1997 volvo 850 Strut hardware?

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 08 Mar 2015, 20:44

Going to be doing the spring seats and mounts on my struts soon. Going to get the HD kit from FCP which seems to be the best option from what i have read.

Wondering what hardware i should put in new and what i can reuse with no problem? everything from the nuts to the cross nut and washer. Also if my bump stop has broke, can i just replace the stop and reuse the bellows without buying new? (unless of course they are cracked) just trying to cut on cost as much as possible if i can re use items.

thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 08 Mar 2015, 21:16

If you remove the control arms from the subframe so as to remove the struts you should replace the nuts and bolts that go through the bushings. They suggest that the nuts and bolts that hold the struts to the steering knuckle should also be replaced but I have re-used them with no ill effect.

If the bellows is good you can get by with just replacing the bump stop. The bump stop holds the bellows in place. All if the other hardware at the top of the strut can be re-used.

...Lee

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Mar 2015, 21:21

I don't replace any of the strut or control arm hardware, unless something is rusted out or beat up (which is rare). And in that case I will put in another used piece if at all possible.

Post by **dosbricks** » 08 Mar 2015, 21:59

I'm about to do this on the S70. Do check your bump stops because they tend to disintegrate over time.

In the past, I haven't loosened the control arm to R&R the strut assembly--just carefully maneuvered it in and out after letting the control arm down to about the level it would normally hang and blocking it under the rotor. When removing the unit it really helps to have a helper up top with a piece of attached light rope letting it down while you guide it out and keep it clear. The same for replacing it to assist it up.

camjohns · Post by **camjohns** » 09 Mar 2015, 11:40

This sounds great! i just replaced my control arms about a year ago, so i wont worry about those bolts. I have already looked at the bump stops and as said previously they have indeed disintegrated.

thanks for the help!

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 04 Oct 2015, 13:06

Hey all, thanks for posting this. I was looking at the FCP kit. But man, spending $271 on all that new hardwear is a lot to take. I'm just going to get new spring seats, mounts, and bump stops. I am imagining (hoping, praying?) that Volvo overengineered all their hardwear here, as well.

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 27 Nov 2015, 19:30

Failed miserably at trying to get the upper nut and cross nut off my struts. Rented the tool from Autozone and employed my little special Volvo strut tool. Had the springs compressed nicely. The put some leverage and wait on the upper nut. Nothing. Then the Volvo tool snapped. Took the strut to a shop where they were able to remove the upper bolt. But then they couldn't get the cross nut off. They used a pneumatic hammer tool on that cross nut (a-la that video on Youtube that inspires even the faintest of hearts!). Nothing. Of course, then they started hammering away at the top of the strut and then grinding stuff off. Sigh. I thought something bad was going to happen for a minute. Especially when the worker just threw strut to the floor in desperation! Somehow they were able to give me the strut back with a nut sort of on. I know folks have been able to do this job with hand tools, but I really think you need to have some air tools to get the job done. (Hence that video online where all strut hardware was removed effortlessly!) I'm fairly handy (i.e, brakes, pcv, tune ups, timing belt, tie rods, control arms, shocks) but I really felt out of my league trying to get this spring and all the strut hardware safely off. Oh yeah, I was able to reuse the strut to knuckle bolts and nuts.

And since this is my wife's car, and she's been asking for her car, had to pick up a couple of Gabriel Ready Struts and get them in there. The car rides so smooth now. (I can't imagine what a badass suspension would feel like...) New control arms, inner and outer tie rods, sway end links, and now the new struts--in addition to the new rear shock mounts and rear Gabriel shocks--the car feels amazing.

Question though, does anyone have an idea where I can find a "Gabriel" sticker?

Hahahaha

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 27 Nov 2015, 20:27

Oh, man! That is quite an ordeal. Sorry to hear it was such a tough job. Did anyone try to grind off the star nut? Maybe that's too risky but just a thought.

I think you have to be sponsored for a GABRIEL sticker.