Replacing front struts : which model ?

Thames · Post by **Thames** » 17 Apr 2012, 06:42

Hi !

Im about to replace my front suspension struts, one is actually leaky.

Ive heard some compatibility issues, some struts being longer/higher than stock ones (about 1-2 inches, very ugly look).
I know that there's a code on the metal badge inside the motor compartment, mine is K9.

I'm looking for some more information on this. thanks !!!

Post by **JRL** » 17 Apr 2012, 07:05

Your year and model would be very helpful
ALL Bilsteins seem to raise the front ends about 1/2" on all Gen 1s
Either go with OEM Volvo (Sachs) or the (much) more expensive Koni Yellow sports if this might bother you

Post by **erikv11** » 17 Apr 2012, 07:08

If you want easiest match to stock height and ride and durability, buy the Sachs struts as they are original.

Bilstein TC is popular here, I've used them and like them, they are a little stiffer than stock and raise the car a small amount due to where the plate is welded on the strut.

Recently someone here tried out Gabriel Ready-Mount struts from Autozone. Too early to tell how they will last but it is a much cheaper alternative.

One of my 850s came with almost brand new Monroe struts. They are a little soft and the car has a little too much body roll, I can't recommend them but again they are cheap. Since you have a sedan maybe they would be OK.

A mantra around here is only buy Volvo brand spring seats when changing the struts, historically the aftermarket ones have all failed prematurely. Replacing the spring seat is the same amount of work as a whole strut job, including a font alignment when all done.

Post by **Thunderbox** » 17 Apr 2012, 16:55

I just did a front suspension refresh using gabriel ready mounts found on Amazon. I went with this option as it was very inexpensive and I had only paid 800 for my wagon so 110 roughly per strut for everything was a no brainer (with rebate). For ease of installation the ready mount was amazing. I have done plenty of suspensions and the ready mount was super easy. Only time will tell regarding durability. Alot depends on your budget and goals with the car. For my first impressions I am very satisfied with the ride and handling so far.

Anchorend · Post by **Anchorend** » 01 Dec 2013, 01:49

Looking at the Gabriel s right now for a 98 v70 base..how have they held up after a year and a half?

Post by **cartagena** » 01 Dec 2013, 02:24

Anchorend wrote:Looking at the Gabriel s right now for a 98 v70 base..how have they held up after a year and a half?

I replaced my front struts with used ones from a wrecket 8000kms ago and they are still running like brand new.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 03 Dec 2013, 22:29

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Anchorend wrote:Looking at the Gabriel s right now for a 98 v70 base..how have they held up after a year and a half?

Not sure if I was the first Guinea Pig to purchased them in March 2012 from Amazon but I was the first to write a review. So far so good after about 15K. Purchased the Gabriel 69901 Ultra Passenger Car Shocks for the rears also.

There was a great Rebate on the purchase of 4 at the time. I have no problems with the rear shocks but since they are only a little cheaper than Bilstein (IPD sale) I would buy Bilstein rear shocks. I have had exceptional experience with two Sets of 4 Bilsteins on a 95 E420 and 93 E300. I think they would be a little more sportier than the Gabriel's and provide a little added height which both are better as it will provide some needed Oversteer for these 70 series cars.

Have used Monroe Sensa-Trac® on 3 cars and 1 van besides the Monroe Quick-Strut® on another Mini-Van and they got soft after 2 years. Was able to Warranty a set for the Van through Big-O where I purchased them (this was back in 2003). Don't use KYB's as only the ones Made in Japan are any good from my experience.

I would definitely buy the front ReadyMounts again and rear shocks also if the price was a bit cheaper than Bilstein. Sach are not Gas-Filled btw.

https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-G57040-Re ... automotive

https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-69901-Pas ... sim_auto_1

Blessings,

BKM

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Post by **rmmagow** » 04 Dec 2013, 06:32

BKM, I've got a 98 S70 base with a pretty exhausted suspension. From your posted links it looks like all I need do is order 2 of everything including shock mounts for the rear. I should be able to install the set in the driveway then just get an alignment. I've verified the tie-rod ends and control arms are ok and not loose. The car rattles like a 56 pick-up truck and I think it is all strut/shock related. 131K miles. Wife's car she wouldn't care about the quality of the ride, just as long as it were a little quieter.

Post by **erikv11** » 04 Dec 2013, 17:33

The key question here for durability is not the struts. I'd be very surprised if the actual struts wore out that quickly, I've never seen that. Even the people buying the ultra-cheap Sen-sen struts haven't complained about that yet. With the struts it is for the most part just a matter of ride comfort and preference, etc.

The durability question is really all about the strut mount and especially the spring seat. So while 15k in 18 months and only one car is hardly a test, I agree it is still good news. The mounting parts haven't failed yet in one pair, that's encouraging. Would be good to pull the top nut and eyeball the spring seats for cracks, that often shows up early on as they fail.

Anchorend · Post by **Anchorend** » 04 Dec 2013, 21:17

That was generally my question, the durability of the entire preassembled package. I like not having to deal with compressing the springs, and paying half the price with springs (vs ipds Sachs kit ) is a bonus, but if its proven to be total garbage thats not worth it