leaking front struts on 1998 S90

[thefisch]

Well a few weeks ago I noticed some fluid on the driveway just inside each front tire. Upon further inspection, it appears the struts on both sides are leaking. Not sure when it started but probably within last 6 months (since last tire rotation). Photos attached if that helps.

Driver side

Closer

Passenger side

Car is at 122k miles now and we've owned/driven it for about 2 years and 20k miles. Front suspension is original as far as I know - have all repair receipts and no prior work noted. The front suspension has always seemed a bit stiff when it comes to speed bumps but always felt solid on the interstate (no bouncing). No change in how it feels now that it is leaking but I expect it would get more bouncy as more fluid is lost. I know opinions on this vary but I am not sure if it is urgent to address unless the ride gets worse.

Started looking at replacement options but those seem hard to come by. FCP Euro offers a pair of Monroes https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... monroe-kit at ~$260 but those are backordered with no ETA. Rock Auto didn't have any strut options.

Are there any good replacement options to recommend for planning ahead?
Anything else that should be done at same time a struts for preventative purposes?

[MoVolvos]

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You may have to get what's left on eBay. Monroe, Bilstein, KYB and Gabriel all don't show a product number. FCP seemed to have a few sets April 2020 but I think it's discontinued everywhere.



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Professional Parts Sweden® - Front Strut. I believe many here do not rate this parts company's products very highly? Not CARiD.

https://www.carid.com/1998-volvo-s90-su ... 31743.html

The sway bar link doesn't look too good.
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SwayBarLink.png (755.29 KiB) Viewed 2009 times

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[thefisch]

Thanks for the tip on eBay. Too bad these started to leak right after they were discontinued. Any chance they'll start making these again or am I stuck with salvage yards if no luck on eBay?

Also, thanks for the recommendation to do the sway bar links at the same time. That photo was from the passenger side. Here is another photo of the same angle on the driver side in case anything else sticks out.

[MoVolvos]

Thanks for the tip on eBay. Too bad these started to leak right after they were discontinued. Any chance they'll start making these again or am I stuck with salvage yards if no luck on eBay?

Also, thanks for the recommendation to do the sway bar links at the same time. That photo was from the passenger side. Here is another photo of the same angle on the driver side in case anything else sticks out.

20201224_155250.jpg

The caliper looks very wet. Could be strut oil but it usually picks up a lot of debris and road dirt whereas the brake fluid is filmy so not as much. Spray the whole area down with brake cleaner and see if the wetness returns. Also, you can try gently tightening the hose a little to see if it's loose.

I wonder if there are parts to rebuild it? In some parts of the world people have to be resourceful .





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[thefisch]

The caliper looks very wet. Could be strut oil but it usually picks up a lot of debris and road dirt whereas the brake fluid is filmy so not as much. Spray the whole area down with brake cleaner and see if the wetness returns. Also, you can try gently tightening the hose a little to see if it's loose.

I wonder if there are parts to rebuild it? In some parts of the world people have to be resourceful .

Yes, that appears to be strut oil that dripped down onto the lines and eventually the caliper. The driver side has obviously lost the most fluid so far. The brakes have been checked and no fluid was lost. Thanks for pointing that out though as it would be a big safety concern.

Those refurb videos were neat, especially the second one which felt like it could be from shop in Gas Town.

[thefisch]

Going through a local mechanic, we ordered the struts from the local dealer (Volvo part 271911) since the price was good - around $150. The boxes arrived today from dealer marked with Volvo decal on the outside - opened the box to find Monroe shocks inside which was funny as I couldn't find anywhere to order Monroes but got them anyway.

[thefisch]

Here are some of the after pics after the work was done.