DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Front Bilstein TC Strut Tips/Tricks Topic is solved

Post by **scot850** » 19 Jul 2018, 16:44

I'm not convinced Volvo is still using the same supplier for the spring seats. I believe they used to be Sachs for OE but the rumor is they are now supplied by Rein. If so, I would go for Sachs over OE if that is true from FCP.

Neil.

Post by **erikv11** » 19 Jul 2018, 17:05

mecheng wrote: ↑19 Jul 2018, 15:16 Thanks guys and I assume the improved Volvo spring seat design is a proprietary part made by Volvo, only available from the dealer

Definitely not made by Volvo, but as per Neil I don;t know who makes it now either.

They didn't change the design, they used the existing XC90 part/design.

Ironically things have circled around, what you want now is NOS!

Post by **mecheng** » 23 Jul 2018, 08:31

The job was going relatively smooth until I encounter the star nut, what a royal pain in the butt. Took me 1.5 hrs to remove it.
It looks like it sunk into the rubber seat and I had to use a angle grinder, pipe wrench, hacksaw and eventually I was able to turn it and destroy it. I have to buy new start nuts, dealer only according to my parts guy, $13 each LOL

Any tips to make that part of the job easier. Note to self, don't wait until the spring seat is completely fubar in the future.

Post by **abscate** » 23 Jul 2018, 09:18

I really like that positive attach point spring compressor. When my cheap one (JCW?) popped off my spring and went 3 meters into the air, I almost caught it in the trash can on the way down.

Post by **mecheng** » 23 Jul 2018, 10:08

abscate wrote: ↑23 Jul 2018, 09:18 I really like that positive attach point spring compressor. When my cheap one (JCW?) popped off my spring and went 3 meters into the air, I almost caught it in the trash can on the way down.

Yeah its great, it takes a little more time to add the u bolts but I like that it locks. Its Made in Canada which is how things were 10-15 yrs ago, a relic at that!

Post by **abscate** » 25 Jul 2018, 05:14

That has to be camera pincushion in that pic, the spring can’t be bending those 19mm bolts as shown?

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 25 Jul 2018, 08:48

abscate wrote: ↑23 Jul 2018, 09:18 When my cheap one (JCW?) popped off my spring and went 3 meters into the air, I almost caught it in the trash can on the way down.

abscate, did you keep your threads lubed and did you inspect that spring compressor thoroughly every time you used it? Which is what I've been doing with my set of spring compressors. I inspect and lube threads before and after use and keep them in their plastic case so no sand gets on the threads or anything. I'm asking because I've been using a pair of spring compressors, already for three jobs, and am wondering if I should just pony up for the clamshell style one.

Post by **mecheng** » 25 Jul 2018, 10:56

I confirmed that the dealer spring seats are
Rein. The dealer let me compare them, the Rein parts have Volvo scratched off them, you can see it in the picture. No more rumour, 100% true. Hopefully they hold up, it was a bit of a nightmare working in the humidity.

Yes abscate, the 3/4” bolts are flexing. I’m glad metal is ductile and they are probably grade 5. The sprang back straight when I was done. The springs have a lot of tension in them. Note to those doing this, make sure your attach the compressor stretched as far apart as possible or you will be screwed, ask me how I know. I had to rent a 2nd spring compressor.

The Sachs shocks ride like a dream, soak up all the bumps. Weird that one shock was made in Turkey and the other in Germany.

Post by **erikv11** » 25 Jul 2018, 12:24

mecheng wrote: ↑25 Jul 2018, 10:56 I confirmed that the dealer spring seats are
Rein. The dealer let me compare them, the Rein parts have Volvo scratched off them, you can see it in the picture. No more rumour, 100% true. Hopefully they hold up, it was a bit of a nightmare working in the humidity. ...

Ugh. Definitely bad news Volvo has indeed changed manufacturers, but very good to be aware of. Thanks for posting that.

sventastic · Post by **sventastic** » 25 Jul 2018, 15:49

erikv11 wrote: ↑25 Jul 2018, 12:24
mecheng wrote: ↑25 Jul 2018, 10:56 I confirmed that the dealer spring seats are
Rein. The dealer let me compare them, the Rein parts have Volvo scratched off them, you can see it in the picture. No more rumour, 100% true. Hopefully they hold up, it was a bit of a nightmare working in the humidity. ...
Ugh. Definitely bad news Volvo has indeed changed manufacturers, but very good to be aware of. Thanks for posting that.

The passenger side motor mount is also made by Rein. Lower transmission torque rod I believe is Hutchinson. Volvo is scratched off on both of them

DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Front Bilstein TC Strut Tips/Tricks Topic is solved

Re: DIY: 1998 Volvo V70 Front Bilstein TC Strut Tips/Tricks