Have my shocks and struts failed?

Post by **FireFox31** » 29 Nov 2022, 22:38

I just bought a 1998 V70 T5M and found that it has Bilstein B6 HD shocks and struts. How can I tell if these parts are working or have failed? Or could the springs be at fault?

The car is sitting low, especially in the rear. In the picture, there are four spare wheels in the trunk, but they shouldn't weigh it down that much. One rear spring is snapped yet both sides in the rear sit equally low.

I can't evaluate how they handle while driving because the car is still the first stages of rehab. It's on six year old, flat spot tires. I'm driving it very gently for now.

I would like stock handling, comfortable ride, and the ability to haul loads up to 800 lbs (plus 1-2 passengers). How can I tell if old Bilsteins can meet these needs? Thanks.

Post by **scot850** » 29 Nov 2022, 23:32

Fronts look ok, as do rear shocks. Clean them and cover the rust. Rear springs obviously will make a difference. Front springs look like they may have sunk a little too.

The only static test is to do the old corner bounce test and see if the shocks settle the bounce quickly. It is hard to tell if the shocks are good if they are gas filled, fluid filled you would see oil leakage.

I would replace the rear springs and tires first and see how the car drives.

Neil.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 30 Nov 2022, 01:44

scot850 wrote: ↑29 Nov 2022, 23:32 I would replace the rear springs and tires first and see how the car drives.

I second this. I have no experience with Bilstein's offerings for Volvo, but I have them on my Chevy truck, for the second time..... the same pair. I took them off after many years/miles, and installed some low-end KYB shocks. The KYB's felt more worn new out of the box than the Bilsteins I removed, so the Bilsteins went onto my parts shelf. The KYB's stayed on a few years, and I put the Bilsteins back on. I could easily feel the difference. Biltstein makes a high quality shock, for sure.

Post by **abscate** » 30 Nov 2022, 05:00

800 pound load? Go for the IPD Blue HD. I run them on two of my 1999s that tow boats.

I have a thread in measuring rear fender height to assess spring wear somewhere here. Shock replacement is easy but you can’t do the bounce test until you have good springs on it. The spring shock pair has to match to get critical damping.

Post by **Sveedy** » 30 Nov 2022, 07:34

Really guys !?!? Come on. Time for some " tough love ". Those shocks are every bit as good as that exhaust, which is every bit as good as those springs. You found yourself a nice ride. Why frustrate yourself repeatedly dealing with rusty crap. Put the car up on some wheel cribs
( yes they are safe - research ), buy new components, and take your time and restore your baby properly. You'll be much happier in the end.

Edit - I meant to say struts instead of shocks, but still the same end point.

Post by **scot850** » 30 Nov 2022, 08:07

I agree with you Sveedy to some level, but as I am retired and finances are not as plentiful (they never were!). I am practical in that yes you can do all that stuff, but the Bilstiens may look crusty, they are probably just fine with a lick of paint. Why replace perfectly good stuff unnecessarily? Replacing what is necessary first round to get the car reliably mobile then you can decide if/when you do the other upgrades and look out for deals on parts.

My Bilsteins look crusty but they have only done less than 15,000 miles in Canadian weather. I cleaned them up and painted them and they are fine. Spending money where it is actually needed like the rear springs, service items are the best stage 0 initial spend.

On the HD rear springs from IPD. My buddy fitted them to his 00 V70. I thought it would make the car hard to be in but they are just fine. He even ran the car 2800km with the car 250kg overloaded on them and he said the car did it without complaint. Car now has over 200k miles on it.

Neil.

Post by **Sveedy** » 30 Nov 2022, 08:43

" probably just fine with a lick of paint. "

I sure hope you didn't work in the aviation repair industry.

Post by **scot850** » 30 Nov 2022, 09:54

Nope, but that would be a different perspective! Bilstein make good product but the paint is a little 'iffy' in the salt up here.

Neil.

Post by **BlackBart** » 30 Nov 2022, 10:54

Some of this is clearly geographical perspective and what you grew up around. What Sveedy and I might see as a rusty disaster needing restoration, some in New England might see as "pop in a new pair of springs and bushings and you're good to go for another 50k!"

There are also interpretations of restore / refurbish / repair / just get it running.

My gut is I wouldn't spend a dime on those struts until I pulled them and tested the inserts. Same with the rears. You need NEW springs. I like low, but not collapsed low. I would replace the exhaust, even with a local muffler shop-made steel system. Or have them use factory mufflers with shop-bent pipes. It will last a few years in that climate I assume.

<EDIT> - I also realize there may be other life priorities to deal with.

Post by **erikv11** » 30 Nov 2022, 13:14

The struts look old but you can't tell much more by looking at them. Testing the inserts is a good idea. May be fine, may be shot.

Condition of the struts and shocks has nothing to do with ride height, that's all on the springs. Front struts can change the ride height. iff the spring perch is in a different location, but that's the only way.