Bought a V70 T5 with Suspension and Springs, WAY TOO STIFF

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 02 Jun 2011, 13:34

Hello,

I picked up a mint 1998 V70 T5. It came with Eibachs and new struts. The previous owner was an IPD fan, and bought all the stuff from them. I got so sick and tired of hearing KABOOOOOOOOOOOOOM KABOOM CRASH BANG over any little bump, that I actually bought 4 brand new stock springs and installed them. I thought that would fix it. NOPE. Its almost as bad. I have even lowered tire pressure to stock levels, and that does nothing to improve the ride.

My question is (I can't contact the previous owner), how can I ID what struts are in there? I am guessing they aren't OEM. I've never owned a Volvo or Euro car, and always heard they ride stiff. I can't believe Volvo would put stock shocks in this car that rode so hard. We have a 07 Accord with 110k on the stock suspension, and it rides like a dream! Don't get me wrong, the V70 outhandles the Accord, and is a lot of fun on smooth roads, but I live in the city, where the roads suck and need a luxury smooth ride.

How stiff are stock shocks on a V70? I want to buy 4 new Volvo OEM shocks and get some ride quality back ASAFP! I rode in my friends stock 1996 850 sedan, and wow does that thing drive smooth. Thats what I want!!

Post by **jblackburn** » 02 Jun 2011, 13:51

Sachs are the OEM struts. They give a decent compromise between handling and ride, but it's never going to ride like a Buick. Take a picture of one of your struts and post it up here and someone will be able to tell you what kind you've got on there.

Between the '07 Accord that rides like a dream over bumpy pavement (my parents have the exact same one), the S70 is like driving a Jeep. The T5 is especially stiff, but it doesn't sound as bad as you're describing, and mine are old, worn out struts.

Post by **JRL** » 02 Jun 2011, 13:53

What color are the struts and shocks?

(T5s are no different except they have 16s instead of 15s

OP, what size tire and wheels and which tires are on it?
Go to 31 cold all around on pressures

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 02 Jun 2011, 13:55

What about my friends 96 850 sedan? That thing rides smooth, and handles great. All stock stuff with 90k on it.

I didn't see any markings, and the struts are black when I swapped the springs. Not sure if that helps. I went on IPDs site, and noticed most struts have a sticker on the bottom, but mine doesn't have any sticker. They are black though, maybe they are the touring Bilstein.

Thanks

Post by **JRL** » 02 Jun 2011, 13:56

OEM and one other (aftermarket) strut is black (I don't know which) the others are blue, red, yellow and white

You also need to probably replace the rest of the suspension, spring seats, popssible strut plates, etc

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 02 Jun 2011, 14:03

JRL wrote:
(T5s are no different except they have 16s instead of 15s

OP, what size tire and wheels and which tires are on it?
Go to 31 cold all around on pressures

stock 98 T5 rims, with Michelin MXV4+ 205 55 16. I ran 38F 41R (psi) and tried the other lower recommended settings. Its not the tires. With low pressure the handling goes out the window as the tires start to howl around turns and the car understeers a lot more.

98V70T5 · Post by **98V70T5** » 02 Jun 2011, 14:05

JRL wrote:OEM and one other (aftermarket) strut is black (I don't know which) the others are blue, red, yellow and white

You also need to probably replace the rest of the suspension, spring seats, popssible strut plates, etc

Nope. I replaced strut bearing caps, spring seats, rack and pinion, lower control arm, and axles. This is a strut problem, not a mechanical part. Its valved way too stiff. Maybe with a full car with 5 people and luggage it would ride better, but I'm a single guy with no kids, so its just me in the car.

Later

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 02 Jun 2011, 17:28

My 97 850R was "tightened up" with IPD springs and Bilsteins (the very stiff ones) by the guy I bought it from. It was too harsh for my liking so I replaced them with stock springs (R) and Bilsteins that were a bit softer. It's wonderful now (for the past 40K miles) and reminds me very much of my 97 T-5.

zhenya · Post by **zhenya** » 02 Jun 2011, 18:31

Any other performance parts on there? Upgraded sway bars or front strut bar? The only widely available shocks that have a reputation as being overly stiff for this platform are the Koni adjustables and Bilstein HD's - both of which are yellow.

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 02 Jun 2011, 20:49

Have an upper strut crossbar from IPD. Next to add are sway bars. Since it's a wagon it really needs something. Looking for a good pair of used IPD sways. Maybe I'll be lucky and find someone parting out...?