Soft springs for S60?

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 20 Jul 2025, 11:07

I currently have possibly the stiffest springs possible on a Volvo. The amount these springs need to be compressed to fit the strut is huge.

Well while the car is fairly stable with them, I feel every possible pothole and I've had enough. Please tell me of softer front springs for my 2005 S60. It has nivomats on the rear, but for now the front is most important.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 20 Jul 2025, 16:00

Is your car fully "stock"? No IPD bushings in the suspension or extra heavy duty IPD spring seats? What size tires and what brand tores do you run on it? Any questionable worn items in the front suspension?
P2 is decently soft car, but sure no Cadillac or Buick. Is this car new to you?

Post by **MoVolvos** » 20 Jul 2025, 23:47

dikidera wrote: ↑20 Jul 2025, 11:07 I currently have possibly the stiffest springs possible on a Volvo. The amount these springs need to be compressed to fit the strut is huge.

Well while the car is fairly stable with them, I feel every possible pothole and I've had enough. Please tell me of softer front springs for my 2005 S60. It has nivomats on the rear, but for now the front is most important.

.
2007 S60 2.5T came with 16" tires and was replaced with 17" rims before turbo was replaced so never drove with the 16's. Replaced the really old 17" tires a week after driving with the new turbo. The old tires were firm and made the car planted. The new 17" tires are soft, lack the planted turn in feel in the steering and perhaps not as smooth as the old at highway speeds. The 16" rims went to the 2000 S70 with new tires and they made the car much smoother, quieter and better handling than the old 15" setup.

2007 S60 2.5T 4 months ago.
Atlas Force UHP UHP 235/45R17 97W XL
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Atlas-Force- ... om=/search

2000 S70 Nov 2023
Goodyear Reliant All-Season 205/55R16 91V All-Season
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Goodyear-Rel ... /438414141

2009 S60 2.5T AWD Dec 2023 came with almost new 17" tires and is firm and smooth. Both S60 are in the fleet as with the S70.
KumhoSolus TA71 235 /45 R17 97W XL BSW
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/ ... 71/p/25720

2002 V70 XC Dec 2023 currently in the fleet came with DOT 2018 16" tires perhaps 50% tread depth and is quiet and smooth but harsh on some larger bumps in the road.

2003 S80 T6 though no longer in the fleet came with decent tires and was fairly smooth quiet.

According to 1AAuto except for the 2002 V70 XC P2 they can all use the generic Quick Strut including the 2004 V70 AWD. Tires make a huge difference in ride quality and feel. Having changed struts in over a dozen cars over the years in various makes and models so unless you have lowering springs the tires makes all the difference if the suspension is in good order.
https://www.1aauto.com/volvo-s60-s80-v7 ... 60165/2007

2008 C30 2.5T M66 New Tires Dec 2023
Up sized from 215/45R18 and made huge difference in ride, handling and road noise from Michelin which were purchased new and lasted less than 25K miles of careful driving

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Atlas Force UHP UHP 225/45R18 95Y XL Passenger Tire
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Atlas-Force- ... om=/search
.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 21 Jul 2025, 00:11

.
Forgot this one

! The best tires ever purchased thus far. Been buying tires since the early 80's.

2020 Tiguan Nov 2023 Up sized from 215/65/17. At first it felt pillowy then got use to it and when push through a turn the tires respond. Have a larger Suspension Technique rear sway on this one.
General Altimax RT45 225 /65 R17 102H SL BSW
https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/ ... timax-rt45
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dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 21 Jul 2025, 02:18

No IPD bushings, I am in fact using Volvo genuine bushings (1 year old) on both LCAs. I have also replaced struts 1 year ago with SACHS.

The springs are the common denominator though. I drive primarily on dirt roads and asphalt that is uneven + potholes. Tires are not the best, but they are 1-2 years old, 16 inch.

I still thing it's the springs, the entire chassis feels rigid when going even on the smallest.

ignatz · Post by **ignatz** » 21 Jul 2025, 15:31

I think tires are a big factor on how these cars ride.
My wife's 05 S60 2.5 awd right now is running 17" Amalthea's with Michelin Premier a/s, and that's like a go-kart with no suspension over the bad roads. I have Michelin winter tires with 16" wheels that ride beautifully, that I put on in November.

My 02 V70 2.4t has the slightly larger 16" Metis wheels that love. Those tires are Michelin Cross Climate 215/55/16. I think the slightly larger tires ride a little nicer.

My 06 S60 T5 has Kenda Vezda UHP a/s tires, and they ride way better than my wife's Michelins.

I got my Metis wheels at the U Pull It, one of my better finds.

Post by **Krons** » 21 Jul 2025, 20:45

I wonder if the previous owner put different aftermarket springs on? My S60s (02 and 08) both felt ok on stock ones…replaced with loaded struts due to shocks being shot, cheap Chinese on 02 that rode stiffer, TRQ on 08 that ride well.

I’d maybe search junkyard or eBay for stock replacements.

Post by **scot850** » 22 Jul 2025, 08:52

I think the P2's will likely be like the P80's where Volvo had a range of springs depending on the application. Base models often got a softer spring rate but were often much more compliant and comfortable but did not have a go-kart ride.

Tire type also makes a large difference. If you are running on poor road surface you may want a taller tire sidewall, so run a smaller diameter wheel rim if it can fit your car ( brake caliper clearance is the biggest issue here).

Also the type of tire and load rating can make a difference too as the more performance tires will have a stiffer sidewall which will make the car feel like you are driving on cobbled roads. It may be worth talking to your local tire suppliers and see what is available and what they suggest. The guys that work there will likely drive on similar roads and may have a tire they find works for them.

I had a set of Michelin LTX tires on my Toyota 4Runner. They are a truck tire and they were great on my Chev Suburban, but on the 4Runner it was like driving on solid tires. I replaced them with Cooper tires that are a softer sidewall and they made a huge difference!

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **vtl** » 22 Jul 2025, 10:29

Nivomats get you the best ride quality. Unless they are shot or the springs are incorrect.

Also sway bars take a big part in stiff ride.

And the wheels/tires. If you ride on overinflated 20" with 20 mm of side wall then this is expected. My 16" wheel were comfortable even with the stock 27" tires, and they a bit more comfortable on less than ideal pavement with 29" tires now.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 23 Jul 2025, 08:26

My tyres are standard, 215/55/R16, the only explanation is too long/stiff springs. Unfortunately I do not know which models had less stiff springs/less compressed) Since a spring that is stiff will handle better, but a spring that is softer will handle potholes/uneven roads better.