Rear spring installation

Daveliz99 · Post by **Daveliz99** » 29 Jan 2019, 15:59

2001 V70 2.4T FWD

I’m very, very frustrated. If you have experience, please comment.

Hello, I have recently taken my rear end apart for a suspension rebuild. I have my bushings pressed in and the subframe back in, and I’m trying to put it back together. I’m having a hell of a time trying to get the rear springs re-installed. I have determined that the rear lower control arms are two different part numbers for drivers and passenger side, and I have them sorted out correctly. I’m using a rented spring compressor from Autozone.

The problem is that the spring will not stay seated properly in the bottom. As I release the tension on the spring compressor, it “jumps” out of place. I have tried using the jack to hold the control arm up, I have tried installing all the other arms and links with the spring still compressed, and everything else I can think of. Can anybody chime in.

Please and thank you.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 29 Jan 2019, 17:38

Did you Install a striker plate. Did you leave 15mm of space between the end of the spring and the raised portation of the control arm?
See the attached replacement procedures.

Post by **E Showell** » 29 Jan 2019, 17:39

Just had this problem on a '98 V70. We solved by tightening down the disk that hold the spring in place before releasing the spring compressors. If you go that route, working space is exceptionally tight.

Daveliz99 · Post by **Daveliz99** » 29 Jan 2019, 18:09

E Showell wrote: ↑29 Jan 2019, 17:39 Just had this problem on a '98 V70. We solved by tightening down the disk that hold the spring in place before releasing the spring compressors. If you go that route, working space is exceptionally tight.

What disk are you talking about?? Mine is an 01, are ours the same?

Daveliz99 · Post by **Daveliz99** » 29 Jan 2019, 18:12

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑29 Jan 2019, 17:38 Did you Install a striker plate. Did you leave 15mm of space between the end of the spring and the raised portation of the control arm?
See the attached replacement procedures.

I didn’t know about the striker plate. But yes from looking I can see that is made to control exactly the problem I’m having. It looks like I can weld one up from some scrap.

Thank you very, very much.

Daveliz99 · Post by **Daveliz99** » 29 Jan 2019, 18:18

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑29 Jan 2019, 17:38 Did you Install a striker plate. Did you leave 15mm of space between the end of the spring and the raised portation of the control arm?
See the attached replacement procedures.

But about that 15mm, I tried to eyeball about 15, 10, 20, 50 and zero. ANYTHING to get it to stay. If I’m correct, 15 is ideal, but if you wind up with more than that, the spring will walk itself into place after a few bumps on the way to the alignment shop. Right?

Anyway, it’s 26 degrees in the carport. I’ll try to rig up that tool in the morning. Thanks again.

Post by **E Showell** » 29 Jan 2019, 18:25

'98 likely different from '01.

Daveliz99 · Post by **Daveliz99** » 29 Jan 2019, 19:19

E Showell wrote: ↑29 Jan 2019, 18:25 '98 likely different from '01.

I thought they must be...I didn’t have anything like that when I took it apart. But after a quarter million miles, I wondered if it might have fallen off lol

Rvolvos · Post by **Rvolvos** » 03 Feb 2019, 00:13

RickHaleParker wrote: ↑29 Jan 2019, 17:38 Did you Install a striker plate. Did you leave 15mm of space between the end of the spring and the raised portation of the control arm?
See the attached replacement procedures.

Does anybody know where to get the striker plate? Google came up empty. FCP euro does not have it either.
Thanks

Post by **abscate** » 03 Feb 2019, 03:41

Part 9997079 NLA from Volvo

Bend a lip onto a piece of stock, C-clamp to frame member

Open eyebolt to catch spring, tack a Thread to pick up Hole

Several thick zip ties onto base of spring

Many ways to skin this cat.