How DO you change a Rear Shock Absorber? 🤔

[@Parknest]

The first time I put my own 2003 XC90 through the MoT one of the things it failed on was a leaky rear shock absorber. To my knowledge, all UK XC90s had the self levelling Nivomats on the rear which are only available from the dealer at about £300 each as there is no aftermarket equivalent. I ended up getting standard rear shock absorbers and matching springs. I couldn't reuse the Nivomat springs because they have to be matched to the shock absorbers. I was struggling to fit them so I turned the job over to my mechanic to help secure the MoT pass.

[@bigtalltim]

Sometimes getting a pro on the case is the only option… I don’t mind it as long as they price fairly and don’t rip me off! Certainly for the later generations the self levelling nivomats were standard, but when mine was released (2003 build first registered in 2004) I believe that they were an option… either way, at least they are easy to replace!! As an aside, if you do a nivomat to standard comversion, I believe that you also have to change the springs… thanks for your comment, and thanks for watching!

[@joehoover7858]

Should of taken the top bolt out with the spring pulling on it. But great video other than that

[@bigtalltim]

Cheers Joe - will remember that next time... Not a job I have had to do too many times on the P2... it's usually the front ones that get destroyed by Northern Irelands roads!!

[@abcjg65t]

Quick question if anyone can help. How cann I tell if my xc90 has nivomat shocks or not?

[@bigtalltim]

Hi! I believe that Nivomat shocks are always fitted with a large rubber “accordian” style boot

[@eddyson4404]

Call the dealer (parts department) and ask. Give them your vin number and They can tell you what parts your car requires

[@bigtalltim]

Very true! There is a possibility that after market alternatives have been used as an “upgrade”, but for the most part they are spot on… You will at least find out what it came out of the factory with!

[@eddyson4404]

@@bigtalltim I was in the same dilemma not being the original owner of my xc90. I called, they clarified my vehicle was not originally equipped with Nivomat shocks so from there I could narrow down my search. Hope this helped

[@trianglebrothersstudioinsp946]

What is price for front & rear shock absorbers ? XC 90 2.5T 2007

[@bigtalltim]

It’s a great question, but that is something I can’t really tell you - reach out to a local auto parts specialist and they should be able to advise options… worth checking the dealership also… will be more expensive, but will at least give you an idea