2004 S60 R 4C front struts

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 06 Jun 2018, 18:42

Hey all.. I guess this would be a question for someone with the 4C chassis suspension or R car experience... the nose on mine is .. down. The 4c chassis indictor is on and stuck in sport mode. So, the 2.5 AWD of that year share the same front suspension... could I just unplug the front struts and install KYB's? At some point someone before changed all the stuts with Monroe's...i.e. zip ties... I am not trying to restore this thing to factory spec's just get the nose of it ..UP....AM I asking for trouble? ... what do you all think?

Post by **SuperHerman** » 06 Jun 2018, 23:12

Your question is unclear, but from what I understand you are asking if you can install KYB stocks that are suppose to fit. I don't understand "unplug" - I am not familiar with your car - some of my non Volvo cars are air adjustable and have an actual plug. Either way with more information your issue can be figured out.

Best approach is to look up the correct factory part number and then cross reference and research your alternatives. You can use a store like tascaparts.com as a factory reference guide.

As to Monroe shocks, they are not a bad brand. It is possible the prior owner put the wrong ones in. Again pull the part numbers and look them up. Do the Monroe's look like they have blown and totally bottomed out? It would have to be both. Are the springs the originals, broken, cut to lower them or otherwise irregular? How long have you been having problems?

Post by **erikv11** » 07 Jun 2018, 09:07

The 4C struts and shocks are made by Monroe.

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Jun 2018, 09:40

Explanation of what 4C is and how it's different.

Here's some talk about regular suspension swap on a 4C car.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 07 Jun 2018, 10:31

matthew1 and erik11 - thanks for the clarification. I reviewed the material linked. The system is similar to my Jag, but it uses air bladders. I still have the same questions for the OP MDK.

Monroe makes the 4C strut which is correct for the vehicle.

Are the Monroe shocks in the car the originals? My confusion is the statement "At some point someone before changed all the struts with Monroe's...i.e. zip ties... " Can you tell whether the replaced struts are the "correct" replacement struts or did the prior owner do some repairs to the originals which are still in the vehicle.

Before concluding the front struts are non-fuctioning some trouble shooting is warranted. Stuck on "sport mode" would suggest the struts are in a lowered position. This could be a failure/defect in the electric valving or something upstream with the connections and/or computer control. Signs of prior work hint that the system had issues in the past. Check the wiring and connections. Maybe a fuse?

I don't know whether the system is designed such that if one shock fails it deactivates all four of the struts and the system defaults to "sport mode". (From a safety view point this would make sense as all four corners are at the same level. I would bet that a deep dig into Volvo's documentation would clarify - or call and ask a dealer.) If this is the case all four struts, front and back, have to be examined. I suppose one could unplug each strut one at a time and look for changes and possible codes.

It appears that swapping out non 4C struts is not an option currently.

A deeper dig into what exactly is wrong is the only approach. I imagine a VIDA scan or other capable code reader would reveal more information and help in troubleshooting. This will at least limit the scope of the repair. Possibly a single used unit could be fitted.

That is all I have - as limited as it is.

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 07 Jun 2018, 14:14

MDK Here... First of all I want to thank everyone in the Forum for responding to my post. I took it to the Volvo dealer here in Cincinnati Ohio and basically they are saying that the entire 4C system needs replacing along with a new module and programming... WITHOUT EVEN DIAGNOSING IT.!! 3500$...so apparently this car has gone into default mode which is sport mode but the nose is down but not the rear end. I was at the car wash and apparently the door gasket seal leaks and runs down the A pillar and drips onto the module hence shorting it out. Volvo is unwilling to " clean it up" but replace it. I personally use to build electronics for the military so, I know it can be repaired. This car has 153,000 miles on it. No oil leaks, runs strong and the only other code is for the alarm system because Volvo put the box in the inner fender well and it's corroded also. I thought perhaps I could swap out the struts from a 2003 S 60 AWD... but maybe not. Perhaps I'll be parting this car out. It has a rebuilt salvage Ohio title from the Ohio State highway patrol in my name. If someone in the community is interested... I would be willing to let it go... and move on to another chassis... Im not going to allow those criminals at Porche of the Village touch my car again.... sorry for the rant.. but that's where I'm at ... thanks again everyone

Post by **scot850** » 07 Jun 2018, 16:03

I have an XC70 with the 4-C suspension. In Canada EACH strut is $1100!! So $3500 for fixing the whole system in not to bad from the dealer especially if it replaced the control module as well.

I am mid-way through replacing the front 4-C struts on this car as well as the control arm bushes, ball joints springs and spring seats. Car is a pain to dis-assemble, but really not looking forward to trying to torque the rear front control arm bush! 105NM + 180 degrees! That is crazy! Naturally they had to fit the nut facing upward so you can't get an impact driver onto it.

I believe the 'R' module has 3 suspension settings but the XC70 only has 2. Not sure if that is controlled by the module or the shock with the module.

Stupid system which we have almost never used. It is as crazy as the X-REAS system on my 4Runner. Another stupid over complex system. Costs about $4000 to fix when it goes, but at least the vehicle can be modified to use standard springs and shocks, although mine also has rear air-bags for adjustable rear suspension.

This is technology gone stupid for stupid sake.

Neil.

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 07 Jun 2018, 19:33

Wow thank you for the perspective on the 4C chassis .. I didn't realize that the wagon had a similar system which is very interesting... perhaps I could go to salvage and pull them and I saw a new module on eBay motors.,. The dealership was basically say over 10 years or a100,000 miles that they really didn't want to work on it...it fresh oil change air filter new R wheels...(new to the car) and tires alignment good AWD SYSTEM..A/C new timing belt water pump accessory belt plugs transmission service done HID lighting new rotors and brakes antifreeze service new strut bearing plates..if I can jump this suspension issue it might be a pretty good car for awhile... take care

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 07 Jun 2018, 19:47

I think what mattew 1 and Erik 11 were asking yes you can tell that these are not factory struts and they are indeed Monroe's.. but they zip tied the sensor wires onto all four struts like real hillbilly someone before me had them changed but maybe they put the wrong ones on.. maybe that my problem ..hmm thanks again everyone

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 07 Jun 2018, 19:57

That's very good information on the Tascaparts.com.. it is possible someone began to lower it and didn't do the back.. something to consider get some eibach springs for the rear... have an alignment done and see what happens the front struts don't seem blown .. just too low...