are videos out there on youtube.

 

Are you trying to replace all 4 or just the front 2?

 

All 4. I assume the struts are more important but if the shocks are easier might as well do them too.

 

Couple of suggestions:
Taking it to a shop to compress and swap out the spring might be safer, but can add a fair amount of time and cost. As pkrface said, you can get loaners. In my area O'Reilly and Autozone or Advance Auto (maybe both, I can't remember) will loan tools. The spring compressor is much easier done with air tool and should be treated with respect due to the potential danger. Bottom line, if you're not comfortable doing it, take it to a shop.

If your spring seat was done and you want to save some cash, I'd say skip the spring seat unless they look degraded, but maybe replace the strut mount (the metal part with bearing).

If you have FWD, rear shocks are straightforward, but you do need to get the car higher than usual to maneuver the shock out since the spring is in the way. And some clever use of a jack may be required to load up the shock to put the bolt through. I'm not super strong so I couldn't do it by hand. I think AWD may involve taking shock and spring out and may require a different type of spring compressor (not sure about this part).

You will need decent tools like long wrenches (21 and 19 mm on my '04 s60) or deep well sockets along with breaker bar to get the strut pinch bolt off since they are on tight.

 

watch a video or two. It's pretty easy and safe as long as you understand what it is that you are doing. Ive never done it on volvo but dont see why they would be different than other makes.

 

Using a spring compressor without some type of air or power ratchet is a pain.

 

I have used the spring compressor with a base ratchet, it works very well, of course it takes patience. Just make sure both compressing rods sit diametrically opposite, and grab to the most upper and lower coil spring circles.