Suspension questions

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 01 Apr 2021, 14:16

2006 XC70. Suspension has never been touched. 100K miles. I can see that the front right control arm may be bent...so that will need to be replaced. Do I just scrap the entire front and rear parts and start new? It looks like it will be very expensive...especially for a 2006. Are the struts that come assembled with springs of any quality? I've always bought the struts separately (for my other cars), but I see at IPD and Groton that full units are available. Where would you begin?

Post by **xHeart** » 01 Apr 2021, 14:53

AlanS wrote: ↑01 Apr 2021, 14:16 2006 XC70. Suspension has never been touched. 100K miles. I can see that the front right control arm may be bent...so that will need to be replaced. Do I just scrap the entire front and rear parts and start new? It looks like it will be very expensive...especially for a 2006. Are the struts that come assembled with springs of any quality? I've always bought the struts separately (for my other cars), but I see at IPD and Groton that full units are available. Where would you begin?

My rear suspension overhaul was recent, 200,000 miles. Here is more viewtopic.php?f=9&t=91242

The front was done in 2012 at 130,000 miles. All parts were replaced, Volvo spring coil, Sachs, the LCA and Links were Meyle HD -- the LCA bushing rubber shows a small tear. The balljoints were Lemförder.

Post by **oragex** » 01 Apr 2021, 15:44

A bent control arm is a rare thing. Your car has rather low miles. I would only do a suspension refresh at 100k I I'd know I'll keep the car for another 5 years. Unless you are driving constantly over potholes, you should still be fine at 100k miles. If you decide to replace parts, be sure to use only good brands, above comment gave you good tips. I'd say at 100k miles maybe the spring seats start cracking but they can still last for a while

Post by **Blacklab467** » 01 Apr 2021, 16:36

I would be surprised if anything is worn out at that mileage, and that an LCA is bent. Check each part individually for play and only replace what is needed, I only use Volvo OEM parts. What is the driver complaint anyways?
I've had bad luck with "quick struts". Again, I would only use Volvo brand OEM. An '06 with that mileage is probably worth it if you enjoy the car and can afford to spend a few bucks on it.

Post by **xHeart** » 03 Apr 2021, 06:52

AlanS wrote: ↑01 Apr 2021, 14:16 2006 XC70. Suspension has never been touched. 100K miles. Where would you begin?

Concur, if you want to keep this car for another 50,000 miles.

Front suspension at highway speed; exiting in particular can be exteremly risky on aging suspension. Winter driving would show you a ditch in no time.

It took me months to collects parts and tools. Taking care of front suspension in good weather is best. I have pretty much replaced everything that is fastened to front subframe, minus engine and transmission. My receipts are at $7K/10 years on aggressive maintenance -- 2 full sets of timing belts. Still a fun drive!

This is a tale of snapped spring viewtopic.php?f=9&t=63252&hilit=snapped+spring&start=20