1997 850 wagon strut

Tobers · Post by **Tobers** » 24 Dec 2014, 08:49

the nut at the top of my driver's strut spins freely, and there is a "clank" when I hit a bump. I'm assuming this means this strut is shot? Is that right? Is it possibly a bump stop? Or is it time for new struts? (I'm assuming I would do both at the same time).

Thanks. Merry Christmas. Rick

Post by **Matty Moo** » 24 Dec 2014, 09:02

Blown out spring seat.

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Dec 2014, 10:07

+1, the spinning nut says for sure the spring seat is gone. But it tells you nothing about the strut, it could be fine or it could be shot.

Tobers · Post by **Tobers** » 25 Dec 2014, 11:43

Thanks. So where to from here? It seems like my options are (at least):
1. replace both spring seats (i'm assuming i would do both sides at the same time) ($130)
2. but, from reading online it seems like if I do that i should replace the spring seats and the strut mounts ($190).
3. but to do this is a bunch of work, and leaves the current struts. since I bought it old I have no idea how old they are (but suspect the worst). And, probably my bump stops are shot. so maybe I should do a whole kit from some place like Fcpeuro ($450+)
4. or do the unthinkable: put Gabriel ReadyMount units in (uber easy and just $250).
does that cover my options? any wisdom? thank you! Merry Christmas. Rick

Post by **erikv11** » 25 Dec 2014, 12:48

I have done one spring seat at a time before with no ill effects at all, basically because I was in a hurry, but I agree it makes sense to do them both. At least buy them both.

The strut mounts are actually much easier to replace than the spring seats. You don't have to take apart the strut tower for the mounts, you just have to pull out the strut and swap the mount. No messing with coil spring compressors. Because of that I only replace the strut mounts if they are bad (creaky or visibly broken/loose); strut mounts have much better longevity than spring seats.

You're on your own on the struts, I agree with you there ... but you don't need to the whole kit; see above about strut mounts and I basically never replace any of the hardware, unless something gets trashed coming apart.

I am still averse to the Gabriels but I don't think people have complained about them yet?

Post by **Ben850** » 25 Dec 2014, 14:39

Yes, I would have to say pull up a seat and do your spring seats.

Have fun. I do.

: Fun day.

A step further would be Sachs OEM struts using the OEM XC90 seats.

: Old.

: New.

: Was a long day, and more than just struts on the wagon.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 25 Dec 2014, 14:49

It depends on how you drive.

The Gabriel struts aren't going to handle like the OEM Sachs, Bilsteins, or Konis but if you don't do any "spirited" driving then it probably won't matter to you. I don't know what they use for a spring seat in the ready mount versions and it could be a situation where, like the old Scan Tech spring seats, they crap out again in 25 or 30 thousand miles. With the XC90 spring seats you are pretty much done with them for life.

I also don't think the ready mounts will come strut bearings but strut bearings are a place where it never pays to use anything but OEM anyway. The OEM strut bearings are pretty stout and I wouldn't just change them unless they are real loose. They are difficult to inspect until the old strut assembly is removed but it is one of those things where you hate to be caught out without the parts on hand if you do need them.

...Lee

Post by **Ben850** » 25 Dec 2014, 15:13

I agree Lee.
I don't think any OEM parts apply to the ready mounts.

I had found a good deal on the Sachs and decided to rebuild using the original springs.

: Don't puncture your CV boot.

: New brakes, don't be fooled by the oxidation.

Post by **Ben850** » 25 Dec 2014, 17:06

I would like to add, since the spring seats are the original instigators in this thread.

A few photos from my '93 Sedan, as well as the'96 wagon while learning.

I had actually rebuilt struts from a 1996 sedan for the '93. it was my introduction.

The '93 aluminum lower control arm are a nice junkyard find. I have lost the opportunity a few times and will not pass it up again when I come across another '93.
This is original. I did not have a press so I had had bushings pressed at a nice local auto part dealer with whom I deal.
The ball joint bolts on with three nuts.

: The first time was during accident repair, but knew there was an issue whith clunking spring seats.

: Have to like four lugs.

: And here.

: This.

: This is why my N/A is fun to drive.; '93 Ball Joint.jpg (70.18 KiB) Viewed 856 times

: The other side was done a week later in 100f not in a garage. Not as fun.

: Oh, I had found more fun here on the '93.

: The '93 came out nice even after the crash.

This is a topside shot with the engine bay prettied on the wagon. The top strut mount may sometime sit with what appears to be a slight gap. It is natural and usually a result of the grade of the ground .

: Strut tower visible.

Yes. This was another gratuitous engine bay shot.

Tobers · Post by **Tobers** » 25 Dec 2014, 21:06

OK. thanks to all. I'll order parts to do one seat/bump stop and see how it goes. Who knows? By the end of this I might have to replace the strut, and do both sides, but this is a place to start. The CV boot is bad on this side, too, so I might as well knock them both out. Thanks. Rick