2002 Volvo V70 2.4T FWD Strut replacement update

[AndyV70]

Replaced the front Struts at 96K Miles, the information on line seems to be for older /different cars so thought I'd share / add a few things. Hope this helps someone. The links I used to do this are here:

http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/1.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uXFqVmxXXg
http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/suspension.htm
https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo- ... toria.html

DISASSEMBLY
Loosen the top nut before you start to remove the strut, a TORX 47 will hold the center column of the strut whilst you undo the 21mm bolt with a wrench. (the 3 nuts for the top plate are 13mm)

Use an 18mm wrench and torx or hex if its been replaced (sorry don't remember the sizes) to undo the Sway bar end link bolt. (I didn't need the skinny bike type wrench)

Use a 10mm socket to take out the ABS Sensor from the hub, moving this wire out of the way makes getting the strut / spring out much easier.

Use a jack to support the hub once you start to remove the strut.

I don't have an impact gun, but glad I had 2 good breaker bars for the the 2 main knuckle bolts

STRUT REBUILD
Just like in the FCP video but important to use some oil to lube the threads on the compressor. Read this if your thinking of using Anti Seize
http://benmlee.com/4runner/threads/threads.htm

Some old 2/4 lumber will help the springs from rolling around while you tighten down the compressors

INSTALL
Reverse the process, if you can get it apart you can put it back together. I think its better to jack both sides up and have the car level on stands even though your likely going to do one side at a time, it takes pressure off the sway bar so getting the end link back on is easier.

Here's a link about maintaining Camber alignmemt -
http://www.volvoxc.com/0/resources/how- ... emoval.pdf
I just used the witness marks to get it all back to gather as close as possible, the tires are done anyway so I'll get an alignment when they get replaced.

I replaced the end links too.

NOTES
I just used Monroe struts, nothing high end - this is an old car and heading for retirement soon, just want to keep it functioning as a soon to be second car (Not sure how long the flaky V70 transmission is good for?)

I didn't use all new hardware / nuts / bolts etc - was a bit torn on this but I stopped in a Volvo dealer to buy it and they told me don't bother, they don't! (no thread lock either)

BONUS - I no longer suffer the dreaded tire rubbing problem at full lock! I think I read the Monroe struts are a bit higher but thats fine with me, ride feels fine, no more horrible noises.