Re: Tailgate struts for V70

Post by **scot850** » 17 Oct 2021, 10:42

I asked the same question on the P2 forum and got the 2 answers, one was any brand is probably ok. The other was to use Stabilus who are the OE supplier and I have used before.

I thought at the price I paid for a pair from Parts Avatar here in Canada (under $20 US each with free shipping) I would do the same for the 'R'.

However the Stabilus for the P80 are nearer $32 each with free shipping. Still not a bad price. However they have the Lesjofors branded struts for $21 US with the free shipping but limited stocks. I know Stabilus are a long known brand for these struts but anyone know if Lesjofors are any good? Their other parts seem to be pretty reliable but didn't know they made these.

https://partsavatar.ca/volvo-v70-replac ... %20support

https://partsavatar.ca/lesjofors-lift-support-8195816

Any thoughts?

Neil.

Post by **Clemens** » 17 Oct 2021, 12:38

I can't comment on any of the two brands, bit since this is not a safery relevant nor really hard to replace part going cheap might work. but then, why do it twice if you can get a known quality part for a few bucks more only ... So I'd personally go with Stabilus

Post by **scot850** » 17 Oct 2021, 14:09

Good point. My bigger concern is not having to do this again in my ownership! With plastics getting so brittle and hard to find in good condition I'd rather not so it over too soon. In fact not looking forward to doing it all! Actually swapping the struts is easy. Removing all the plastic to get to them...AARGH!!

Neil.

Post by **FireFox31** » 17 Oct 2021, 23:10

I just got Stabilus for my 2000 V70. Now when opening the trunk, I have to quickly move out of the way so it doesn't uppercut my jaw! I spent the extra money to have long lasting parts so I don't have to remove the plastic again any time soon.

I ruined the plastic piece around the trunk ceiling light. After unscrewing it, the plastic at the base of the screws was quite stuck to the sheet metal above it. Gently pulling the panel down broke both screw bases. Now I have to epoxy those bases back in to place. I'm still trying to find an ABS glue which is thick like epoxy so I can make a "cast" around the brake. That or I'll make an ABS "washer" to bridge the gap. So, be careful when removing that panel.

And get Stabilus so you don't have to touch the plastic again. Worth it for $22 extra. At 20 years old, my old ones still slightly worked during NH winter (a lot warmer than Canadian winter).

Post by **Clemens** » 18 Oct 2021, 07:53

scot850 wrote: ↑17 Oct 2021, 14:09 Good point. My bigger concern is not having to do this again in my ownership! With plastics getting so brittle and hard to find in good condition I'd rather not so it over too soon. In fact not looking forward to doing it all! Actually swapping the struts is easy. Removing all the plastic to get to them...AARGH!!

Neil.

I actually found the removal of the plastic easier than getting the new but cheap struts mounted that I got with a load of various 850 parts from a guy moving on to p2 Volvos.

Post by **scot850** » 18 Oct 2021, 19:16

Firefox, you have found exactly what I have as to why I don't like removing these. I have used JB weld 2 part plastics epoxy for many things plastic in my Volvos. I will be using it again on my dash mount repairs over the winter.

I also have a plastics welder (like a wide tipped soldering iron powered by butane) which also came with abs filler rods.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/plastic ... 0008699134

Neil.