Strut and Suspension Replacement

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 27 Feb 2012, 22:01

My 2001 XC70 has 202,000. I've never replaced any of the struts.
My mechanic, whom I trust, says the ride is still decent. But based on mileage alone is recommending replacement. Questions include, Bilstein versus Monroe or is their another decent replacement part available?
Is it prudent and easier with the sturts off to replace (if needed) bushings, sway bar and links, tie rod ends, etc...
I've always change out these various components when recommended but it has been a while since any work has been done on any suspension parts.
Thanks in advance !

wwilme · Post by **wwilme** » 27 Feb 2012, 22:39

Having just gone through this, I can tell you that with that many miles you may as well just do it all. Struts, mounts, spring seats, bump stops, sway bar links, lower control arms (forget replacing just the bushings) and ball joints. My mistake was not doing the lower control arms and ball joints at the same time as all the rest. The struts made the car tighter (as in not riding like a '70s land yacht), but it sure accentuated the control arm and ball joint wear (clunkety, clunk over any pavement point). And the control arms andball joints were a big PIA to install with the struts still in the car. Had I done it all at the same time, it would have saved a lot of time. Lucky for me I had a lift for both afternoons.

In general, FCP Euro has the best overal pricing for susension parts and look for their coupon codes for 10% or 15% off and free shipping which you would obviously qualify for anyway with the full order of parts. My car has 165k on it and I just bought the cheapest FCP offered for each part thinking that even if they lasted half as long as the orginals I'm probably fine. The struts and control arms were Myle which is an OEM supplier - not sure about the rest.

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 28 Feb 2012, 07:29

1) There is only one company that makes shocks for the 2001 XC70 if your mechanic is giving you an option then he is looking at the wrong part.

2) The only advantage I see with replacing the other parts is that you are already there. You can replace the other parts with out replacing the shock, however you must disconnect a lot of the other suspension parts to remove the shock.

3)Replace the shock mounts, bearings, washers, etc when you replace the shock.

I just did this about 6 weeks ago and the parts for the entire frontend cost ~$1200. Should take a mechanic no longer than 4 hours to do the entire job.

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 28 Feb 2012, 15:24

RaymanSean wrote:1) There is only one company that makes shocks for the 2001 XC70 if your mechanic is giving you an option then he is looking at the wrong part.

2) The only advantage I see with replacing the other parts is that you are already there. You can replace the other parts with out replacing the shock, however you must disconnect a lot of the other suspension parts to remove the shock.

3)Replace the shock mounts, bearings, washers, etc when you replace the shock.

I just did this about 6 weeks ago and the parts for the entire frontend cost ~$1200. Should take a mechanic no longer than 4 hours to do the entire job.

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Thanks for the reply.
What shock are you referring to?

Post by **xHeart** » 28 Feb 2012, 17:45

RaymanSean is likely referring to SACHS.

RaymanSean · Post by **RaymanSean** » 28 Feb 2012, 21:11

yes SACHS, it appears (ipd) that the V70/ S60 S80 shoick will work but you will end up lowing the car 1.5" and make the ride much more harsh. http://www.ipdusa.com/techtips/10082/st ... s=P0,P5338

Post by **tomvv11** » 06 Mar 2012, 00:51

Where I live XC70s are as common as Corollas. I don't get why there are not aftermarket better shocks available. Possibly to do with the delicacy of messing with the AWD geometry? If having a tire be 1/4" diameter off from the others can cause one's AWD to eat itself, there's no telling what fiddling with stiffer shocks might do. Wouldn't mind to find out , though.