Replacing struts...should I do springs as well?

Post by **SonicAdventure** » 24 Feb 2018, 14:22

My front struts are in horrible shape. My mechanic told me at last inspection that they will need to be replaced this year, and inspection time is right around the corner.

I had the spring seats replaced last year, and he said I could probably get another year out of the struts. I’ve pulled the wheels and judging from the ride quality, noise and the rust on the bolts these struts seem like they could be 7-10 years old.

I was thinking about going with FCP’s Sachs struts based on some recommendations from here, but it appears the Sachs struts aren’t available with springs.

If my struts are looking old and riding rough, should I go ahead and replace the springs as well? If so what are the best sources for the springs?

I want to keep my current springs for a separate project, which I’ll discuss in another post. Thanks.

Post by **kahl** » 24 Feb 2018, 14:27

The Sachs stunts are a good choice. I have yet had to install new springs.

Post by **850 LPT** » 24 Feb 2018, 15:13

The springs on these cars last a long time, but if you have a gazillion miles on your car, it might make sense.

Post by **June** » 24 Feb 2018, 15:43

Yes replace the springs. Had mine done last year and I was surprised how much the car had sagged in the front. A good two inches. Putting the front back to the correct height really made a difference in the handling on the highway and the bumper clears parking stopped again. My car is a 2004 and had sagged, your car is six years older. Springs are cheap why reinstall 20yo springs since you are there? I think you can buy the struts with the new springs as a unit. I had my Volvo dealer replace mine, but I read up on the subject on here before having the job done.

Yes replace the springs. June

Post by **erikv11** » 24 Feb 2018, 16:54

I've also never replaced front springs. Rears yes, and when I have it has made a noticeable difference there.

If you do replace them, I'd be careful about where you get them. Other than for lowering purposes the front springs market is relatively small, which often translate to predominately junk parts.

Post by **SonicAdventure** » 25 Feb 2018, 10:41

erikv11 wrote: ↑24 Feb 2018, 16:54 I've also never replaced front springs. Rears yes, and when I have it has made a noticeable difference there.

If you do replace them, I'd be careful about where you get them. Other than for lowering purposes the front springs market is relatively small, which often translate to predominately junk parts.

FCP sells the springs as separate items for $65 a piece. By front end is super bouncy and with 250k on the car I think it’s warrented to swap out the springs since the struts are coming off anyway. You think the FCP springs would be a good bet?

Post by **theWIFES_S70** » 25 Feb 2018, 11:45

FCP sells quality stuff. I wouldn't hesitate putting their springs in my car.

The weird thing about having new springs in the front and the old ones in the back is that you will notice that the front will be higher than the rear. I have Gabriel Readymount struts, with new springs, in the front and the rear has the springs teh car came with: the front is about two+ inches higher than the rear... So if you're all about the telemetry, I'd reuse the old springs if they're okay to keep your car at a consistent ride height. (I feel like they all wear at the same rate, but I could be wrong there...) If you're going to replace the front springs, I'd really suggest replacing all four.

Post by **gmh** » 25 Feb 2018, 11:48

SonicAdventure wrote: ↑25 Feb 2018, 10:41
FCP sells the springs as separate items for $65 a piece. By front end is super bouncy and with 250k on the car I think it’s warrented to swap out the springs since the struts are coming off anyway. You think the FCP springs would be a good bet?

Can't figure out which springs you are looking at. FCP has the Lesjofors springs (listed as OEM) for $40 each, but all the Volvo brand springs are between $120 and $145 each depending on which one you need.

Post by **erikv11** » 25 Feb 2018, 11:54

SonicAdventure wrote: ↑25 Feb 2018, 10:41
erikv11 wrote: ↑24 Feb 2018, 16:54 I've also never replaced front springs. Rears yes, and when I have it has made a noticeable difference there.

If you do replace them, I'd be careful about where you get them. Other than for lowering purposes the front springs market is relatively small, which often translate to predominately junk parts.
FCP sells the springs as separate items for $65 a piece. By front end is super bouncy and with 250k on the car I think it’s warrented to swap out the springs since the struts are coming off anyway. You think the FCP springs would be a good bet?

For a super bouncy front end I would suspect bad struts and fix those first. I don't think that tells you anything about the springs. Worn springs would (1) sag and (2) possibly rebound less. However the 250k might point to them being worn just by being old, I hear you there. The $40 springs would worry me, but I'm outside my zone of direct experience here so can't say I would be sure about other than a Volvo branded spring.

Post by **oragex** » 25 Feb 2018, 12:00

Sachs come in two qualities, as least on P2. The Quick Struts have the cheaper quality, and not sure which spring seats they use on this, hopefully the Sachs ones.

If you can find Boge struts for your year I'd recommend them before Sachs.

As for the springs, pretty much has been already said. Just don't buy some random brand. New springs will help improve the ride over poor streets even more than only new struts, but few do replace them so they can last forever technically speaking.