Suspension Total Replacement - What and how much?

jborchel · Post by **jborchel** » 23 Jan 2013, 16:16

I have a high mileage V70, 170K, that I'm thinking of replacing all of the suspension components to give it a newer car feeling. The vehicle is in very good condition and quite solid. The only suspension work I have done so far is new Boge shocks about 50K miles ago and new control arm bushings about 5k miles ago. What other components could I do, both front and rear, that would give me a dramatic change in the solid feel of the car. I believe it's possible. About how much would it cost including labor?

Post by **JRL** » 23 Jan 2013, 17:07

EVERYTHING?
Including new struts and shocks, about (at least) $1500 plus or minus
Springs, struts, shocks, spring seats, bearing plates, control arms and so forth
Expensive bunch of parts, about 5-6 hours labor

jborchel · Post by **jborchel** » 23 Jan 2013, 17:10

Jrl,

Thank you. Noticed you have two V70 R models. How much firmer of a ride do they have than a standard V70?

Post by **JRL** » 23 Jan 2013, 18:56

Different, rather than softer or harder, because it's adjustable

Post by **xHeart** » 24 Jan 2013, 09:55

JRL's numbers are close to my recent suspension project.
It took me, first timer, three weeks with family and full-time job. All OE/OEM /viewtopic.php?t=52518&p=264978

Very helpful comments from MVS.

jborchel · Post by **jborchel** » 24 Jan 2013, 11:21

JRL wrote:Different, rather than softer or harder, because it's adjustable

Thank you. Do you know if the adjustable suspension is available/standard on the 2001-2007 V70?

Post by **JRL** » 24 Jan 2013, 11:39

What adjustable suspension?
If you mean rear Nivomats, if your wagon has them then you have to replace them with OEM Volvo Nivomats. if not, you cannot switch

Post by **matthew1** » 24 Jan 2013, 11:52

jborchel wrote:
JRL wrote:Different, rather than softer or harder, because it's adjustable
Thank you. Do you know if the adjustable suspension is available/standard on the 2001-2007 V70?

It was standard on V70 R and S60 R. It's called Four C Suspension.

For Nivomats, which we call self-leveling, they are found on Volvo wagons in 1992-2000 and in 2001-2007 model year families.

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 25 Jan 2013, 11:46

OP,
I have freshend my front suspension as well at 175K miles. New struts, top mount, top bearing, lower control arm & ball joint, stabilizer bar end links, outer & inner tie rods + alignment. All told around $670 in parts + $80 for alignment.
This goes against general consensus of using only OEM parts for suspension. But I used Sach struts and used Meyle, Moog and house brand for the rest. Time will tell whether this is good enough. FYI for another data point.

I recommend to at least include the rear shocks at the same time. Improvement made to front end will be somewhat masked by worn out rear shocks and you may be disappointed initially.

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 25 Jan 2013, 11:51

JRL wrote:EVERYTHING?
Including new struts and shocks, about (at least) $1500 plus or minus
Springs, struts, shocks, spring seats, bearing plates, control arms and so forth
Expensive bunch of parts, about 5-6 hours labor

What need is there to include springs in this list?