2007 V70 R Topic is solved

[Tex69]

Agree with Abscate, that must have been intentionally lowered, but looking at the picture, I would say it's only the front ones. So perhaps start with the front suspension, see how it goes from there. Better remove the strut assembly from the car a take a pic. Depending what was changed or not, I would wild guess you'll need an OEM spring, maybe a strut (the 4C are on sale) and maybe a spring seat https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 37#fitment

I think you can replace the 4C strut assembly with regular strut assembly (non adjustable), but I don't recommend the quick strut brand. Rather go with some genuine Volvo struts if money is not a problem, or with Bilstein B4. At the very least some Sachs SuperTouring may be an option

I can swing the 4C right now, so I figured that's the best thing to do. iPD has Monroe on sale, and have those saved to buy as soon as I knew exactly what I needed. Have some springs in my cart on eBay, as iPD didn't have them. Thanks for the information on the spring seats. I'm gathering everything together, then will take it to my neighborhood mechanic, not the European guys I've used. They neighborhood guys can handle all the usual things, I didn't think there was anything especially complex about this work.

My thinking on the struts is that they've been on there twelve years, so might as well do it now and have a fresh start. The previous owner probably didn't deal with the struts, based on everything I've seen with this car. I'd rather deal with the struts now, while addressing the springs.

This does raise one question. Would lowering springs affect the handling performance and how the struts respond to the road, bumps, potholes, etc?

Thanks

[matthew1]

Oh yes, the springs would certainly affect all that.

No Volvo shop in your area?

IPD sale @ $325 is a great time to get those 4C struts. Serendipity strikes. It's the lowest price I've seen in a while.

[Tex69]

Oh yes, the springs would certainly affect all that.

No Volvo shop in your area?

IPD sale @ $325 is a great time to get those 4C struts. Serendipity strikes. It's the lowest price I've seen in a while.

There is one that I've used for years. I'm a little concerned (and disappointed) that when I took this car to them, they didn't see this issue. I specifically raised this issue with them. The owner, who has decades of experience with these cars said that "It's a sports car, they are low to the ground." So I don't know what sort of response I'll get if I say I have my own parts, will you install them.

There are a few shops around that also specialize in European cars, but I've never used them.

You'd think it wouldn't matter, they're making money on the labor, not the parts, so why would they care? Yet we know, people can be odd at times.

[matthew1]

So they’re a Euro car shop (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc), not a Volvo specific shop?

I can’t see a Volvo specific shop making these mistakes.

[Tex69]

So they’re a Euro car shop (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, etc), not a Volvo specific shop?

I can’t see a Volvo specific shop making these mistakes.

Right, those four specifically. Although their specialty is Volvo. I'm surprised by it myself. I've used them for over three years, and they are always top notch. They usually know what's wrong just from a verbal description. The head mechanic knows these cars inside out. They've always seen problems that need to be addressed, and have never been stumped by anything. The only thing I can think explains it is they've been completely swamped non-stop since the beginning of January. Perhaps they're fried and missing things. I don't know.

Anyway, having said all that, I'm not aware of any Volvo specific shops in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Except dealerships, and those prices are absurd. The aforementioned guys aren't cheap, but they aren't even close to dealership prices. I'll do another search, I haven't done one in some time.

[abscate]

They do make money on parts but mostly on labour, correct

They don’t like ownervparts because when the owner gets the wrong ones, the Bay is occupied with a car while they have to go chase the new ones..,,or they put them back on to free up the Bay. Who pays for the double labor due to bad parts supplied by customer?

I have one indie in town that happily takes my parts because he knows I get that. I offer markup, he refuses.

[Tex69]

They do make money on parts but mostly on labour, correct

They don’t like ownervparts because when the owner gets the wrong ones, the Bay is occupied with a car while they have to go chase the new ones..,,or they put them back on to free up the Bay. Who pays for the double labor due to bad parts supplied by customer?

I have one indie in town that happily takes my parts because he knows I get that. I offer markup, he refuses.

Excellent point, I'd never considered that. In this case, I know I have the correct parts. Besides, there's no way I'm paying 1200.00 to 1600.00 for those struts. I'm not sure about who to have do the work at this point, but I'll call and speak with them first.

I really thought any qualified mechanic would be able to handle this. Is there something about these struts that requires specialized Volvo knowledge to get them installed? Yes, they are electronic, I understand that, but does it go beyond hooking up the connector to the corresponding end? Maybe it's my ignorance revealing itself here, but it seems like it would be installing struts, then hooking up the connecting cables. Then an alignment.

If I'm missing something, I'd really like to know.

Thanks.

[erikv11]

Monroe makes the factory 4C struts, that is definitely the one to get.

R springs I would go with this https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 16#fitment but for the rear I am unsure, the fcp site lists two options, you will need to check the suspension code on your car.

Absolutely would not put quick-struts on a V70R.

What I am told - I've never done these units: Fronts are pretty straightforward but installing the rear 4C units is somewhat involved. So although any mechanic should be able to do it in theory, in reality not all will do it right the first time. You want a shop that knows Volvos and at least knows that an R is a different car, hopefully has worked on them.

[Tex69]

Monroe makes the factory 4C struts, that is definitely the one to get.

R springs I would go with this https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 16#fitment but for the rear I am unsure, the fcp site lists two options, you will need to check the suspension code on your car.

Absolutely would not put quick-struts on a V70R.

What I am told - I've never done these units: Fronts are pretty straightforward but installing the rear 4C units is somewhat involved. So although any mechanic should be able to do it in theory, in reality not all will do it right the first time. You want a shop that knows Volvos and at least knows that an R is a different car, hopefully has worked on them.

Erikv11,

Thanks for the specific input and clarification. I'll check out those springs. Here's what I currently have in my eBay cart: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Coil-Spring-Fo ... 3317819524

I'm just doing the front for now. The back could stand it, but I've already spent quite a bit on this car. After this, I'm going to have to let it rest for awhile before doing any further work. Hopefully in that time I can find another shop, although I have been searching. So far the only Volvo, and only Volvo specialist is the dealership. Just not willing to do that. The shop I've been using does fit the description you gave above, so maybe that's the best I can do.

[EngineeringBloke]

Perhaps the springs are in good condition, but due to being shorter, they would have less give and result in a harder ride. Your mechanic may consider them ok for a sporty feel on good flat roads.

It might be worth checking with them again to see if they understand your concern. Particularly if they have been fine otherwise. It does not seem they are trying to force new parts on you.

And as I mentioned, I hit those concrete parking spot blocks, too, until I made sure to stay back from them. An XC would be high enough, but I do think Volvos are generally pretty low. Yours are just extra low!

See Marcobrick's V70 in the photo in his first post. It is not much higher than yours. Perhaps an inch?
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