Difference in struts between 2002 and 2009

keaunym · Post by **keaunym** » 25 Nov 2016, 15:46

I had a 2002 2.4TAWD with ~130,000 miles back around 2008 that had stiff struts and a nice tight ride. As far as I could tell those struts were original. My new used 2009 2.5T that only has 83,000 miles has front and rear struts that bounce like an old mattress. I was told by a mechanic the suspension was changed between these years and that supposedly this is an improvement. Is this correct and is this how the new struts are intended to perform? Can anyone confirm that the newer S60 struts have considerably more bounce than the older ones?

Post by **oragex** » 25 Nov 2016, 19:35

Maybe previous owner replaced the struts with some cheap brand. here's some options
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products?keywor ... quickstrut

keaunym · Post by **keaunym** » 26 Nov 2016, 07:48

They appear to be original. I'm just wondering if mine are straight worn out and ready for replacement or if this is how they are supposed to be since the change Volvo supposedly made.

Post by **oragex** » 26 Nov 2016, 08:20

I have read somewhere that Volvo upgraded at some point the suspension to be somehow stiffer, perhaps the struts they used do wear in the manner you are describing. On older models, when the struts would wear, they would become stiffer and the car would still be very stable, just harsher on poor roads.

Post by **JRL** » 26 Nov 2016, 14:57

2007 but I read sway bars and bushings were changed. Nothing was ever mentioned about different shocks and struts

Post by **June** » 26 Nov 2016, 17:10

Your 2002 was AWD and I assume that the 2009 is not. Back in 1998 when I bought the V70 GT I tested the cross country version (AWD ) which drive completely different than the GT FWD. The FWD GT was lower and slightly softer. Both were brand new cars, but drove completely different. I think both had the same turbo 5 cylinder. I bought the FWD for the better ride and the engine accelerated better I thought at the time.

Cuba · Post by **Cuba** » 26 Nov 2016, 20:36

Did they ditch the Nivomats at some stage perhaps?

Post by **oragex** » 27 Nov 2016, 07:44

JRL wrote:2007 but I read sway bars and bushings were changed. Nothing was ever mentioned about different shocks and struts

Correct, I've misread this page thinking it was the shocks that were upgraded https://www.nadaguides.com/Cars/2007/Volvo/S60

keaunym · Post by **keaunym** » 06 Dec 2016, 19:45

If this is the case, does anyone know if the AWD struts and shocks will fit in FWD vehicles?