DIY: Front Suspension Rebuild (2005 XC90 2.5T AWD with 120K) Topic is solved

DirkSteele · Post by **DirkSteele** » 15 Aug 2024, 14:59

Great write-up, I'm going to follow this to refresh my suspension on my 2011 XC90. However, the video for the 'FCPEuro Trick for ABS Bracket' is now private. What is the trick? Thanks!

chitownV · Post by **chitownV** » 15 Aug 2024, 18:33

Don't forget to review this link too because it has long-term feedback on the different parts. You don't want to do a job twice just because a part only lasted 1-2 years.
https://www.swedespeed.com/threads/chit ... ts.590829/

Post by **xHeart** » 31 Mar 2026, 14:52

2013A XC90 3.2 - Front suspension refresh with following parts after 172,000 on all OE.
Any thoughts on IPD HD Spring Seat?

- Bilstein B4 Struts (Germany)
- Coil Springs: Lesjofors (Sweden)
- Metal Plate/Bump Stop/Rubber Boot (and Ring) combo: Reuse Volvo
- Strut Seat: IPD HD (made in India)
- Strut Bearing: Febi (Germany)

- Meyle Control Arm (made in Turkey)
- Endlinks: Lemforder (Germany)

- All new Volvo fasteners

Post by **ggleavitt** » 01 Apr 2026, 11:57

My personal experience with IPD "HD" spring seats. V8 has 33 springs, 2.5 had 31. Entirely possible improvements were made since 2018. I use Volvo for spring seats, worth the extra money IMO.
https://goo.gl/photos/9nsqr2Xq5YZFpbvp9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dQpZLeQMsyEMXXzz2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Kzs7tQ515DNMlf6H3

Post by **cn90** » 02 Apr 2026, 08:48

The spring seat is basically a metal cup coated with rubber.
After all these years, you'd think they improve the design...lol

I stick to Volvo spring seat bc it is the devil I know.

Post by **erikv11** » 02 Apr 2026, 19:38

The metal-cup-coated-with-rubber part (spring seat) is failsafe and seems a good design. The weak spot in the design is the free-floating steel cylinder in the middle (for the central strut shaft), supported only by the surrounding rubber. If well made with quality rubber then they last a very long time. They are usually not well made though, as we know ...

Recently, for P2 cars, I have been buying Sachs spring seats from FCP. Two sets so far (for two different cars). They are half the price of the Volvo ones. I figured since they are easy to replace, and I can always fall back on the warranty if needed, and probably the same part as the Volvo ones (yes, hard to know, I realize), that it's worth the $30 per side savings.

They haven't gone out on me yet but we're only at like 30k on each set.

Post by **cn90** » 03 Apr 2026, 09:36

From an engineering stand point, the rubber near the center round sleeve is the issue.

I'd not say it is easy to replace. It is easy for us DIYers here but for the average person, this costs a lot of $ at local shops...the labor charge!

It is the same PN for S60 (lighter car) and XC90 (a heavier car!). Go figure!

Post by **xHeart** » 07 Apr 2026, 06:40

Yes, the center is separating from the cup on passenger side. The spring looks very good but shock has failed - does not return after pressed.

Post by **xHeart** » 08 Apr 2026, 06:19

What is safe way to release control arm from the balljoint?
TIA

Post by **ZionXIX** » 08 Apr 2026, 23:48

xHeart wrote: 08 Apr 2026, 06:19 MVS_XC90_6401.jpg

What is safe way to release control arm from the balljoint?
TIA

A ball joint press and a few carefully placed hits with a hammer is a good place to start.