99 S70 T5 - Needs new suspension?

ColonelCash · Post by **ColonelCash** » 22 May 2009, 00:49

Hey everyone,

I've been reading up on some earlier threads and have decided that I need to upgrade my suspension on my 99 S70 T5. I'm getting some bad tire wear on the front and figured with 130K the suspension is in need of some help...plus it rides like a Amish carriage on our wonderful Tennessee roads.

Here is what I'm looking at:
- New Bilstein TC shocks & struts (front and rear)
- New Inner tie rods
- New Outer tie rods
- New shock mounts (XC90)

Now, what bolts / nuts do I need to do this? How many tie rods and shock mounts will I need? Is there anything that I am missing?

I'm leaving town next week and will have my mechanic install this while I am gone. Would love to drop off everything and have this go smoothly.

Thanks in advance for your help!

ColonelCash · Post by **ColonelCash** » 22 May 2009, 08:26

Bump, looking to order everything today (Friday)

Post by **vegasjetskier** » 22 May 2009, 12:53

ColonelCash wrote:How many tie rods and shock mounts will I need? Is there anything that I am missing?

2 inner tie rods, 2 outer tie rods, 2 spring seats. You also might want to get two strut mounts, but they're about $100 apiece. You probably also need new sway bar end links. Here's a couple how-tos:

S70FrontShockAbsorberReplacement1999.pdf: (206.99 KiB) Downloaded 1305 times

S70RearShockAbsorberReplacement1999.pdf: (186.16 KiB) Downloaded 838 times

volvomileage · Post by **volvomileage** » 24 May 2009, 10:16

if i can add

blisteins touring shocks are a good choice for the rear if you prefer a tad more sporty and firmer ride, they are also quite affordable i suggest changing the upper shock mounts also, they tend to go also, and they are not expensive...you will be working on them anyways...sometimes the nut on the rear lower shock mount is hard to remove and requires the vip treatement (being heated up..just make shure you have no gas leaks from thank..)

cheers !

houruh1 · Post by **houruh1** » 02 Jun 2009, 07:57

I have a 98 S70, non-turbo with 192k and have not had the shocks or springs replaced. Is this something I can do myself with the proper tools, or should I take it to a shop? An estimate from my mechanic is around $1000 which includes an alignment once the suspension is updated. The estimate includes front struts, mounts and rear shocks. I have changed shocks myself in the past on a couple of Fords, but never on a Volvo.

Thank you,

Jeff
98 S70 sedan, non-turbo black
04 S60 sedan, non-turbo, manual, black

S60 Blues · Post by **S60 Blues** » 02 Jun 2009, 17:11

Jeff,
I am looking at replacing my front suspension in our S60.
I priced out the parts with Sachs struts, control arms, strut bushings and links. Your price quote of $1000.oo with parts and labor sounds like a deal.
Gary

houruh1 · Post by **houruh1** » 06 Jun 2009, 05:58

Gary,
Thanks for the comparison on pricing. I do have a mechanic I use a lot, who is fair, does a good job and will allow me to buy the parts and have him install. I think I'll go that route instead of trying to change everything myself.
Jeff