DIY 2004 V70 Sachs Quick Strut (FCPEuro)

Post by **br0dy519** » 27 Apr 2022, 09:42

While on the subject: I have noticed that all of the Volvo-focused retailers have stopped carrying the Sachs quick struts. I have also noticed responses on some of the reviews from said retailers (iPD, FCP) that they had quality issues. I believe the issues were the the spring seats and other associated hardware up top. It's been discussed to death but should the Sachs quick struts be avoided 100%? I notice the part number is still valid on Rockauto for mine but they're out of stock. I want to do this job (my spring seats are on borrowed time) but I'd rather put all new hardware and springs in. I suppose I could buy everything a la carte, but the quick strut would be a job I'd be capable and comfortable doing. As opposed to spring compressors, or possibly getting a shop to build the spring and risk building it incorrectly as I have also seen documented as a failure cause.

Post by **cn90** » 27 Apr 2022, 11:13

The Quick Struts on my 2004 V70 from the original post from 2019 still fine 3y/20K miles later...

But I agree with you, a la carte is probably better. Once you use 3 compressors as shown, it is much safer...

TIPS: once the 3 compressors squeeze the spring enough to expose a few threads on the new strut, no need to squeeze further bc as you squeeze the spring further, the force needed is much more than when you just started. Instead, use the "cross nut" to slowly crank it down. The cross nut basically cranks down the only one coil of the spring. This also allows me to do the fine adjustment on the spring to be sure it is seated properly...

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Apr 2022, 13:45

20k is barely more than no data. Even so, maybe cn90 got a set that doesn't fail, the eternal N = 1 problem.

The overall track record is what matters, you go with that over the report from one user. I'd avoid Sachs quick-struts entirely.

Post by **br0dy519** » 27 Apr 2022, 14:06

Sad because the quick strut concept is amazing for us DIYers. Looks like I'll be assembling a kit. Does anyone have a bill of material that's easily accessible to "build our own"

Post by **cn90** » 27 Apr 2022, 14:14

I already posted the list of items above...

Post by **br0dy519** » 27 Apr 2022, 14:44

Oops... paint me purple... thanks for that !!

Post by **cn90** » 27 Apr 2022, 22:50

I understand @abscate got a bad Quick Struts with broken spring, are there more reports out there?

Just wondering what the "overall failure rate" for Quick Strut is..
I know it is not scientific because the sample size (denominator) is unknown, but it is what it is...

If anyone knows a thread or posts documeting Quick Strut failure, I'd like to know EXACTLY which item failed...

Post by **cn90** » 27 Apr 2022, 23:09

I wonder if @FCPEuro could build their own Quick Struts using what they have in their warehouse, using only high-quality items such as Lesjofors, Sachs vs Bilstein, Febi bearing plate and Sachs seat etc. etc. etc.
Whaterever the best bang for the buck.

Assemble them, charge maybe $10-$20 extra for the labor of assembling the items (they have professional spring compressor), then sell it as FCPEuro Quick Strut.

I am sure there are quite a few people out there who don't have spring compressors, or are afraid of spring compressors, and just want a quick installation.

This would be a good selling item for FCPEuro.

Just my 2 cents...

Post by **abscate** » 28 Apr 2022, 03:33

I think I would happily pay $60 a piece for assembled labor. I gave my indie $100 to do mine on his kit back in 2014

Post by **erikv11** » 28 Apr 2022, 08:07

I'd do it for $50 per side

But then you have shipping expense too ...

DIY 2004 V70 Sachs Quick Strut (FCPEuro)

Re: DIY 2004 V70 Sachs Quick Strut (FCPEuro)