Front strut shopping list?

Post by **Wagonizer** » 03 Jun 2008, 23:28

BTW, I'm having my shocks and struts replaced and my excellent mechanic insisted that replacing the strut covers (only 10 bux ea at fcp) is very important. I went the get everything replaceable route as my car is pushing 350,000 mi.

best

Bradford

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jun 2008, 07:45

Good idea! I suppose you're talking about spring seats? Just be cautious that FCP sells some ScanTech parts which are known to wear out in less than a year's driving. Cheap is not always better.

Post by **Wagonizer** » 04 Jun 2008, 08:12

Hi MIJ,

He was talking about the cylindrical bellows shaped plastic (rubber?) guard that goes over the top of the strut to protect the cylinder from dust. Which I think is called the "strut dust boot". There's no picture of it on FCP's site and I can't fire up Vadis right now.

Now, after reading your reply, I'm thinking I made a mistake getting the cheaper spring seats:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... ory_id/185

and strut mounts:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/p ... ory_id/185

Do you think these are the crappy Scantechs that wear out quickly? If so I'll exchange them and bite the bullet. I usually buy OEM but wanted to avoid spending $150 on boring mounts.

Thanks once again in advance for any info.

Bradford

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 04 Jun 2008, 08:32

I would give them a call...if you ordered on line and kept your order number it shouldn't be too hard to track your order down and even change it if necessary. I don't think the strut mounts are such a bid deal even if they are scantech...it's the rubber part that the struts come in contact with that wear out quickly...but if you ordered XC90 pieces they should hold up much longer anyway, one would think.

Post by **Wagonizer** » 04 Jun 2008, 09:57

Thanks... I just called them and they said the aftermarket seats they sell aren't Scantechs, are made by MTC or APA industries and are good but I googled MTC and APA and came up with nothing. Then the package just arrived and one of the dust boots wasn't OEM and was an inch or two shorter then the OEM one (and not marked volvo) so I decided to send that back with the questionable seats and ordered the OEM ones, and ordered another boot making sure they send me an OEM one. The mounts seem fine (URO parts) but look exactly the same as the ones on the scantech site. I've become paranoid about part quality as a volvo owner- I had a Ford Bronco II and never cared about the cheap parts I put in it and so many parts went south. My Volvo on the other hand was dealer serviced up until I got it with OEM parts and I want to continue my maintenance with them. Even with all its miles its one of the nicest cars I've ever driven so I really want to keep it in great shape.

It might not make a difference but might anyone ordering the strut dust boots might want to make sure they get the OEM ones (which are marked Volvo Germany).

best
B