life expectancy of struts and shocks

[rb61]

I have a 2001 S80 with 140k.
I purchased it used and do not know if these have been replaced.
This my first Volvo and I do not have a feel for a proper ride.
What is a good indicator for replacement?
Thanks

[Cees Klumper]

Standard test is to press each corner down sharply, then it should bounce back and settle at the ride height ('down-up') immediately without bouncing several times. Youtube probably has good videos that will show you. For piece of mind you could just replace with good quality new, including other suspension wear components.

[oragex]

These struts still bounce very well but they get very stiff on poor pavement. Depends what 'proper ride' means. Is it too harsh - struts/shocks are the main culprit. Too soft and too much roll - worn sway bar bushings, very worn shocks. Steering too vague - worn sway bar bushings, worn subframe bushings, worn struts. If the ride is rather 'awkward' - bouncy, unstable, the shocks may have been replaced with cheap ones. Use a small mirror and look on the side of the front struts facing the engine, just under the bottom of the spring - the original struts may still have a yellow sticker with Volvo/Sachs on them

[Rattnalle]

There's no way struts aren't due for replacements at that milage if they're originals.

[June]

Replace the springs with the front struts. It made a world of difference in front height. Once you are sure the suspension is all tight and you still don't have that European feel than replace the tires with either the correct S80 tire the Michelin Primacy 4 which replaced the 3 or MXM4 original equipment tires. Or select tire made for the big Benz or BMW. BIG, not little sports models or Asian or American cars. June

[Rattnalle]

Replace the springs with the front struts. It made a world of difference in front height. Once you are sure the suspension is all tight and you still don't have that European feel than replace the tires with either the correct S80 tire the Michelin Primacy 4 which replaced the 3 or MXM4 original equipment tires. Or select tire made for the big Benz or BMW. BIG, not little sports models or Asian or American cars. June

Well. If you avoid all season tyres, select a proper brand and stick to the correct load index and size they'll be correct for the size of car. Though I've also heard that on your end it's a good idea to select a tyre made for the European market or a sports tyre since the US regular tyres and substandard, soft and squishy. The Pilot Sport would fit that description.

[June]

Replace the springs with the front struts. It made a world of difference in front height. Once you are sure the suspension is all tight and you still don't have that European feel than replace the tires with either the correct S80 tire the Michelin Primacy 4 which replaced the 3 or MXM4 original equipment tires. Or select tire made for the big Benz or BMW. BIG, not little sports models or Asian or American cars. June

Well. If you avoid all season tyres, select a proper brand and stick to the correct load index and size they'll be correct for the size of car. Though I've also heard that on your end it's a good idea to select a tyre made for the European market or a sports tyre since the US regular tyres and substandard, soft and squishy. The Pilot Sport would fit that description.

Piot Sport sucks on S80! It must be a tire made for larger European cars not sport cars. Piot Sport on my S80 T6 turned it from a 7 seriesish feel with the right amount of American luxury to a clunky log wagon. The Piot Sport really suffers from flat spots after cooling overnight. I assume the 2 ton weight of the S80 is the cause. I didn't leave the Pilot Sport on for long it was that bad. Now the hot Florida weather may also be a factor. So if it's made for a BMW 3 series then, Lexus sport coupe or any other smaller sport car than no for the S80... MB S class, BMW 5 or 7 series, yes then as in original equipment tire for either. June

[Rattnalle]

Replace the springs with the front struts. It made a world of difference in front height. Once you are sure the suspension is all tight and you still don't have that European feel than replace the tires with either the correct S80 tire the Michelin Primacy 4 which replaced the 3 or MXM4 original equipment tires. Or select tire made for the big Benz or BMW. BIG, not little sports models or Asian or American cars. June

Well. If you avoid all season tyres, select a proper brand and stick to the correct load index and size they'll be correct for the size of car. Though I've also heard that on your end it's a good idea to select a tyre made for the European market or a sports tyre since the US regular tyres and substandard, soft and squishy. The Pilot Sport would fit that description.

Piot Sport sucks on S80! It must be a tire made for larger European cars not sport cars. Piot Sport on my S80 T6 turned it from a 7 seriesish feel with the right amount of American luxury to a clunky log wagon. The Piot Sport really suffers from flat spots after cooling overnight. I assume the 2 ton weight of the S80 is the cause. I didn't leave the Pilot Sport on for long it was that bad. Now the hot Florida weather may also be a factor. So if it's made for a BMW 3 series then, Lexus sport coupe or any other smaller sport car than no for the S80... MB S class, BMW 5 or 7 series, yes then as in original equipment tire for either. June

I think I meant to type Primacy. Though I have no personal experience of either. I've only used the 15" Michelin Energy Saver when I had a S80 and they were excellent for a comfortable ride on rough roads.

But regardless the S80 weighs only about 16-1700 kg. a lot less than a modern S class or 7 series. But comparable to the 5 series or E class, at least of reasonably similar age. Cars have gotten a lot heavier, the new Volvos are several hundred kgs heavier. I'm guessing most newer bimmers and mercs are as well.

[abscate]

Replace the springs with the front struts. It made a world of difference in front height. Once you are sure the suspension is all tight and you still don't have that European feel than replace the tires with either the correct S80 tire the Michelin Primacy 4 which replaced the 3 or MXM4 original equipment tires. Or select tire made for the big Benz or BMW. BIG, not little sports models or Asian or American cars. June

Well. If you avoid all season tyres, select a proper brand and stick to the correct load index and size they'll be correct for the size of car. Though I've also heard that on your end it's a good idea to select a tyre made for the European market or a sports tyre since the US regular tyres and substandard, soft and squishy. The Pilot Sport would fit that description.

Piot Sport sucks on S80! It must be a tire made for larger European cars not sport cars. Piot Sport on my S80 T6 turned it from a 7 seriesish feel with the right amount of American luxury to a clunky log wagon. The Piot Sport really suffers from flat spots after cooling overnight. I assume the 2 ton weight of the S80 is the cause. I didn't leave the Pilot Sport on for long it was that bad. Now the hot Florida weather may also be a factor. So if it's made for a BMW 3 series then, Lexus sport coupe or any other smaller sport car than no for the S80... MB S class, BMW 5 or 7 series, yes then as in original equipment tire for either. June

Never take tire advice from women who turn the cars upside down to inspect the tires.

[MoVolvos]

I have a 2001 S80 with 140k.
I purchased it used and do not know if these have been replaced.
This my first Volvo and I do not have a feel for a proper ride.
What is a good indicator for replacement?
Thanks

If you've owned it for more than a year and have not experience any shake, rattle or roll and other noises then you probably don't need anything.

Purchase my 2003 S80 T6 over a year ago with I think around 130K. One these days I'll start logging my repairs again. Using the fender pushing method the left rear easily bounced up and down, completely blown. You can feel this under braking and any irregularities on the road.

The car may feel bumpy and sometimes the bottoming out sensation if they are worn. The fronts looks clean but don't seem to be smooth on the road and the right side does not like small ruts or pot holes. The previous owners replaced them with KYB's from looking at the yellow labels on them.

Replaced both rears with some ECCCP because they were lifetime. I know eBay pushes their sellers to honor the warranty or eBay refunds the amount. So far so good, nothing wrong or nothing special.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Rear-Set-S ... 2749.l2649

The front suspension on the hand... Parts are waiting, waiting and waiting.

1) Blue IPD subframe bushing - To eliminates a pull to the left when going from a stop. No other major steering issues.

2) (2) - MTC 171021/30714142 Anti-Ping Bolt for a popping in the front left area - Purchased May 2019
.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CG ... UTF8&psc=1

3) IPD neoprene upper engine mount

4) Lower Transmission Torque Mount

5) May need lower control arm and or ball joints - Haven't looked

6) ECCCP Complete Struts w/10 year warranty. The front end does not seem to be as smooth as I like besides seems than it should also. Purchased Dec 2019

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CG ... UTF8&psc=1

The reason I am listing all these parts is because sometimes you need to put in order what is needed first by the problems you encounter. The pulling to the left to me is the most pressing and the Blue iPD subframe inserts are really mandatory for these aging cars. Can cure many odd suspenison issues and stabilize the entire front end before looking at other problems. Anti-Ping Bolt for the pop. Refreshing the engine and transmission mounts is probably a good idea if you don't have service records. Both of mine look like they're not intact. Front struts just to refresh the front and then on to the control arms if after all the above did not eliminate the pull and popping sound.