shocks and struts

Goldchemist · Post by **Goldchemist** » 29 Feb 2020, 17:47

I am planning to replace my front struts and rear shocks. I have a 2006 S60 2.5T AWD. Absolutely love this car. I've searched and read as much as I can from different sources but can't seem to find any solid answers to my questions. Just e-mailed IPD also but waiting till Monday I guess to hear back so I thought I'd ask here....plus every time I think I've found an answer that just leads to another question because there are so many different details that are stumping me. I'm very detail oriented so these minor discrepancies throw me for a loop.

1. What is the difference between a 'loaded' strut kit and one that is not loaded? I've found multiple Sachs kits on IPD. Springs included and assembled in the pictures anyway. I believe loaded means the entire assembly is ready to install. Then why do some of the kits that look 'loaded' do not say loaded? Just a minor detail I guess?

2. Is there really a difference between AWD and FWD strut kits? Some of the strut kits I've found say FWD. Others don't say. Should I be looking for AWD kits? I assume they're the same.

3. Most of the rear shocks online don't come with springs. Do I need to replace the springs? I'd like to replace the entire rear assembly. I see some rear kits online but not many. Is it because the rears don't get as much wear so I shouldn't bother replacing the rear springs?

Thank you!!!!

Post by **oragex** » 29 Feb 2020, 18:30

Long Island, I guess not the best streets ? If you keep the car for more years, my take would be to go with Genuine. You may find a Volvo dealership that sells online at a decent price. I have a video on my channel (www.youtube.com/watch?v=kos_nLjjgno) showing how to find the suspension code on your car plate, to order the correct part number. This is just an example (not the right one) of a Volvo dealer in Canada, in canadian currency (so around $120 USD https://www.volvooftorontoparts.ca/p/Vo ... 67252.html

I had several other brands, including Sachs and Monroe, to me the Genuine replacement is much better than all others, but I have to admit I doubt it's the same quality/comfort as the original suspension that came when the car was new. These replacements are made in Turkey by Sachs for Volvo

I would recommend keeping the original springs (or at least not throwing them away as yet), and replacing only the strut and spring seat (Sachs or CRP/Rein only). Try to keep the original strut bearing mount as replacements ones are of unconfirmed quality as of this time. For the front struts, the spring needs compressed to replace them. You may also need end links (Lemforder)

Post by **abscate** » 29 Feb 2020, 19:13

Loaded or “ ready struts” are assembled struts that don’t require the spring compressor to install.

Five bolts, some minor accessories , and they are in

Downside. You get no say what junk they use for all the components, and there are many junk parts.

The rears are different construction , with the springs not being compressed in the mounts,so components can be purchased and installed separately.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 01 Mar 2020, 02:32

Goldchemist wrote: 29 Feb 2020, 17:47
1. What is the difference between a 'loaded' strut kit and one that is not loaded?

2. Is there really a difference between AWD and FWD strut kits?

3. Is it because the rears don't get as much wear so I shouldn't bother replacing the rear springs?

Thank you!!!!

I am not endorsing either Brand but both have been around. I did purchased a set of Gabriel Ready Mounts and rear shocks for a 98 S70 T5. Enjoyed the ride and performance for 2 years that I owned the car. Gabriel does not have a Front Ready Mount for the S60 just bare front struts and rear shocks. Video for reference.
.
1) eBay - Complete Assembly & Lifetime Warranty
2) eBay - Fits AWD and FWD
3) Don't need to replace rear spring unless you've had a bad accident and you deliver cement in it.
-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Front-Pair-Com ... 0005.m1851
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Easier Installation

Post by **abscate** » 01 Mar 2020, 05:18

I watched wizechatmgr rip off and replace a strut in about an hour+ the other day, including horsing around with troubleshooting my T5 no crank issue...we did have some nice impacts to deal with the rusty upstate NY bolts

Post by **GlennG2759** » 01 Mar 2020, 07:00

I agree, by buying a bare strut you get to choose what goes in it. Get a spring compressor with the buy/return/refund tool program A.A. or A.Z. Compressor isn't as scary as people will lead you to believe to use. Respect it and go slow.
A impact driver makes it a lot easier. I refreshed my struts 100k (spring seats, mounts, and all other hardware) but wasn't pleased with results. I ended up getting a pr. of Sachs on sale for $88.00 each. I kept original springs, much better ride now. Good Luck

Post by **abscate** » 01 Mar 2020, 17:23

Read the instructions on the compressor, my ABN says not to use impact tools on the tension screw.

Post by **- Pete -** » 01 Mar 2020, 21:36

I've read that various places too. Are your ABN compressors standard cut threads VS ACME? I've seen both made by ABN.

My cheap, heavily used & beloved set of compressors says BOTH. In one area it says "3/4" hand or impact wrench required..." and in another it states to "always tension/release tension using hand tools ONLY." The cheap set I always use is ACME cut thread. I'll be darned if I'm gonna tension down spring compressors with a ratchet/breaker bar, though. I always use an (air) impact with my spring compressors.

This is not a task to take lightly! The potential for danger/death is very real with anything that is compressed, so don't be foolish.

Post by **abscate** » 02 Mar 2020, 04:49

Pete, I suspect that for us backyard guys, who use this tool 2x yearly, the impact is fine.

If you are a shop, then using it weekly, it’s important

I would also clean and oil the threads each time.

I threw out my old JC Whitney compressor a few years ago because
1) I can’t remember how much I paid for it
B) had no money when Inbought it.
iii) the latches were cast silver cheese and were crumbly

I sure like the forged hooks on the ABN, as well as the safety latches

Goldchemist · Post by **Goldchemist** » 02 Mar 2020, 05:40

Thanks for all of the advice. The confusing part to me is that some of the assembled kits say 'loaded' and some of the assembled kits don't say 'loaded'. I'm going to assume its just a minor part description difference. I understand the rears now, thanks.

I've used the rented compressors from auto zone in the past. I changed my strut mounts about two years ago. I was planning to go with the assembled or 'loaded' kits this time because I've been battling my other vehicle for the past few weeks and don't feel like dealing with rebuilding the struts. But, sounds like the best bet for best ride quality is to buy the genuine Volvo strut and keep all my other original parts.

I'm sure I will be back with updates and questions as I dig into this job. First priority though....swap out my thermostat ECT assembly.

Thanks again!