Replacing front shock absorbers

Hi All It's nice to be back! Whilst checking my 97 V70's front pads I noticed a bit of a fluid leak around one of the shock absorbers. I've looked through Haynes and read through the excellent illustrated article on here and I've come to the conclusion that all things considered, this is a job I'd best leave to the experts. Is this best entrusted to a main dealer, or should any reputable garage be able to do it? I've read that the steering geometry will need to be set up again, and I'm guessing that only a Volvo dealer can do this properly. The other questions are: How much should I expect to pay (for standard kit - I don't need 'performance' gear)? Is there any other job that I should consider doing at the same time? The car has covered 160,000 miles and although I'll fit new brake pads myself, is there anything else that I might as well get done whilst everything is in bits? Cheers Jack

Hiya, I had problems with a non-Volvo rubber shock lower mount tearing after only 20k miles, I've now replaced with genuine Volvo. I don't think tracking or alignment need doing necessarily (unless you change track rod ends), but the camber will likely be out a bit. From what I was told at MRG Chippenham however, there isn't actually that much adjustment so perhaps checking tyre wear isn't obviously on one shoulder (inner or outer) will be enough. If you're worried, make sure the garage who does it fits the sleeves in the steering knuckle bolt holes, that way the bolts should be fairly centred and the camber can't be out by much I guess. Cheers, Pete

Thanks to everyone for the comments. Car is going to local indy on Friday for their view of things. I'll post the result on here. Cheers Jack