Strut change questions.

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 09 Apr 2013, 06:00

I will be changing the struts on my 95 - 850 (200,000m) and my 2001-S40 (150,000m). Since I don't want to open /close them up more than once, what other suspension parts are 'normally' changed at these intervals? Let me make the purchase NOW, rather than later.
Currently the symptoms for both cars are a harsh ride...no real clunks or noise, but far from the ride that I had when the cars were younger.

Post by **precopster** » 09 Apr 2013, 07:09

The spring seats on the 850 are a definite "do it while you're in there" addition. At 200,000 miles you may want to look at bump stops and bearing plates as well. A lot of the steel washers and nuts could be rusted badly depending on where you live. FCP has a great kit that identifies most components' part numbers and has pics of the kit as well.

Are the rear shocks bouncy? If so the rubber isolating bushing may be broken (a common problem)

As far as the S40 goes you may need to separately post in the S40 forum.

Post by **850 LPT** » 09 Apr 2013, 07:40

Hello,

I'm unfamiliar with the S40, but here is a picture of the parts you would need for a 850 strut. A lot of people buy XC90 spring seats because they are stronger. At this point I would replace all parts such as tower bearing (strut mount), bump stop, boot and all the hardware of course. Like precopster said, FCP is a great place to shop for this stuff.

: Volvo Strut.JPG (102.19 KiB) Viewed 1613 times

Post by **cn90** » 09 Apr 2013, 08:07

You may want to read through this thread on Front Suspension and Bilstein TC struts:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=28455

PS:
- I got my Bilstein struts for cheap at:
http://www.shocks.com

- XC Mount, Bump Stop and Rubber Boot from Volvo dealer in Kansas City:
http://www.thevpstore.com

- INA Bearing Plate from online (ebay) for $50/each.

Post by **erikv11** » 09 Apr 2013, 09:10

Guys, this gets posted all the time but it's a myth: there is no longer any difference between the XC90 spring seat and the S70 or 850 one. Volvo stopped selling them as separate parts over a year ago.

That's a great price on the INA strut mounts.

Only time I ever replaced the hardware was the first, because someone told me to. Have done a dozen strut swaps since and not had to replace any hardware. Unless it is very badly rusted, I'd re-use it. Saves some coin.

Post by **precopster** » 09 Apr 2013, 14:05

Get a compressor, impact wrench and spring compressors and be done with this in 2-3 hrs. VERY time consuming and physically draining without air tools....take it from me; I've done it both ways.

Tools you may not have: 18mm ring spanner, 15mm ring spanner, 22mm impact or ring spanner, metric allen set.

echase76 · Post by **echase76** » 09 Apr 2013, 19:58

Just be careful if you use an impact wrench on the spring compressors. Take your time and go slow and even on each side! The energy in a compressed spring is enough to seriously hurt you or even worse.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 10 Apr 2013, 01:38

AlanS wrote:I will be changing the struts on my 95 - 850 (200,000m) and my 2001-S40 (150,000m). Since I don't want to open /close them up more than once, what other suspension parts are 'normally' changed at these intervals? Let me make the purchase NOW, rather than later.
Currently the symptoms for both cars are a harsh ride...no real clunks or noise, but far from the ride that I had when the cars were younger.

A 95 - 850 you maybe looking at everything but the Springs if the Struts are Original. It is bit of work with the Spring Compressor and the Top Nut is not fun without Air Tools.

I am going on 1 year with the Gabriel ReadyMount and they are holding up well. Saves you a lot of headache and they are Lifetime Warranted. Literally in and out.

G57040 N
F 93-97 VOLVO 850 All
F 98-04 C70 All
F 98-00 S70 All
F 98-00 V70 All

http://gabriel.com/wp-content/uploads/2 ... 012411.pdf

Can't beat the price and convenience besides quality and ride - Check the Reviews.
https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-G57040-Re ... automotive

Blessings,

BKM

-

Post by **Matty Moo** » 10 Apr 2013, 02:28

I use this with my impact, it's from HF. I have it down to where I can do each side in about 40 minutes without getting dirty. I personally won't use the stick type spring compressors, I just don't trust them.

It's a sturdy unit, I've used it at least 15 times.

Post by **Ben850** » 10 Apr 2013, 08:09

I had replaced the spring seats last year which was absolutely needed. I came across a great deal on a set of OEM Sachs currently awaiting nicer weather for my installation.

Receiving the Bosch 1/2 drive impact wrench was a pleasure for the second strut as I did it all manually for the first. I am actually looking forward to compressing the springs after having developed an easy method.

As far as spring compressors, I purchased two sets of the "stick" type. I use three of the four on each spring for safety.