Which Struts? 06 S40 T5 AWD Topic is solved

ktklobe · Post by **ktklobe** » 13 Feb 2019, 06:40

I’ve seen some discussion on here and throughout the web about the FW and AWD utilizing the same front struts. 06 S40 T5 AWD is what I’ve got. Everything I’m finding, that’s not $56 USD is for FW only(what websites are saying). I know I’d seen something somewhere here about this, but I can’t seem to find it again. I’ve looked at the Blistein HD BIL-35110743 strut pair because I thought it fit the AWD...but alas I may be wrong. I don’t let my daughters drive this on the highway because it chatters all over the road when you hit a bump. My MR2 would have killed me with this by now. If anyone has recommendations for a solid setup I could really use the help. I’m not looking to corner like Mario or for F1 performance, but stability would be great. I’m still learning the Volvo, so an assembly, as to putting something together(if available) would be a lot gentler on me. Thanks again guys, all of the previous help has been appreciated.

V50Operator · Post by **V50Operator** » 08 Mar 2019, 20:05

Hi ktklobe,

I've been lurking here for about a decade, but never created an account 'til now, because I felt like I could answer your question.

I just ordered these for my '05 V50 T5 last week, they have not arrived yet, but they were affordable and seem to be what you might be looking for, too.
Here's what I ordered and the price:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dcPAi9 ... sp=sharing

https://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAmer ... mk=46&mt=1

Does that fit the bill?

PaddyB · Post by **PaddyB** » 07 Apr 2019, 16:26

Hi

FWD & AWD S40 T5s have the same struts - the difference in ride height is achieved using spacers, which you can reuse when you change the springs & shocks.

Have a look at the build plate - it's on the inside of the B-pillar of the rear passenger door. This details the suspension setup the car left the factory with, there's a thread on here or IPD on how to interpret it.

I've just bought some Bilstein B4s & Eibach lowering springs with a 25mm drop, which is close enough to the 20mm drop the stock "dynamic chassis" springs have. I'll be fitting them later this week.

Check your lower control arm bushings - chattering around on uneven surfaces suggests they may need refreshing.

Cheers Paddy

ktklobe · Post by **ktklobe** » 08 Apr 2019, 19:00

Sorry for the late reply. We’ve been getting a mobile cycling repair business off the ground.... I’ll check this out and get back, thank you!

Ronnieboy · Post by **Ronnieboy** » 05 Feb 2023, 12:43

I know this to be an older post but having recently acquired a 2005 V50 AWD that needs struts I found the FWD and AWD are NOT the same. It must be a difference in dampening rates as the physical housing is identical. This makes sense as the AWD versions of the S40/V50 would have more weight over the front than a FWD version. At first I was happy to find a kit at FCP but on further detailed inspection those kit struts are NOT for AWD. In fact, the only struts FCP shows for AWD are genuine Volvo at a higher price and are not in a kit. When you look closely at the kit individual part numbers, the right-side strut does not show to crossover to the Volvo part number. I went to Bilstein's, SACH's, and other web sites directly and they do NOT make an AWD strut for these models. While the FWD versions will physical fit, they are not internally designed for AWD.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 05 Feb 2023, 18:59

Ronnieboy wrote: ↑05 Feb 2023, 12:43 I know this to be an older post but having recently acquired a 2005 V50 AWD that needs struts I found the FWD and AWD are NOT the same. It must be a difference in dampening rates as the physical housing is identical. This makes sense as the AWD versions of the S40/V50 would have more weight over the front than a FWD version. At first I was happy to find a kit at FCP but on further detailed inspection those kit struts are NOT for AWD. In fact, the only struts FCP shows for AWD are genuine Volvo at a higher price and are not in a kit. When you look closely at the kit individual part numbers, the right-side strut does not show to crossover to the Volvo part number. I went to Bilstein's, SACH's, and other web sites directly and they do NOT make an AWD strut for these models. While the FWD versions will physical fit, they are not internally designed for AWD.

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IPD shows quite a few struts that work for the AWD and is compatible with other P1's. I don't believe manufacturers including Volvo will spec a strut for just a few pounds. Two 250lb front passengers vs 2 150lb passengers are a huge difference on the suspension. The difference has to be made up in the spring rate as it's much easier to manufacture besides cheaper and basically no development needed as compared with struts.

1AAuto has Lifetime Guarantee on Quick Struts. Since it's an easy install it might be the way to go. The video should be the same for all P1's. We have Koni's up front and Bilsteins in the back on our 08 C30 T5 2.0 M66. For our 05 GS430 we are using the TRQ set of struts and shocks and they work well.
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https://www.ipdusa.com/Catalog/Index?CA ... archwords=
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https://www.1aauto.com/volvo-c30-c70-s4 ... 75387/2005
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: 05 V50 AWD.png (256.23 KiB) Viewed 1375 times

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Post by **MoVolvos** » 05 Feb 2023, 19:29

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CARID shows quite a few struts for the AWD and it list the Bilstein B6. However, the same strut is listed for FWD on RockAuto and with basically no struts for an AWD.

https://www.carid.com/2005-volvo-v50-sh ... l+Drive%29

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https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/vol ... strut,7584

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Ronnieboy · Post by **Ronnieboy** » 06 Feb 2023, 13:35

Like I said, Rock Auto lists no struts for AWD, and when you click AWD on Carid the only OE suspension parts listed are stabilizer bar among others but not struts. Go to Bilstein's & SACH's own web-sites and click AWD, no struts are listed. FCP shows a kit where the two struts (SACHS) are for two different chassis codes, when going to the fitment tab AWD is not listed.
Having worked professionally 40+ years exclusively on Volvos, I have replaced 100s of struts, if not more. When installing any part the warranty is void if the part installed is not specific to the vehicle including chassis code when applicable. Volvo will not warranty a part that is not specific to that vehicle. IPD only shows genuine Volvo struts for AWD.
I know in the aftermarket anything goes and I'm not pointing out anyone is wrong for what they do with their own vehicles. My point is that the aftermarket does not provide an identical replacement strut for the vehicles I mentioned except for genuine Volvo struts by matching part number.
When identifying parts I use VIDA to acquire part numbers based on the specific vehicle profile, I then try to find the OEM manufacturer.
Volvo has been known to contractually obligate manufacturers to NOT make available parts to the aftermarket. For example, we used to be able to get 240, 740 & 850 new TRW steering racks, complete with new tie rod ends for $150-200. Volvo renegotiated their contract with TRW after which the racks were unavailable except through a Volvo dealer at 2-3 times the cost.
To reiterate, the only direct replacement struts for my V50 are only available as genuine Volvo.
I know, "shut-up" and use the alternatives, except I can get genuine for not much more than the incorrect replacements.

Post by **Krons** » 12 Feb 2023, 06:44

I’ve had decent results with TRQ stuff (A1 link above), I know it won’t last as long as genuine Volvo but it’s loads better than worn out Volvo. All depends on how long you’ll keep the car and expectations.

Just got TRQ CV shafts delivered yesterday for my C70.