2001 XC70 - 200k miles Suspension Replacement?

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 19 Apr 2012, 06:44

My '01 XC70 has 206K. I've never replaced either coil springs or shock / struts. My mechanic says the car is fairly 'tight' but everything I read screams replacement. What should I consider replacing if anything at all? A total 'makeover' of all components or just struts, or something in between? As far as sway bars, bushings, ball joints, etc... I've always replaced those items per my mechanic, just not the aforementioned components. I'm leaning towards doing the work. Part 2 of the question then asks which brand is recommended for this vehicle? Thanks in advance for your help!

Cheers,
Paul

Post by **rmmagow** » 19 Apr 2012, 08:10

Unless you are wildly in love with the car, I'd listen to the mechanic and leave it alone (or maybe just struts and bushings) but you have 206 on it. How much loner will it go? 300, maybe to 350K?
I'd go stock for struts or Bilstein. Stay away from URO rubber parts, FEBI and Lemfordor (sp?) are OK. Does the XC use the Nivomat rear shocks? They are supremely expensive but last a pretty long time. Springs can go for the life of the vehicle. Does the car drive OK? Wander or shake a lot? Do you get a nasty shake in the steering wheel after hitting bumps? All this work may well be worth the effort is the engine and tranny are perfect and the body is holding up.

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 19 Apr 2012, 08:22

The car is in good shape. Mechanic says 300K shouldn't be a problem. He offered to buy it actually for his high school kid. Rides pretty solid with no vibration whatsoever at any speed. Have not had any issues with either transmission or engine, so I'd like to keep the car for a while longer.

psflyr · Post by **psflyr** » 19 Apr 2012, 08:48

Do you have a suggestion for which Bilstein shock works for the 2001 XC70?

Post by **matthew1** » 19 Apr 2012, 09:34

Your suspension has defied the odds by holding up to 200k miles. Thats great!

Sometimes fixing things -- broken or not -- breaks other things. It happens to me.

I'd let sleeping dogs lie in this case.

If you've got some car money burning a hole in your pocket get a chip, or nice tires. Maybe a winter set on a set of simple steel wheels and summer rubber for your oem wheels.

ONV70XC · Post by **ONV70XC** » 27 Aug 2012, 15:20

Mine 1999 V70XC shakes a LOT even after rechecking the tire balance shakes after 65 mph like an earthquake. Try to avoid roads over 60mph speed limit... To that degree. I noticed that right inner tie-rod stock and not moving while I believe it's suppose to twist. Struts aren't tight either in the front so there are lines of suspects to inspect and try out. The car has 160,000mi.