1999 V70-XC Complete / Loaded struts?

[PapaHepcat]

I replaced my front struts last winter. Then the mount on the passenger side went out recently. Yes, I know I should have replaced the mount when I was doing the rest, but I was broke. I'm still broke.

Anyway, I replaced the mount, and I think I didn't do it right. I'm pretty sure I didn't tighten spin the top bolt down all the way before reassembling, and there's some play in the strut. I almost killed myself compressing the spring last time - those two-part compressors can be dangerous! - so I took it to a local suspension place. Guy said the top bolt must be cross threaded because he couldn't get it off, so he'd have to cut it off and replace the strut again. Cost would be like $500 to do, and I just can't spend that kind of $$.

So I'm thinking I might get one of those clam style spring compressors and see if I can get the bolt down like it should be.

But before I do that, I'm wondering if anyone has found any complete struts / loaded struts that'll fit our vehicles? I've been searching, and I've come up empty.

*Side note, I also need to replace the cv axle in that same spot as the boot is completely disconnected and the cv is almost dry. Sigh

[kahl]

I would remove the strut assbly from car and take it to a Independent shop. Have them compress the spring and re tighten everything. The two bolts on the strut have to travel a lot to be seated. If one of the bolts was cross threaded you would have noticed it when you put the strut together. You would also see evidence of thread damage on the exposed strut thread.

As for the axle check out O'Reilleys reman axles. Their axle cores are Volvo. Price after core return is about $70.00. Pull the axle while you have the strut out.

[Ozark Lee]

To the original question I think it has come up before and, as I recall, there really isn't a loaded option for the XC through the usual suppliers. The struts are all the same but the springs are different on the XC vs a standard wagon or sedan.

If you aren't comfortable messing with the spring (with a cross threaded nut) then Kahl has the plan. Many of the shops have a wall mounted hydraulic spring compressor and they can get the struts swapped quickly and painlessly.

...Lee