2011 xc70 front strut replacement?

davewave365 · Post by **davewave365** » 27 May 2022, 08:35

I need to replace the front struts in my 2011 XC70.

The VADIS manual shows having to separate the lower ball joint on the bottom of the hub (in addition to the sway bar and strut pinch bolt).

I found a YT video demoing a strut replacement (they said a P1 but the setup looked the same as the P3), without separating the ball joint, but just loosing up the axle bolt in the hub, and tapping the axel loose to get some slack so it does not pop out of the transmission.

Can this job be done without separating the lower ball joint?

Video in question:

Bonus question: I would rather not screw around with rebuilding the whole strut assembly.If I go the rebuild route, you have to check data codes on the car to make sure the springs match, which gets complicated I noticed I can get complete assemblies (strut, spring, etc) already built). Do these really drop right in? It seems to only variance is active vs non active suspension.

Thanks!

-dave

burritoh · Post by **burritoh** » 26 Sep 2022, 12:51

Unfortunately no. The XC70 has longer springs which makes it nearly impossible to get the LCA low enough to pull the strut out of the knuckle. Here's a great writeup:
viewtopic.php?f=31&t=99052

Post by **pgill** » 27 Sep 2022, 08:50

Dave,

I can't answer your question specifically because I don't know. I suspect if you compress the spring using a simple spring compressor that it might be possible. (I will try this and if it doesn't work then I will take everything apart

I haven't replaced my front struts for my 2010 S80
(but I did buy a set and it is on my list)

And I haven't replaced my struts on my 2008 LR3
(The other P3 Volvo without a Volvo Badge)

When I do get to it I will be using this video from KYB

The procedure should be nearly identical for your XC70.

Take care

Paul

davewave365 · Post by **davewave365** » 27 Sep 2022, 10:03

Thanks for the video...that looks very informative. I'll have to double check the suspension setup is the same, it does look similar. I got stuck trying to get the ball joint loose.

vanguardzerosixxer · Post by **vanguardzerosixxer** » 08 Apr 2023, 11:10

sir - i have the 2009 XC70 and I want to replace both the ball joint pinch bolt and the knuckle to strut pinch bolt.

i believe they are the same.

how would i order these? where?

i think the top of the bolts read "10.3"

respectfully,
George