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99 T5 Wagon Suspension Advice V70-XC70 1999

posted by  bluehillsT5 on  Sun May 24 10:02 CST 2009
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last visit: Mon May 25 03:28 CST 2009
[RELATED]

I have a '05 XC wagon with 105K, purchased new (high highway miles as it is the ski/hockey rink car). I recently picked up a 99 T5 with just about the same miles (104K).

I love the speed of the T5, but the ride is torture--you feel every bump/pavement seam, etc., and annoying dash and interior rear rattle (I live in the Northeast, so there are plenty of bumps.)

I know the T5 has a stiffer suspension, but would you expect the ride to be dramatically different from the XC? Any advice on improvements?








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    99 T5 Wagon Suspension Advice V70-XC70 1999

    posted by  bill d cat on  Wed May 27 00:24 CST 2009
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    last visit: Mon Aug 11 04:23 CST 2014
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    The "sport suspension" was an option for 1998. The springs and bars were different. Possibly the PO upgraded the struts and shocks. Are they yellow (HD Bilsteins)?

    Or it just may be a normal T5.

    -BTC


    '98 V70 T5 181K mi., 5-speed manual, original (noisy) clutch, leaking rear main seal, heated velour cloth comfy chairs, factory HD suspension (1998 only), Bilstein HD, front IPD stabilizer bar, Volvo strut tower brace and skidplate, XC grill, C70 jewel E-Codes, V-1, Lidatek, IPD stuff, JB Weld, Original Duck Tape, zip-ties, two Honda license plate nut impressions in back bumper (gift from daughter), Mobil-1 since new.

    '08 BMW 328iT 6-speed manual; my new stickshift Volvo station wagon substitute :(







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    99 T5 Wagon Suspension Advice V70-XC70 1999

    posted by  KlausC on  Sun May 24 16:37 CST 2009
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    Your T5 probably has "sport" suspension as an option. Most do. The ride is quite harsh because the springs are stiffer and shorter. You will notice that at around 50mph, the ride is much more stable than the XC and the harshness goes away.

    Your only recourse is to replace all 4 springs, let the car ride 1 inch higher, and wobble like the XC.

    Klaus
    --
    Common sense trumps a PhD








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      99 T5 Wagon Suspension Advice V70-XC70 1999

      posted by  bluehillsT5 on  Tue May 26 23:43 CST 2009
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      last visit: Mon May 25 03:28 CST 2009
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      Thanks, but I now have a bigger problem than a harsh ride--my ETS light came on, and the car surges, bucks, etc.! I have read the posts and realize Volvo had a recall on this. My Q: will the dealer still honor the recall, on a '99 with 104K? I am not the original owner, obviously.








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        99 T5 Wagon Suspension Advice V70-XC70 1999

        posted by  KlausC on  Wed May 27 03:40 CST 2009
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        ETS/ETM is for 10 years/200K miles, from original purchase date. Give the dealer a call, it can't hurt. Check the build date or Carfax(dealer has free access) to find original purchase date.

        If the dealer won't replace the ETM, there is an outfit in Canada that will rebuild the module better than factory specs for a reasonable rate.

        Klaus
        --
        Common sense trumps a PhD








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    99 T5 Wagon Suspension Advice V70-XC70 1999

    posted by  rkmacman on  Sun May 24 15:49 CST 2009
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    last visit: Thu Dec 12 07:58 CST 2013
    [RELATED]

    You probably need new shocks and struts or just smother ones. I put Kones on my 94 850 and they are punishing compared to the XC. The XC is a much heaver car also so it rides like a lomo compared to the 850 I have the kones set to the softest setting . I think that is what made my ball joints ware out so soon.







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