98 V70 base shock and strut refresh questions!

[scot850]

The only parts I plan to replace are:

Front Suspension

1) Front spring seats
2) Front struts
3) The bump stops
4) The strut boots

I have a really good set of used top strut bearings and with the mileage on her car currently the current ones are likely still good (no noises).

The anti-sway bar end links still look new with no play, but I have at least 2 good lightly used sets if we find them worn on removal. The control arms and ball joints are in good shape and are more recent replacements.

The only new bolt/nut will be the top strut nut which should come with the Bilstein struts. I will re-use all the others, and if any look suspect I have many spares of each. The only other part I may add is the front strut 'star' nut as I have seen these with badly worn threads.

If we need to remove the ball-joint it is the only bolt/nut I always replace! Normally splitting the strut above the hub assembly/knuckle it is not necessary to remove the ball joint or even the brakes. Worst case, I will remove the control arm inner pivot bolts.

I have to check the front brakes as I said on a brief inspection they looked like the pads were badly worn. I didn't have time to pull the wheels to measure the remaining rotor thickness to see if they can run another set of pads. Either way I have a set of donated rotors and pads I can swap in from my 'pay-it forward' pile! I trade and swap parts, many that are given to me buy former P80 and P2 owners just wanting the parts out of their garages. I swap and trade the parts I don't think I will need for service parts. Sometimes I am given service parts that were never used and they can be donated onto the owners I support locally to keep their cars running. I saw the owners face drop when she remembered they mentioned the brakes were needing done soon as well. So if I can work the replacement for free then that is a bonus! The lady in question is a fiercely independent single mom caring for 4 kids, however, if we can slip this free repair in then it is one less bill she has to worry about.

Like I said, on my own car I will usually replace all parts with new Volvo parts (if still available!). I am fortunate to A) not need my car as a daily vehicle that has to work, and B) while not by any stretch wealthy, we are able to get by on our pensions.

As for the rear, I will just swap the rear shocks, and I will buy a set of rear shock top mounts just in case they are oval or breaking up. If they are not needed they will get added to the PIF pile.

As I mentioned before, all the springs are good, but I have an almost new set of rear Lesjofors wagon springs I fitted to my now sold 00 V70 NA SE. My buddy swapped them out early in his ownership for IPD HD springs, so they are taking up space in his garage he wants back! So he is donating them to the PIF pile.

As we don't have a huge amount of money, this is my way of giving back to fellow Volvo owners locally. I don't accept payment for any of my time or labor, so the owners know up front they are paying for the parts. I source the cheapest good quality parts and the likes of Rock Auto are great (other than having shipping costs) as you can put all the parts in a basket and e-mail it to the car owner. That way they know what they are paying for and they trust me enough to get the best deals for them, and I take no cut of the part prices.

I pass this help forward just as our friend Robert DIY and many others on MVS also do. My 'reward' is the thanks from hard working friends in the Volvo community that I have had so much support from over 50+ years.

Neil.

[Fortheminne]

I pass this help forward just as our friend Robert DIY and many others on MVS also do. My 'reward' is the thanks from hard working friends in the Volvo community that I have had so much support from over 50+ years.

Neil.

It’s great to see someone paying it forward in the Volvo community! Sounds like you’ve put together a solid plan to keep these cars on the road without breaking the bank, and that you're ready with plenty of spare parts if needed. It’s awesome that you’re supporting others, especially in such a meaningful way. Keep up the amazing work!

[scot850]

Many thanks for the encouragement! There are others MVS members out there doing the same thing and MVS members having been helping others out for years with parts. I am fortunate to be able to do this while my health holds out (hopefully for a good few years yet!) now I am retired.

I have the 02 XC70 back just now for work that was still needed and for a suspension bush check over. My ex-Volvo mechanic friend and I just (well mostly him!) just swapped the faulty 02 sensors, and very crusty fuel filter. We identified the bushes that are most needy at the front and rear and will order on Black Friday sales hopefully.

I've also managed to break loose the brake bleeders and flushed the brakes. Ideally next time need to organize new bleed screws. Put better used tires on from our son's car (replacing the 12+ year old ones with 6 year old ones). Also have a few other smaller tasks but also need to confirm if the front wheel bearings are going. Hoping it is just the old hard tires! Otherwise the car runs sweetly again.

There is a lot of satisfaction in helping others that need help. The best part is the owners wanting to learn so they are better placed to know when they are getting ripped off. Some of the young guys just want to learn how to repair their cars themselves. That is probably the most rewarding.

Neil.