2004 XC-70 spring seats-- which ones?

[Herb Goltz]

Hi All,

I just picked up 2 XC-70s to replace my 2000 v70 and a worn-out 2006 Corolla. One is a 2004, the other is a 2006, both with 134k km (about 84k mi).

I am in the process of sorting out some issues, the first is that the 2004 needs a passenger side front spring seat. It makes a nasty noise on rough roads, and I can turn the top nut easily with a wrench. I plan to replace both sides at the same time since I don't want to pay for 2 alignments.

I know that I want the updated design, but I am wondering which is best. iPd makes some strong claims about theirs being better. FCP has Rein ones on sale now. I am curious to hear what people have used and how they have held up. Some sites claim that you should change the strut bearings at the same time.

I am also interested to hear what the job was like for those who have DIY experience replacing the seats. Is there a good tutorial here?

Thanks!

[SuperHerman]

Volvo replacements are preferred. The "upgrade" unit is the same as for an XC90 is what I understand. I have used Rein w/o issue, going on 30k miles - not sure if they are as good as Volvo branded as only time will tell.

As to the strut bearings, replace them if they are bad. I have not encountered a bad set on any of my Volvos to date, but like you I have read of people that have had failures.

As far as how the job is - it is basically like any strut change on any car. Remove strut, compress spring, remove offending parts and reverse. There are write ups and videos - look for strut, strut bearing, spring or spring seat - they are all the same process.

[darrylrobert]

Ive replaced my upper spring seats with IPD reinforced ones because i wronly thought mine had broken, you do mean upper spring seat because there is also a lower spring seat. The upper seat was not the cause of the noise it was the "castle" nut had worked loose allowing the seat to move up/down over bumps making a noise, easily turning the top nut is also an indication of this as the whole shaft turn inside the shock absorber.As for the bearing check for a large amount of play.TIP tighten that "castle" nut really tight.

Im missing the lower seat on my springs, i havnt bothered because they look too easily damaged (waste of money) but i think without they cause a creaking noise sometimes.

Ive removed the struts so many times i can do it with my eyes closed but when you get an alignment they will/should check the camber but its good practice to measure the camber before removing the strut.