2000 v70 xc - 146k - front end parts, want your opinions

[lifelesslived17]

i have a rattle in the front end, pass side. the shop looked at it today when they changed my oil and said the right fron stabilizer link is bad and the inner tie rods have some wear on them. the car is in minor need of an alignement so i want to go ahead and replace the -
inner tie rods - 17.90-18.95
outer tie rods - 12.50 - 32.99
stabilizer links - 15.90 - 24.90
boots for steering rack - 9.00

i usually go through eeuro as they have always been good to my family (we all drive saabs), but i have also considered fcp groten as a source.

i have always used bilstein parts but wanted your opinions about the various brands and prices.
quality of generic/cheaper parts vs oem and bilstein?

scantech, karlyn, oem, bilstein, no name aftermarket (fcp)?

i wanna get this order in tonight, so let me know what you all think.

[lifelesslived17]

and yes... i paid to have someone change my oil. i usually dont, lol, but its winter, that car is filthy with snow and crap and my garage is freezing! i will be replacing all this myself, and then paying for the alignment.

[Ozark Lee]

I am to the point where I refuse to put anything but OEM on for suspension and steering unless it is something like an IPD performance upgrade.

The only thing I have ever had any luck with from Scan Tech is the rear delta arm end links. On other Scan Tech stuff you will be doing the job over again just in time for next winter when your garage is cold again.

The other brands I don't have any knowledge of except for Bilstein and they have been good quality for me on struts and shocks.

For OEM stuff that you need give Darrell Waltrip Volvo a call at (800) 689-0021 and ask for Jamie or Don, they tend to match (or get very close to) aftermarket prices on OEM, Blue Box Volvo, parts.

...Lee

[lifelesslived17]

as always lee, thank you. you make owning a volvo much easier for all of us.

[Joe Hurless]

inner tie rods - 17.90-18.95 - Necessary for alignment.
outer tie rods - 12.50 - 32.99 - Do the inners first. Then grab the front wheels tight when they are off the ground and give them a wobble back and forth. There should be no give once you have replaced the inners, and they should be all you need for alignment.
stabilizer links - 15.90 - 24.90 - Will definately cause noise... replace these one at a time to save yourself some trouble.
boots for steering rack - 9.00 - Only replace these if they are torn, otherwise it is a wast of money and time.

As far as noise in the suspension, another common culprit are your upper strut mounts. With the car on the ground, open the hood and you will see mounts above the fender wells held in by 3 13mm nuts. Grab a pry bar or big screwdriver and a flashlight. Using one of the nuts as leverage, pry open the gap and look for any signs of tearing on the mounts. These go bad often and create a terrible scrunching noise in the suspension.

[lifelesslived17]

inner tie rods - 17.90-18.95 - Necessary for alignment.
outer tie rods - 12.50 - 32.99 - Do the inners first. Then grab the front wheels tight when they are off the ground and give them a wobble back and forth. There should be no give once you have replaced the inners, and they should be all you need for alignment.
stabilizer links - 15.90 - 24.90 - Will definately cause noise... replace these one at a time to save yourself some trouble.
boots for steering rack - 9.00 - Only replace these if they are torn, otherwise it is a wast of money and time.

As far as noise in the suspension, another common culprit are your upper strut mounts. With the car on the ground, open the hood and you will see mounts above the fender wells held in by 3 13mm nuts. Grab a pry bar or big screwdriver and a flashlight. Using one of the nuts as leverage, pry open the gap and look for any signs of tearing on the mounts. These go bad often and create a terrible scrunching noise in the suspension.

i was able to get underneath the car today at the garage and have spent a considerable amount of time in the engine bay, the s struts and mounts look and sound real good though. thanks though!

[Pauloil]

try turning the strut nut, big one, and if it moves more than 5-10 degrees, then mount is bad