Struts - Torque To Yield? ('04 V70)

Post by **BobbyC777** » 26 Apr 2026, 05:25

I am getting ready to replace the struts on my '04 V70 so naturally have watched a bunch of videos. The consensus seems to be 77 ft. lbs. + 90* for attaching struts to knuckle. Normally when I see some additional tightening after the torque value has been reached, I think that the bolts are single use Torque-To-Yeild (TTY). But all the videos I saw had them reusing the original bolts and no mention of TTY. The FCP euro website has new bolts (#982870) for $12+ each but nothing about them being TTY.

Also, one needs an alignment after installing new struts so isn't the alignment shop going to be loosening & retightening them anyhow?

Advice welcome - thanks!

Post by **scot850** » 26 Apr 2026, 08:18

I have always reused the bolts unless new ones were supplied with the new strut.

There is a very small amount of movement in the strut bolt holes, When I refit I push the struts all the way inward while tightening. In theory, you should not need to have an alignment as nothing should have moved, but it is a worthwhile thing to do as it may throw up any other issues you may have not seen.

Neil.

Post by **erikv11** » 26 Apr 2026, 08:21

Yes they are stretch bolts but pretty much everyone, including the pros, just reuses them unless they are super rusted or you want to splurge. Make them really tight, even repeat the 77+90 if you want some kind of measure. I've never heard of one breaking or coming loose.

For alignment on these cars, technically only toe is adjustable (tie rods). As you've probably seen in the videos you've watched, before tightening the strut to knuckle you must push in the top of the wheel (brake disc) to set the camber to factory spec. Then camber is good to go.

The car doesn't need a wheel alignment after front strut work but it's not a bad idea if it's been a while. And if you're getting an alignment it should be a proper four wheel alignment that starts with the rears, then does the fronts at proper thrust angle.

EDIT: What Neil said, he beat me to the punch ...

Post by **Blacklab467** » 27 Apr 2026, 09:11

I've reused these bolts several time, I've also broken them in half torquing used ones, if they're not in perfect shape they actually break quite easily. If your's are any kind of rusty I'd replace them.

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Apr 2026, 09:32

Very interesting to hear, thanks for posting.

I've reused those bolts forever on all my Volvos and never broken a single one. And I've removed them so many times, definitely a few times per year, what with bad spring seats, just routinely for suspension or axle work etc. IAdmittedly they've never appeared overly rusty, but some surface rust sure. Maybe I'm not fastening them tight enough!

Post by **abscate** » 27 Apr 2026, 09:32

Per VIDA

Post by **BobbyC777** » 27 Apr 2026, 15:30

@Blacklab467 - Do they use a lot of salt on the roads in Alberta?

Post by **scot850** » 27 Apr 2026, 15:50

We do get a fair amount of salt on the roads, but worse is the liquid salt de-icing agent they use. That stuff eats through the rebar on our bridge decks!

I have re-used these bolts and so far never had an issue. However, BlackLab does make a good point on corrosion. I typically have not had to re-torque the bolts more than twice in a car's ownership so maybe I have just not seen the issue yet.

Neil.