2000 S40 front strut upgrade problem - spring top diameter &

Gbh · Post by **Gbh** » 06 Jan 2014, 18:46

Hello,

I'm upgrading my 2000 S40 (built 1/2000) to the later style struts and mounts. Here are my parts:

1 set of new 01-04 struts
30630043 (service kit) strut mounts
SUPLEX 38077 Springs described as Std Duty (S40 V40 01-04) comparable to Volvo OE part # 30884190

The new springs springs are 120mm on either end and fit the new strut spring perches. They are too small in diameter for the new top strut mounts. The new mounts have a 140mm diameter seat just like the original mounts I took out. So now Im looking to ID the mismatch.

With the new struts and mounts I would need a spring that's 120mm at the bottom and 140mm at the top. Is there such a thing?

Do I have the wrong service kit? It shows that it would fit late 2000-2004 models.

The struts also show that they fit late 2000-2004 models.

The springs show all 2001-2004 "standard duty"

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Gbh · Post by **Gbh** » 07 Jan 2014, 05:00

It appears that the seats in the service kit are the proper diameter for 2000 springs. The rest of the parts I bought are for a 2001 because I thought the service kit changed the upper spring seats to the 2001 style so that's why I bought 2001 springs and struts. Not so.

The service kit upgrades the bearing design but maintains the 2000 spring size so existing springs and struts on the car can be used. Makes sense.

so if you get the service kit, you can use the springs and struts on the car. If you want to do a spring or strut replacement when installing the service kit, you need to buy 2000 springs and pre- 5/00 struts.

johnmnovotny · Post by **johnmnovotny** » 21 Jan 2014, 15:11

Where did you get the parts and were there any other issues I should be aware of? I am planning the same upgrade. I also need to replace struts as the left side is leaking badly and the right mount is bad too.

Gbh · Post by **Gbh** » 21 Jan 2014, 18:42

The service kits came from Tasca Parts. They were the least expensive I could find.
http://tascaparts.com/parts/2000/Volvo/ ... eid=213668

The proper springs for pre 05/00 are Lesjofors 30859513 on Ebay

I didn't buy struts because they were $250/pair and mine don't leak although they are a bit worn but I learned that the pre 05/00 struts are Bilstein VNE B868 BE and VNE B869 BE (touring series) I'll replace my struts at a future date.

Check your sway bar bushings and drop links for play while you are in there.