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When to Replace Struts?

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's stylish, distinctive P2 platform cars sold as model years 2001-2007 (North American market year designations).

2001 - 2007 V70
2001 - 2004 V70 XC (Cross Country)
2004 - 2007 XC70 (Cross Country)
2001 - 2009 S60
2003 - 2007 S60 R
2004 - 2007 V70 R
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Fishheadbarandgrill
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Year and Model: S60, 2003
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When to Replace Struts?

Post by Fishheadbarandgrill »

2003 S60 256K miles. Original owner. The car seems to drive fine but I can't believe my struts are still doing the job like they should.
Thoughts?

Thanks,
Bob
Southport, NC
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matthew1
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Post by matthew1 »

Well, the Classic method used for decades on cars of every type is this: push down on the bumper, front and rear. If it comes straight back up, they're good. If it bounces a bit, they're bad.

That's a lot of miles for the original struts, but not unheard of.
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deano1
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Post by deano1 »

If the car seems to be in good control in turns when experiencing rough or uneven pavement that's a good sign they're still doing the job they were intended for.
But that upper bearing will get stiff and start making noise over time and could definitely use lubrication.
Plus if you're in the rust belt, the upper spring seat will deteriorate and could fail, that could be catastrophic if it happens when driving so
whole strut assembly should be inspected just as a matter of good maintenance.
Cheers Dean
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jonesg  
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Post by jonesg »

I inspected my struts, they're still there.
Good enough for me.
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Krons
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Post by Krons »

All preference (well safety too) on how much bounce squeaks and rattles you can put up with.
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abscate
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Post by abscate »

My favourite before/after strut photo is here…..
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Krons
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Post by Krons »

abscate wrote: ↑06 Aug 2022, 02:47 My favourite before/after strut photo is here…..
Why would you batter and deep fry your struts?
:lol:
I bet they tasted terrible, even with the "extra crispy" recipe.
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jonesg  
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Post by jonesg »

abscate wrote: ↑06 Aug 2022, 02:47 My favourite before/after strut photo is here…..
that looks like salt water damage.
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erikv11
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Post by erikv11 »

abscate wrote: ↑06 Aug 2022, 02:47 My favourite before/after strut photo is here…..
Which one is before?
'95 854 T-5R, Motronic 4.4, 185k
'98 V70, T5 tune-injectors-turbo, LPT engine, 304k, daily driver
'06 S60 R, 197k
'07 XC70, black, 205k
'07 XC70, willow green, 212k
'99 Camry V6 :shock: 153k
gone: '96 NA 850 210k, '98 NA V70 182k, '98 S70 NA 225k, '96 855 NA 169k
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jonesg  
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Post by jonesg »

erikv11 wrote: ↑07 Aug 2022, 21:28
abscate wrote: ↑06 Aug 2022, 02:47 My favourite before/after strut photo is here…..
Which one is before?
its obvious, just look at the brake hose.
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