1998 V70 AWD front strut replacement

[volvogirl73]

My strut mount bushings and struts are shot at 143,000 miles so I'm in the process of buying the parts. Do I really need to replace the strut bearings? I didn't replace them on my 850 and they seemed fine until I sold the car with 220,000 miles on it. Thanks in advance for any advice you can send my way.

[850 LPT]

Mine were in pretty sad shape at 130k. Honestly I would replace them, there is nothing worse than ripping everything apart again in a couple of months from now when they finally decide to make noise.

[scot850]

I agree with 850LPT. The proviso, is if you plan to keep the car for a while, then replace, if you plan to repair/sell then you can make the decision. FCP do a kit with both strut seats and bearings for $150-180. I only use OE strut seats, but Boge/Sachs are the OE supplier of the bearings if I remember right.

Neil.

[MoVolvos]

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These can work on 1998 V70R AWD. Depending on whether you are paying for the repairs it maybe cheaper to get all new to offset labor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XH ... ewsvolvo-3



Blessings,

BKM
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[erikv11]

Strut bearings are pricey, I know how you feel. You can leave them in if you are not too averse to doing the repair job later, if needed. I no longer replace them preventively, because they are expensive and so easy to swap out. You don't need to disassemble the strut tower, just take off the top nut, take out the strut, swap the bearing/mount, reinstall. The disadvantage is the front wheels should be aligned anytime the struts come out (if you are really careful you can get the strut back in the same way, and just *checking* the alignment, which is free, rather than having it adjusted, will suffice). If the strut mount fails later on the bearing will get creaky, you will hear it.

I stay away from the cheapie strut mounts. OEM is made by INA, for the record, but Sachs/Boge is probably decent quality.

[volvogirl73]

Thank you all for your responses. To BKM98 S70 T5 or anyone else, have you personally used these pre assembled strut assembly's? They seem like a good deal, but I'm wondering about the quality of the bearings and spring seats included, if it's really worth it to buy these or not. I'll do some research...

[erikv11]

There are a few posts about them here if you search here.

My understanding from his previous posts is that BKM likes them and they have lasted at least a couple years now. But he drives very few miles per year, like 8k or something, and on California roads which are way better than in the midwest or the northeast (I have lived in all three places ...). If you are in SF, they may work out for you. Oh, he also has a sedan, which is much lighter than your AWD wagon.

My guess is they will work fine for you if this is a light usage CA vehicle, and that they will fail quickly (like within 1-2 years) under heavy use (bad/bumpy roads, heavy loads, high mileage). That's a guess.

[wheelsup]

They have a lifetime warranty, not predicated on pro installer either:

Gabriel products are warranted against defects and wear-out when used on private passenger cars and light trucks under normal operating conditions for as long as such original purchaser owns
the vehicle on which they were originally installed.

The Retailer’sobligation under this warranty is limited to the refund or replacement of the worn-out or defective product in accordance with this warranty. Cost of removal and installation are not included, and any incidental and consequential damages are excluded under this warranty, regardless
of when the failure occurs. This warranty has no cash value. This warranty does not apply to products which have been modified, improperly applied or installed on vehicles used for commercial or racing purposes.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary
from state to state. Any implied warranties you may have under state law are limited to the same
duration as this warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty
lasts or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations and exclusion may not apply to you.

I think I paid around $500 for all my front end parts, and it took me quite a bit longer to take the struts apart and rebuild the new ones as I was reusing the springs. For $300 with lifetime warranty but the Gabriels on and call it a day. You'll be done in under an hour.

[deepsouth]

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These can work on 1998 V70R AWD. Depending on whether you are paying for the repairs it maybe cheaper to get all new to offset labor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XH ... ewsvolvo-3

Blessings,

BKM
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Thanks for the link. I've been looking for struts and may give them a go!

[matthew1]

Gabriel video about installing these: