'99 S70 Spring Seat Replacement

[E Showell]

Can I replace the spring seat without pulling the strut all the way out? If so, what's the best route for spring seat replacement with the least front end disassembly possible?

[erikv11]

For the spring seat (is called spring bushing sometimes), the strut tower has to come all the way out and be disassembled. Strut mount (strut bearing) you can simply pull the tower, swap the mount, then put the tower back in.

Easiest route is
- endlink
- two strut to steering knuckle bolts
- three nuts up top
- out comes the tower

Then spring compressors or take the tower down to a shop, however you prefer to get that part done.

Longer route removes the brake caliper but you don't have to do this if you pay attention to the brake hose and support the knuckle from below as needed.

There are differing opinions on this last point but I always get a front alignment when I pull the strut tower.

[Rondo]

Also keep in mind that you'll need an impact wrench to get the top strut nut off as the assembly will just spin. There is a special tool to remove the cross shaped nut, but I was able to knock it free with a small hammer. When you do the end links, you'll need the appropriate sized Allen key or if the link is in good shape, the torx bit on the bolt facing you. Then the go through socket or wrench on the nut. You'll see once you're down there. Use plenty of pb blaster and retorque properly. Oh yeah, have fun!

[dosbricks]

Evan, FCP has a video of this procedure (scroll down):
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... em-vfsk2-t

It's pretty easy if you have an air impact tool and a decent $30 spring compressor set. Notice in the the video, before Ben tightens the strut-to-knuckle bolts he pushes in on the top of the knuckle as he tightens them up. That should get the assembly back close to proper alignment if it was done correctly last time. That said, as erik noted, a wheel alignment certainly can't hurt anything.

Since I was just doing this today here are some numbers.
Tools & torque:
Strut-to-knuckle bolts = 17mm /18mm @ 48ft lbs + 90 degree angle torque
Top strut tower nuts = 13mm OE or 12mm replacements @ 22ft lbs
Sway bar end link = Meyle HD 15mm @ 37ft lbs

[Rondo]

Here is another good writeup that I used:
http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut

[E Showell]

I've replaced struts before so I am familiar with the procedure. I just haven't done it in three years or so. I was just wondering if there was a less labor-intensive way to change the spring seats. Apparently not. Though road behavior is good other than some vibration produced by the failed spring seats, at 110k miles, if I'm doing all that labor, I may just go all in and replace the struts too.

[abscate]

Evan...I've got the nice tool for this job ...can drop it on the 29th if that works

[E Showell]

Thanks, Steve, but I've already got an impact wrench, spring compressor and pipe wrench. Not sure what else I'd need for the job that I don't already have, but I appreciate the offer. No can do for the 29th as I told Al.