'00 V70-XC Front suspension overhaul order

[volvoAgX]

For this vehicle with 155K miles, with mostly original suspension...I am starting a front-end overhaul, including hubs, strut/spring assemblies, control arms, inner/outer tie rods, end links, ipd sway bar kit. I plan to do this as one large project. I am new to suspension work, and I appreciate all the excellent DIY info that is available. Since I am tackling this as one large project, though, I would like to know if folks have any suggestions around the best ORDER of disassembly/assembly. Thanks !

[precopster]

1) Measure the toe-in with steering centred at centre of tyre treads BEFORE commencing work. Also if possible loosen the 22mm nuts on the shock towers before jacking the vehicle

2) Remove sway bar links BEFORE removing the struts from the steering knuckle/hub assembly. That way you can use all the leverage of having the strut in a fixed position to hold them steady while you labour with the 15mm nuts. Have steering locked while removing them.

3) Outer tie rods are second on the list for the same reason. I use a breaker bar with an 18mm socket or an impact wrench. The large nut locking the inner to outer tie rods can be avoided if you're replacing both inner and outer tie rods. Also the boots can simply be cut off with a sharp utility knife which then allows you to remove the inner and outer tie rods as an entire assembly and measure their total length (important if you don't want to pay an alignment shop) Inner tie rods are best reached by turning the steering to full lock on the side you're working on then use a large pipe wrench to remove them as a 32mm open ended spanner won't fit on the narrow ends.

4) Spray the ball joint stud with plenty of WD40 or similar well in advance to dissolve corrosion as they stick badly in the knuckle.

5) Next undo the 10mm ABS sensor bolt and pass the grommet through the strut hole.

6) Undo the 18mm nuts on the strut using a large 6 point socket; impact wrench is great here. Hold the bolt with a 17mm ring.

7) Remove the control arm bolts from the inside of the crossmember using a low profile ratchet with a large 1.5" pipe inserted over it for leverage. Undo and remove the 15mm bolt and matching 13mm nut passing through the steering knuckle horizontally across the ball joint. Next you'll need to knock the control arm off the steering knuckle with a rubber mallet.

Finally undo the 3 x 13mm bolts on the struts towers in the engine bay to release the strut assemblies.

[volvoAgX]

Thanks Mike, excellent advice that will certainly help. Are there any concerns with doing the front hub replacement prior to the rest of the job ?

[precopster]

The E torx screws for the front hubs should be loosened well before anything is done. You'll need a lot of force to undo them. Perhaps spray them a day ahead.