02 S60 Spring Seat replacement help

jeffriehunter · Post by **jeffriehunter** » 08 Jan 2016, 19:02

Had a shop replace the struts and they didn't install the spring seats. We are rural so not a dealership. I have the parts and a decent shop (farm shop so tools and such) but can't seem to find any tutorials or how to ' s on just installing the spring seats. Any help, advice, links, etc is appreciated. What special tools will I need, normal pitfalls, etc.

Thank You for the help.

Post by **gmh** » 08 Jan 2016, 19:47

Hi, welcome to MVS. Here's a few links I think will help. Unfortunately you have to remove the struts and use a spring compressor to change the spring seats. The links all pertain to 850's or V70's but I think the procedure is the same.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =1&t=28455

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... em-vfsk2-t (scroll to bottom of page)

http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/

Post by **oragex** » 08 Jan 2016, 20:10

As mentioned, once the strut assembly is removed from the car, you will need a spring compressor because the spring is under tremendous pressure. Read a little on internet and make sure to install properly the two rods of the spring compressor so as to create even compression. Shops sell this compressors for not much, I won't suggest getting the cheapest thought.
If they did not install the 'cross' shaped nut on top of the spring seat you will need one of these as well.
When the strut is out of the car, look above inside the chassis where the strut bearing plate is seated, this place tends to rust quite a bit. A little rustproof paint is a good idea.

Post by **gmh** » 08 Jan 2016, 21:05

Some of the big chain auto parts stores (I got mine from O'Reilly's) lend spring compressors and other rarely used but pricey tools. You pay a deposit that is refunded when you return the tool the next day. Worth checking out if there are any big chain stores nearby.

Post by **tryingbe** » 08 Jan 2016, 21:24

The car will need alignment afterwards.

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Jan 2016, 21:48

On a P80 car (850, x70), alignment is not necessary after pulling the struts, but not a bad idea. If the 02 S60 is similar then the only adjustment is toe, and you don't affect that on a strut job. As insurance you can mark the positions of the two bolts at the strut to steering knuckle, and/or on reinstall just pull the bottom of the strut outward before you tight those two bolts.

Post by **vtl** » 09 Jan 2016, 06:58

Any height added/removed to strut also affects toe.