Front Suspension - putting together parts list

[cn90]

Okay, so it sounds like this list would break down this way... is that right?

Highly recommended:
...
8. Coil Spring (3546642)
...

Very Optional:
1. Flange Lock Nut (985660)
2. Washer - rubber spacer (30647969)
4. Strut Mount Bushing Retainer - cross nut (31262068)
6. Stop Washer (31201386)

The only thing is that the "very optional" things are also pretty cheap and then they'd be *new*...

* Not sure why you want to replace the Spring. I did not replace my Spring at 100K.
These Springs easily last 200K miles.

* The "Very Optional" items, if cheap, then replace so you feel better LOL.
But again, it is not needed to replace these!

* When I did my Front Suspension Overhaul (see the link on earlier in this thread), I replaced all the items circled in red (EXCEPT #23: these nuts can be re-used):

VolvoFrontSusp.JPG (41.51 KiB) Viewed 6187 times

[ojdorson]

Thanks. That diagram is helpful. My car has ~192k miles. If I can afford the Koni FSDs, I will Pair them with the Eibach springs. Otherwise, I'll get Bilstein Tourings and I think it'd be smart to replace the springs. I don't want to lower the car any, but I'm afraid of the lift that the Bilsteins give. Any new shock will lift the car, I'm sure, and I'm really happy with the stance of the car now on tired springs and struts.

[ojdorson]

I've ordered everything except for the struts and springs. I'm still debating the Koni FSD vs. the Bilstein TC.

I ended up going with FCP for everything except the Spring Seats because their prices with the 15% Memorial Day Sale were the best. I think my total bill was $211. I did end up getting every little part - the difference was about $40, and without it I wouldn't have gotten free shipping.

I got the Spring Seats on eBay at a great price. I found OEM XC90 30683637 Spring Seats for $15 Buy-it-Now. I made an offer for two of them and ended up paying $33 total (including shipping) for both. He's got some more, too. I received mine today (2-3 days after I ordered them!) and they're in sealed Volvo plastic bags with a Volvo part number sticker saying 30683637.

[1997volvo850]

A couple of novice questions:

1) True OEM kits

I see many OEM-quality kits out there but when I look closer many of the minor parts (tie rods, control arms)
are aftermarket. This is a show stopper for me.

Are there any kits that contain virgin OEM parts? I'm thinking to go with the original Sachs shocks/struts. Or am I stuck
putting this together a-la-cart?

2) My original 14 year old Sachs suspension doesn't feel too bad. I recently corrected problems with "out of control" sensations
by replacing both of my sway bar links (one was broken). MVS members often recommend replacing everything when doing
the suspension; control arms, sway bar links (done), tie rods, etc. I know some of these have been replaced over the years.
Is there a single thread that discusses how to evaluate the individual components? Since my car doesn't "bounce" when i
push down on the car I'm wondering if there is a definitive way to evaluate my suspension? I was actually thinking about
setting up a series of 2x4s on the driveway and then videotape the car's handling while driving over them. Then I could
do a before/after comparison.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[ojdorson]

1) I haven't seen an "OEM only" kit, but FCP has often offered to put one together for you if you call them.

2) Sorry, someone else will have to answer this one.

[geokilla]

The SKU for the XC90 spring seats are aftermarket and not OEM!

[ojdorson]

That's weird, isn't it? The part number I provided (30683637) is definitely the Volvo part number. FCP Groton lists aftermarket and OEM parts by the same part number - http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-s ... 30683637OE
It's up to you to make sure that you're purchasing the "Volvo" genuine part.

[IceTurbo]

Just redid my entire suspension. 200k miles, and I believe around 100k miles on the shocks. If mine was any indication, replace everything. The bearings were worn, and slightly rusted, the bump stops were pretty much worthless, I'd replace the spring seats, just because they seem to be a problem area in these cars. I went with Bilstein HD shocks, but iPd springs, I love the setup, but to each his own.

I'll hopefully be doing a writeup with a how-to aspect, but if my suspension is any indication, the car will be a completely different animal.

Good luck with the work, don't worry about the top washers, they charge like $5 for them, not a wear-item, I would replace the cross nut, at your mileage, just because if it is original, it is likely to wear, not absolutely necessary, but peace of mind over a pain in the ass is definitely worth it.

Even if you're just pulling the entire strut assembly, get some spring compressors to build your new setup, they make tightening things up so much easier.

[ojdorson]

I created another thread to detail the install and my subjective impressions.

I ended up getting absolutely everything on that list and went ahead and ordered a Koni FSD with Eibach springs kit. I have not been able to really run around with it, yet, but I should be able to tonight as I'm working late. So far (~200 miles of my normal driving), the car has felt much more planted and solid, but I've been under-whelmed by the comfort. It's definitely better than the busted stuff I replaced, but not $1000 better. Of course, it doesn't help that I drove my wife's E-class during my R's downtime. I've read that the Konis break-in and soften up some in the first few months, so I guess I'll find out how much.

Getting every nut and bolt made swapping the fronts a breeze. I still had to use spring compressors, to get the strut assembly together, of course.

On a positive note, cornering is MUCH flatter now at higher speeds. I believe these are going to handle very well.

[zhenya]

Um, you don't buy that kit for comfort - it is first and foremost a performance improvement giving flatter cornering and much more control over uneven surfaces (it EXCELS at this). The fact that it does so without being harsh is what makes it a good kit. Stock is the way to go if comfort is the #1 priority - but this car has never been known for a smooth ride on any suspension.