front strut's sticking

cypher007 · Post by **cypher007** » 07 Jul 2016, 06:04

replaced the front struts top mounts and bearings on my 850 T5R, well a mate did it. anyway I now find on hot days more than cold that the front struts, especially the drivers side, make a creaking noise when I turn the steering wheel. I checked the strut and the strut turns at the bottom (the hub end), but jumps in steps at the top. its as if the top bearing is sticking.

so to recap the spring turns with the strut at the bottom but the top jumps as the tension increases finally turns the top of the strut.

I didn't use Volvo bearings, but they were supposed to be good aftermarket ones.

any ideas?

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 07 Jul 2016, 08:53

A few thoughts. Is the coil spring itself properly seated in the spring seat and were the fasteners in the strut assembly all torqued to spec?

Post by **tryingbe** » 07 Jul 2016, 09:21

Were they spring seats changed?

kippster41493 · Post by **kippster41493** » 07 Jul 2016, 11:07

Mine is doing the same thing, the bearing is binding up. You (and I both) need to tear apart the assembly and put it back together making sure everything is tight as you can get it and the coil is seated properly.

cypher007 · Post by **cypher007** » 07 Jul 2016, 15:37

the spring mounts were replaced with IPD ones when the struts were replaced. I also think I replaced most of the other stuff at the top of the strut.

the springs were replaced some time after the new struts went on by another mechanic who I trust. so the whole lot has been in and out twice now, but still binding, having said that not sure he needed to remove the top bearing to do the spring change.

PS78 · Post by **PS78** » 07 Jul 2016, 16:32

So basically every bit of your front strut assembly(s)is brand new or nearly new? I'm still thinking the coil spring isn't seated properly or there is a fastener that isn't torqued to specifications. There is always that chance though of getting a faulty strut bearing, it does happen. The question is, do you still have your other strut bearings from before the suspension refurb? If you do, maybe during the reassembly compare both units and determine if the new bearing is flawed or damaged. Do you happen to know what brand bearings you purchased?

cypher007 · Post by **cypher007** » 08 Jul 2016, 04:52

cheers, had a look round the net seems this problem is associated with aftermarket bearings. so I'm going to buy some genuine ones.

FCPEURO · Post by **FCPEURO** » 08 Jul 2016, 11:02

Hi Cypher007,

Instead of going with the Genuine units you could go with the OEM INA branded units. INA made these units for Volvo when your car was new so essentially you'll be paying less for the same product, just different packaging.

You can view them on our site here: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 0-87-424-a

If you have any additional questions please feel free to ask, we're always happy to help.