Front Suspension, need advice! Thx

Generic1 · Post by **Generic1** » 16 Sep 2010, 20:05

I am replacing the front shock/struts on my 99 XC...

I would love some recommendations for front shocks.. Factory Sachs or Biltsteins? Are there different part #'s for the V70 & the XC?

Also, I am wanting to fix the clunking going over bumps.. Will I need to install new upper spring seats? Shock Mount bearings?

I appreciate your help...

bobice · Post by **bobice** » 16 Sep 2010, 21:24

I bought the front and back shock absorbers from tascaparts.com. I think the price is much cheaper than others - I got volvo front struts for $97 each - I think this can beat the price of biltsteins?

But I don't know if I can do it myself. How easy the job is?

Skottynan · Post by **Skottynan** » 16 Sep 2010, 22:12

It's not a ten on difficulty scale. Not like rebuilding an engine but very time consuming and you need to make sure you have all the tools necessary. Can be done in a day, all four. Make sure you have all the parts as well. Get new spring seats and while you have the suspension out it would be good to replace the cv boots if they're torn or leaking. You mite want to repack the bearings as well. And if you have the money get new links and a new sway bar. You'll be driving an all new vehicle afterwards. If you want advice on which shocks/struts to purchase I would refer you to previous posts by other users. Check the forums, it's all there. Bilsteins are great but there are even better choices depending on what you're looking for performance-wise. People seem to have great results with varying setups. Good luck and get yourself an auto manual by Haynes or chilton that is vehicle specific

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Sep 2010, 05:37

As was said, it depends on what you are looking for in terms of ride vs. handling.

The OEM Sachs/Boge don't suck as a compromise but I have used Monroe Sensatracs (the ride is OK but the handling sucks) and Bilstien TCs (the ride is a tad harsher than the OEM setup but the handling is very good).

I need to replace the shocks and struts on my daughter's S70 and I may go the Monroe route on that one but I will go either OEM (Sachs/Boge) or Bilstien TCs on my wife's 850 with a stick, with the manual transmission it is just too fun to drive with a mushy suspension.

No matter what you choose the car will never ride like a Buick or a Cadillac.

...Lee

Post by **cn90** » 17 Sep 2010, 06:09

I have Bilstein TC both Front Strut and Rear Shock. Bilstein TC is about 5% stiffer than Sachs OEM.
I like it. Wife says it drives better than from showroom!!!

I wrote these DIYs, feel free to ask questions...

DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Front Bilstein TC Strut Tips/Tricks
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=28455

DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Rear Shock Absorber (BilsteinTC) & Shock
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=28318

Generic1 · Post by **Generic1** » 17 Sep 2010, 08:52

Wow, thanks for all the replies...

My mechanic says the front suspension parts are very tight, so I am concentrating on the strut/shock area..

I am looking at replacing:

- Shock/strut
- Upper spring seat
- Shock mount bearing
- strut bump stop

Is this overkill or recommended?

Are there any other parts pertaining to this area I am overlooking? or are is my list ok?

On the shocks, will look up the other threads, I ran Biltsein HD's on my Suburban, and loved them... but different beast.. I am looking for a smooth ride, due to age of car, don't want to create new rattles with overly harsh suspension.. but don't want it to roll around like a Buick either..

Also, needing to know if the part # on shocks will be same for the v70 awd, and the XC 70? With the raised suspension of the XC, is it a different part?

Thanks again y'all (will def use the install guides)

ChiNorm · Post by **ChiNorm** » 17 Sep 2010, 10:01

You may as well do the sway bar links while you are there. If they are not gone yet, they will go as soon as you put all the other new parts in.

Post by **cn90** » 17 Sep 2010, 11:36

I think XC parts are different from standard V70, search around or call dealer for PN.
I know Bilstein TC is available for my 1998 V70 but not sure for XC.

KEWROCK · Post by **KEWROCK** » 17 Sep 2010, 12:42

Be careful where you buy your top spring mounts. There's a vendor on Ebay selling 2 struts and mounts for $279us. He advertises original Volvo parts. Well the struts are Sacks but the mounts are no-names. They are are obviously inferior when comparing the two, and they moan and grind when turning the steering wheel at idle. I pulled them out, and put the old ones back in(fortunately they were still good).

As long as you have a nice beefy spring compressor and an air impact wrench(or a nice extension pipe for hand wrench or socket handle), it's a relatively easy job. It took my less than two hours for both sides the first time with just hand tools.

To remove the "T" shaped nut at the top of the strut, I used a large vise-grip. You can also use a large channelock plyer. Volvo sells a special tool.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 17 Sep 2010, 12:46

The Bilstein TCs do fit in XC, however I was told that they don't work too well with the rear Nivomats. I currently have the Monroe garbage on. The ride sucks and handling is worse. Good for a cheap fix, but as soon as I can, I'm getting the OEM back.