Strut Manufacturing Date

[Jicafold]

So suppose I saw a somewhat newer looking set of struts on a vehicle in the salvage yard. They are the Sachs brand, so same as original. How do I know how fresh they are or if they were replaced? DO shocks or struts have a manufacturing date on them? I was really there to get a new bearing and drive axle, but I might as well get the whole 9 yards if it is all connected.

[cn90]

If the Strut says Sachs, it is likely factory, so if the car is a 1998, then the strut is likely 15 years old. Not worth it.
If it is ever replaced, most people go with aftermarket such as Koni, or Bilstein. They rarely replace with another Sachs, unless the job was done at Volvo dealer, which I doubt people would bring a 15-yr-old car to a Volvo dealer for service.

Bilstein TC strut is only $110/each online, so the price is not bad at all. I just bought 2 struts last week for that price.

[Jicafold]

I figured that would be the case. The car had new, and I mean brand new, front rotors, pads, and end links. So I thought some other front end items might be new as well. It was a 2000 year model. Mileage unknown.

[erikv11]

I disagree.

All of the major online vendors that are commonly used on the forums (FCP, eEuro, IPD, AutohausAZ, etc) sell Sachs struts for these cars. There is a reason for that ... E.g. I just bought a set from another forum member (although I haven't installed them and I haven't decided if I will). If I had to guess what is overall the #1 most common replacement strut by users on the forums over the last five years, I would guess Sachs. If someone comes on here needing struts and wanting a stock ride, we tell them "for a ride like stock go with Sachs, if you want slightly better handling but a little stiffer ride then go with Bilstein TC."

Lots of people still buy Sachs and it seems a pretty good chance you found a recently installed set. Even in Texas, 13 year old struts are going to show some age.

[jblackburn]

Agreed. We're replacing the T5's with Sachs this summer. It already rides really stiff - why would anyone want it to be any worse?

[cn90]

Interesting....

I'd be curious if there is a poll in this forum (or other forums), when people replace their strut, what brand (Volvo, Sachs, Bilstein, Koni, Monroe etc. etc.) that they go with...

In other words, how many % goes with which brand:
_____% ---> Sachs
_____% ---> Bilstein
_____% ---> Koni
_____% ---> Monroe

[erikv11]

Yeah, a poll would settle it. Start one!

Brand I can recall seeing posted about here, i.e. possible answer options for a poll:

Volvo
Sachs
Bilstein TC
Monroe
Bilstein HD
Koni
Gabriel
Other
I have not bought replacement struts (so everybody gets to vote!)

Even though Volvo and Sachs are the same, I would put them both in so people don't get confused. And even though there are several flavors of Konis, I don't know them all and my suspicion is there aren't that many Koni users here anyway. Who knows, maybe Justin and I are the only Sachs proponents.

[xHeart]

Agreed. We're replacing the T5's with Sachs this summer. It already rides really stiff - why would anyone want it to be any worse?

I installed Biltstein TC, all four with new tires. It feels great at steering, but way stiff for sub/urban driving, where the roads are salted, and imperfect. I would prefer softer ride.

[Jicafold]

Speaking of replacing the shocks as well. how do you get them off! I have the top nut and the bottom nut off. I figure I can just slide it off the bottom bolt. No dice. I'm even wacking it with a hammer. It wont budge. Any tips?

[erikv11]

Usually the shock will come off with a little prying. Some people compress the coil spring but that is not necessary. Here are a couple nice DIYs:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=40415

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=31410