Freshen up front suspension

s80newb · Post by **s80newb** » 15 Jan 2017, 02:34

Hey folks,

My 2001 Volvo s80 has 125K miles. The front end is starting to feel sloppy and I'd like to freshen it up.

Last year I did the control arms (replaced with Lemforder) so those are OK. What else should I be looking to replace?

I know I'll definitely be replacing the struts. Do I also need new springs? What about inner and outer tie rods? I know that my cars alignment is pretty great, so not sure if that would be necessary. Anything else?

Best,
Adam

ThommyKent · Post by **ThommyKent** » 15 Jan 2017, 22:03

What does feeling sloppy mean?

Cees Klumper · Post by **Cees Klumper** » 16 Jan 2017, 13:12

Struts, spring seats and strut bearings, and stabilizer bar end links. I would leave the tierod ends if there's no play in them.

Post by **oragex** » 16 Jan 2017, 13:26

Struts and spring seats most certainly. Strut bearing is a possibility but check them first as these are rather expensive. Again, only Sachs or Lemforder. There's an ad here on forum for complete strut assembly.

As for tie rods, it's a good time to check them but why replace if there no play. I'd also check ball joints (should be fine) and all dust boots including on the steering.

Post by **Roger_850T** » 16 Jan 2017, 19:40

I would also inspect the control arms before you start. I have had them fail very quickly before, in less than 15k miles. If you are starting to feel sloppy, then something has failed and it would be good to id first.

Roger

Legofan · Post by **Legofan** » 22 Jan 2017, 16:59

oragex wrote:Again, only Sachs or Lemforder.

Why?

850TurboTurtle · Post by **850TurboTurtle** » 10 Apr 2017, 00:18

I've heard that when replacing control arms it's important to 'load' the arms before tightening the bolts, so the rubber isn't continually stressed and twisted. That's was the rule for my 850, so I assume that it's the same for most Volvos. Otherwise they wear out really quickly.

Post by **June** » 10 Apr 2017, 16:55

s80newb wrote: ↑15 Jan 2017, 02:34 Hey folks,

My 2001 Volvo S80 has 125K miles. The front end is starting to feel sloppy and I'd like to freshen it up.

Last year I did the control arms (replaced with Lemforder) so those are OK. What else should I be looking to replace?

I know I'll definitely be replacing the struts. Do I also need new springs? What about inner and outer tie rods? I know that my cars alignment is pretty great, so not sure if that would be necessary. Anything else?

Best,
Adam

I just had my struts replaced recently and I had the springs replaced as well, and it was worth every penny for the new springs. My car is a 2004 and I had 134k. The front end is 1 1/2 to 2 inches higher and it makes a difference. I also had the sway bar replaced at the same time.

June

ThommyKent · Post by **ThommyKent** » 10 Apr 2017, 17:09

850TurboTurtle wrote: ↑10 Apr 2017, 00:18 I've heard that when replacing control arms it's important to 'load' the arms before tightening the bolts, so the rubber isn't continually stressed and twisted. That's was the rule for my 850, so I assume that it's the same for most Volvos. Otherwise they wear out really quickly.

Nope it`s a different setup, so you do not need to load the arms like on an 850