Strut question ?

Post by **GlennG2759** » 20 Oct 2019, 14:07

I just got done breaking down my struts on '06 V70. One spring seat (metal collar) totally detached, the other one torn on the underside about 180 deg. Ordered new seats, mounts, and hardware. I tested the struts by pushing rod all the way down. One returns to full extension within a few seconds, the other one takes quite along time and several times only to about 3/4 full extension. There is no sign of leakage. Does that mean there done and being this far into should I go with new struts. Opinions and strut recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Glenn

Post by **abscate** » 20 Oct 2019, 18:11

They are dampers, not springs. If you had a good ride and no under damping, keep the P2 struts; they run 200k if run carefully

Post by **MoVolvos** » 20 Oct 2019, 21:08

GlennG2759 wrote: ↑20 Oct 2019, 14:07
I tested the struts by pushing rod all the way down. One returns to full extension within a few seconds, the other one takes quite along time and several times only to about 3/4 full extension. There is no sign of leakage.

The internal valving do go bad. External leakage is just the most obvious indicator of a worn / bad strut. They are both bad actually. They should neither fully extend in a few seconds nor extend to only 3/4 of the full height.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 20 Oct 2019, 21:23

Have installed these brands on various cars. After releasing the band or wire that keeps them compressed during shipping both units should rebound the same. Actually got a set of KYB GR-2's one time and one was defective out of the box. Just rebounded within a few seconds.

KONI, Bilstein, KYB, Monroe, Gabriel, ECCPP.

Post by **- Pete -** » 20 Oct 2019, 23:56

You're around 100k I believe. Like Steve said, I'd leave them be. Only time I'd think of replacing is if I had wheel hop or oil/debris caking. Our 04 XC still rides on it's original's, dry as a nun's bush & smooth/quiet as can be. I've replaced seats several times & a couple coil springs on it over the years, but the "shocks" just keep going.

Not discounting BKM in anyway, by the way. Just my experience over a few hundred thousand miles.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 21 Oct 2019, 01:24

- Pete - wrote: ↑20 Oct 2019, 23:56 You're around 100k I believe. Like Steve said, I'd leave them be. Only time I'd think of replacing is if I had wheel hop or oil/debris caking. Our 04 XC still rides on it's original's, dry as a nun's bush & smooth/quiet as can be. I've replaced seats several times & a couple coil springs on it over the years, but the "shocks" just keep going.

Not discounting BKM in anyway, by the way. Just my experience over a few hundred thousand miles.

I have no experience with XC's. Are those SACH or Volvos? Both of mine are in need of Struts with less than 135k on either. 2003 S80 has KYB's, this before I purchased it. 2008 C30 takes bumps pretty hard and front seems low. Had new KYB's installed on a 95 Plymouth Grand Voyager 3.0 years ago. Just Meh, Monroes would have been better.

Rear shocks on both Volvos were shot when purchased. Each one had one blown so no rebound. Currently have Bilsteins on C30 (Firm) and ECCPP (Compliant) on S80.

Post by **- Pete -** » 21 Oct 2019, 08:07

Our 04 XC front is Sachs.

That's a good point, taking hits/bumps pretty hard - I'd say that the XC's are definitely not as abusive on shocks as say the V70's, due to cushier damping. Rears are pretty obvious if they are not providing damping anymore. Wheels tend to hop after hitting bumps. Our V70R does this (cringe then cry at price). Pretty obvious when following in another vehicle.

Still, on the fronts, if they aren't oil laden & caked with debris, check for damping by pushing down on the piston rod as hard and fast as you can (don't impale yourself). Do the same for extension - Pulling up hard and fast on the top hat. If it's still damping & not just "free" feeling I'd just reuse them. Some of ours extend when I've had the coils off, some don't. But they all are doing their job of damping.

Post by **GlennG2759** » 21 Oct 2019, 08:34

Yes, they still seem to be dampening in both directions I guess I was wrongly expecting them to react like a shock. This is first rebuild of strut for me and decided to reinstall original, FCP has a Mayle strut on sale for 50 bucks, but I decided against them. Does anybody have any experience or info on these.
Thanks

Post by **abscate** » 21 Oct 2019, 20:21

I have been inspecting the shrubbery at the local convent and confess the thing in common with the suspension is it is Sachs-less.

Post by **cn90** » 21 Oct 2019, 21:24

In June 2019, I installed the Sachs Struts Assembly, sold by FCPEuro.
PN is: Sachs SAC-033078, $250/each side.

Well worth the money.

So far so good.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 78#fitment