2005 Volvo S80 T6

GJQ · Post by **GJQ** » 16 Jan 2021, 09:15

Dear All
I have currently a year 2005 S80 T6. 2.9cc Engine B6294T. As it aged the 4C suspension has let go. I am now looking for replacements for the 4 absorbers. Can I know where to get the 4C suspension? If very unfortunate that there is no more 4C suspension, what is the best replacement? I ask around and different replies from 2 mechanics. One mention 4C suspensions for the car is very expensive, it is ok to replace it without the 4C types. Another one say because of the weight of the car, it would be better to use back 4C cos it is very durable unlike those non 4C which cannot handle the weight of the car. I am not sure which one is correct.

Appreciate everyone who assist
Thanks

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 16 Jan 2021, 19:22

For the S80 & S60 but not the S60R/V70R:
The 4C front struts are Monroe C2510 ~$350.00 each.
The 4C rear shocks are Monroe C1512 ~ $300.00 each.

2 X ~$350 + 2 X ~$300 = ~$1300 just for the struts and shocks. If you spend that it would be be prudent to do the rest while you got it all apart. ~$300 another in parts. Now $1600 just for parts. Then there is shipping and handling. If you have somebody else do the work you got their labor to pay for. If you have them get the parts you pay their parts markup.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 16 Jan 2021, 19:45

The OP is listed as living in Malaysia. Parts may not be so easy to source there or as cheap.

That leads to his other option of switching to a standard suspension. I would assume one could examine the car and the existing mounting hardware and how it ties into the rest of the suspension. It may be just a matter of swapping out some parts. When I owned a 2004 S80 it had normal struts and shocks, not 4C. So it is an option on the car, as I understand it an upgrade. The normal shocks work just fine for the weight of the vehicle.

I will wager one can swap parts and remove the 4C physically. Electrically I am unsure what the relevant computers will say. That is a question for someone like Yaeger. Specifically if any errors that arise can be coded out.

Looking at the Xc70 and related forums may provide more insight as there are many more of them.

GJQ · Post by **GJQ** » 16 Jan 2021, 20:04

Hi RickHaleParker and SuperHerman
Yes indeed cost will be high to buy the parts and ship. Therefore advises from all of you is very much appreciated. I got cheap as previous owner letting go as he is not driving it anymore. I though a lot may have to be repair since it is 15 years old. But after taking a drive the car feel good with the sound coming from the suspensions so I take it to a mechanic to have it check before confirming the sale. Mechanic come back informing that 4 absorbers is gone, front brake disc need replacement, gearbox minor leaking and a brake issues that will happen during first start up but will go off when the car is hot so kind of like brake pedal issue which I am not clear.

Since the interior is good, I though it would be good to upgrade instead of doing stock replacement for the absorbers and brake. Cost of 4C replacement according to mechanic is on the high side so I am thinking if it is worthwhile to go 4C or non 4C for the suspension and upgrade the brake to 4 or 6 pot brake system.

Thanks for the advise

GJQ · Post by **GJQ** » 24 Jan 2021, 20:06

Hi
I found a KW suspension as link https://www.kwsuspensions.com/products/ ... dc#ddc-pnp. Can this replace the original 4C suspension since it is plug and play according to KW

Thanks

Post by **oragex** » 25 Jan 2021, 17:01

How many kms ?
First, do not listen blindly to mechanics. How does the car drive over street cracks ? If you are satisfied with the way the suspension works, do not touch it. Make a push down test see how it rebounds (see Youtube), and even if the shocks leak, if they work well don't touch. Your noise may be coming from other suspension parts, and your mechanic is too willing to replace everything. Search about spring seats or end links, those too can make noise. The worst thing when you buy a used car is to start throwing money at it to make it 'like new'. Save your money for when real and costly repairs happen
For your question, the 4C can be replaced with normal suspension as mentioned above, since many S80 did come with standard suspension and drive just fine. But do NOT buy cheap suspensions brands, no matter how fancy they look.
For your brakes, try uploading a picture through the wheels, so we can see how much wear is on the discs and pads
Let us know more about the issue with braking when cold

GJQ · Post by **GJQ** » 25 Jan 2021, 21:16

Hi Oragex
Thanks for the reply. It is a 15 years car with estimate 200000 from the previous owner. When test drive by my friend while sitting rear, could feel the car bouncing up and down going over hump at slow speed. Side to side movements is quite obvious when driving straight and during cornering. Basically shocks, shocking mountings could be about to go since previous owner have been parking the car for quite some time.

Understand not to start throwing money to make it look like new. What I like about the car is that with estimate 200000km on board and with faulty suspension ride is still good. That is why though of getting the 4C install but due to it being very expensive so looking for better alternative which then the KW DDC plug and play come about. When I look at the KW DDC plug and play it look same as the Monroe 4C but I do not if it work with the original S80 onboard Normal and Sport settings. I am also wondering if it does not work, would it be possible to take out the whole 4C on the S80 and install the KW DDC plug and play. Price for 4 pieces of 4C for front and back cost as much as or nearly the same as the KW DDC plug and play so really would like to have as many information as possible to make the switch worthwhile.

As for the brakes, would be staying as stock as possible due to budget. Looking for big brake kit like Brembo for front and back but that would be at a later time. Considerations is that got the car at cheap so after checking by the mechanics engine and gearbox there is no leaking so good news to me but replacement is at the brake and suspension so at a crossroad cos aftermarket replacement that are better cost about the same as the orginals. Instead of sticking with the original ones maybe time for a upgrade.

Thanks

Post by **oragex** » 26 Jan 2021, 04:50

Yes, the bouncing is due to work shock absorbers. But have a look first at the shocks, see if they have an electrical connector to them, maybe previous owner has already replaced with regular shocks ? Again, I had - and others too - bad experience with less known brands, I had to replace my shocks 5 times. The best are Sachs and you may need to also get the springs from non 4C cars. If that may help, I'm NOT sure, but the FWD S80 may be using the same rear springs and shocks as the FWD S60 - the V70 has thicker springs. So you may even get used parts.

If the front ones don't bounce, I would leave them alone

For the rear lateral movement, that is the rear arm bushings, difficult to replace and you must go genuine with these. I would not worry much about it

The best is to drive the car 6 months, see what problems happen, how much it costs, see if it's a trouble free car worth investing in it. Make sure the timing belt has been replaced - lift the upper belt cover a little and look at it and test the PCV works fine (Youtube). Have 1 or 2 ignition coils ready (Bosch)