2004 XC70 Rear Spring it's the spring not the muffler

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 16 Jul 2019, 16:09

Just because I hate myself I priced this repair at a local dealer. About $190 each for springs and struts (that's $760 for both parts for both sides) plus other hardware (mounts, etc.) - likely ~$850 parts total. Plus who knows how many hours "labor" (at least 3 hr at $125/hr or more). Plus they don't have the springs or struts in stock. That's likely ~$1,200 to replace right and left rear struts and springs and I have to wait for parts.

Found this useful link plus the pdf linked within:
http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/showthrea ... post187448
http://www.volvoxc.com/0/resources/how- ... -shock.pdf

From what I've learned, if I figure out how to remove the broken left rear spring I can fairly easily (famous last words) replace both sides with "quick struts" for ~$250 total (total for both sides) plus my time. And it seems the primary issue is relieving of the tension on the broken spring (that is pinned between its normal upper spring seat/strut mount and the lower control arm as in the images above) while it remains in place in the vehicle. Will a standard spring compressor do this? I don't have one but it seems like a good investment (and some seem safe) or can be loaned from AutoZone. It seems like a tight and awkward fit but on the other hand if the something fails the spring can't go anywhere.

Or can the control arm be lowered enough to relieve the tension?

There must be ways developed to remove a broken spring in place since this seems to be a fairly common occurrence.

After all that, what type of performance is expected from third party quick struts at $250/pair? Presumably better than a broken spring.

Post by **abscate** » 16 Jul 2019, 18:35

The Volvo parts cost about 4 times as much and will last about 4x longer.

You can save by buying the Volvo parts online, taking them to a garage and having them build the struts for one hour labour, putting them on yourself.

If you want to borrow my spring compressor, let me know. In Boston area weekly.

This is on the 2004 P2, right? I haven't done mine yet as my previous owner was nice enough to replace all mine before I bought it. The more I 'overpaid' for this (clean retail price from Jim) the more new parts I find for the win.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 16 Jul 2019, 21:37

enotslim wrote: ↑16 Jul 2019, 16:09
http://www.volvoxc.com/0/resources/how- ... -shock.pdf

From what I've learned, if I figure out how to remove the broken left rear spring I can fairly easily (famous last words) replace both sides with "quick struts" for ~$250 total (total for both sides) plus my time. And it seems the primary issue is relieving of the tension on the broken spring (that is pinned between its normal upper spring seat/strut mount and the lower control arm as in the images above) while it remains in place in the vehicle. Will a standard spring compressor do this? I don't have one but it seems like a good investment (and some seem safe) or can be loaned from AutoZone. It seems like a tight and awkward fit but on the other hand if the something fails the spring can't go anywhere.

Or can the control arm be lowered enough to relieve the tension?

There must be ways developed to remove a broken spring in place since this seems to be a fairly common occurrence.

After all that, what type of performance is expected from third party quick struts at $250/pair? Presumably better than a broken spring.

The link to removing the rear strut assembly makes it seem straight forward enough. Just need the strap to relieve the spring tension in order to remove the entire assembly without using the spring compressor.

Then it's the "Quick Struts" In and Out. I know we love our Volvos but you never know what will happened to it in the next year or two. Putting that much money into OE just does not seem like a good investment. The forum link shows springs that are fairly new or has never seen a lot of rust. They all seem be broken near the spring perch also. Perhaps Volvo purchased a bad batch / lot of them. Maybe the "Quick Struts" won't have the same issue?

Post by **abscate** » 17 Jul 2019, 03:35

If it’s a go around town only type of car, two more options

Junkyard replacement, cheap, but twice the labor and not of the fun type. You do get to practice the removal though

Just replace one. Standard practice is to replace both to provide the same springing on each side , butthis is liability driven and not engineering driven. In the rear, with these robust suspensions, worth’s considering on a lightly used car that’s you might want another 2-3 years

For me, at 65 mph on the mass pike, it’s Volvo parts x2 and a weekend of fun

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 17 Jul 2019, 05:43

Ok ok... enough already!! Look.. one 13 mm bolt in the trunk area...2 17/18mm bolts to the underside of the spring seat housing in the wheel well...1- 18 mm on lower A arm... whatever you want to call it. You don't need to relieve the "spring pressure" .. just unbolt that $π√¥ and pull it out as one assembly. You know, personally, I've had good success with used "Volvo" parts from Erie Volvo ..they may have a set of what we would call a quick strut assembly. Or you can go new and pay the exorbitant fee..or go with new quick struts like I posted earlier like ones from 1A auto. Or ..buy a Honda.

enotslim · Post by **enotslim** » 17 Jul 2019, 07:55

Thanks. It does seem simpler than I thought. And I do tend to perseverate, but for me it's a learning process and some of my questions extend to areas not entirely relevant to the goal of the original post. (I do realize there is medication for that.) I really had no idea what was involved (despite significant online reading) when submitting the original post.

Regarding safety how exactly do coli spring compressors usually fail? And would using more than two compression tools on a single spring be safer (if even possible)? Three would seem to be extremely stable - like a tripod compared to a two-legged ladder.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Jul 2019, 08:03

Its easier when you have done it and got all the visuals. Trying to scope out a job to see if you want to tackle it is difficult and why we are here.

Spring options - Lesjofors are $50 a side, well respected brand for those. Are you sure your shocks are bad? You might just put some springs on them and see how they damp the bouncing.

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 17 Jul 2019, 15:40

Yeah.. sorry slim.. not trying to be a jerk. But some mechanics want you to be "spooked" so you don't DIY. The real deal is...an 2004 XC70... the shocks are probably wore out... unless the chassis has fifty thousand miles... and even then they can be worn. As far as saftey is concerned...jack up wagon on stable, level ground after you chaulk the passenger side wheel...I use 2 bricks. one in the front and one in the rear. I usually break the lug bolts loose before I jack it up. Remove wheel... loosen and remove all upper bolts first. Remove bottom completely .. get a big heavy rubber mallet and " wack it" @ the bottom. It will probably fall out at that point. You'll have to decide..new , used , or cheap parts. Once you remove them from the chassis... decide if want a shop to just replace the springs. The good spring compressors have a lock pin so that it can't slip off the spring. Personally...I would call Erie Volvo.. see if they have a pair of good ones. unbolt the old ones.. install new/used ones and call it done. My opinion..MDK

Post by **MoVolvos** » 17 Jul 2019, 21:33

-
Can anyone confirm this? Is it Nivo? Looks like what we've been discussing.

# OEM VOLVO XC70 AWD 01-07 _ REAR NIVO SHOCK MOUNT SPRING PAD HUB RUBBER.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-VOLVO-XC70 ... SwBPxchUvJ

MDK · Post by **MDK** » 18 Jul 2019, 16:05

Well movolvo... it's not nivomat because according to the photo all you have their is a pair of springs and upper spring mounts..nivomat shock is self - leveling don't see a shock in the picture....hmm

2004 XC70 Rear Spring it's the spring not the muffler

Re: it's the spring not the muffler