Should I replace these rusty shocks?

Post by **FireFox31** » 22 Oct 2019, 21:19

Should I replace these front shocks, springs, and steering knuckles just because they have surface rust? Or is that rust deeper than the surface? The car rides fine, but I think these shocks are 19 year old originals to my 2000 V70. Thanks.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 22 Oct 2019, 21:35

I vote leave them unless you have money and time to burn. Keep an eye on them. Shocks look worse than the springs. Steering knuckles are pretty solid, so it will take a bunch of rust to compromise them. Wouldn't hurt to take a pick to them and see how bad the rust is.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 22 Oct 2019, 22:53

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Take a small hammer and or screw driver / chisel and lightly tap to see what kind of chunks or flakes fall off.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Oct 2019, 04:15

Leave the, but clean lube the caliper slides next time you are in to the brakes!

Post by **BlackBart** » 23 Oct 2019, 13:57

FireFox31 wrote: ↑22 Oct 2019, 21:19 Should I replace these front shocks, springs, and steering knuckles just because they have surface rust? Or is that rust deeper than the surface?

Yes! (IMO) The knuckle/hub can probably be wire brushed and saved. Yike...is this how New England cars look underneath!? I agree with others to do some tapping and picking to find out how fragile those struts are. If a spring or a seat snaps at speed, it could be scary.

Post by **BlackBart** » 23 Oct 2019, 14:05

Here is my '94 850 recently, with 178,000 miles. Texas - Montana. We're lucky I guess.

callahanoffroad · Post by **callahanoffroad** » 23 Oct 2019, 19:14

BlackBart wrote: ↑23 Oct 2019, 14:05 Here is my '94 850 recently, with 178,000 miles. Texas - Montana. We're lucky I guess.

IMG_4251.JPG

That's what mine look like in Missouri 250,000 miles.

Post by **erikv11** » 23 Oct 2019, 19:27

I'd check the strut mount and spring seat up top to make sure it isn't rusting there, but otherwise definitely OK to leave them. I've left worse and never worried about it.

I agree that the caliper slide pins should be looked at!

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 23 Oct 2019, 19:50

Pardon my French, but Salt Sucks!

Post by **MoVolvos** » 23 Oct 2019, 20:19

BEJinFbk wrote: ↑23 Oct 2019, 19:50 Pardon my French, but Salt Sucks!

Repeat 10 times: Volvo's Struts Sucks Salt - Actually, no too bad.