I have been trying to find the source of a front end noise.

Replaced the strut spring seats with the IPD Heavy Duty ones, the originals were actually not that bad - had to remove to inspect anyway.

However, the pass side strut retracted under its own weight.

I didn't have new ones to install when these were out. Am I correct that this one is shot? Somewhere I read that I should not be able to push it in by hand. This was clearly way beyond that.

How are the Bilstein Touring model?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Mike
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1998 S70 GLT

I don't think your supposed to be able compress a strut or shock by hand. I would say that their shot. I just placed an order with Ken @ iPD for some Sachs Boge struts and shocks, iPD heavy duty spring seats, and iPD heavy duty end links. I too am having some front end noise. I'm thinking both the iPD end links and seat springs will eliminate this problem. Next on the list are the iPD sways...probably do that next month.....

That shock no longer works. Bilstein are good shocks and you will notice the difference, better.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

I finally replaced the struts (Bilstein Touring), and previously replaced the spring seats with the IPD Heavy Duty. There is a difference, can't say it is huge but I do feel it.

May do the end links at some point. They seem ok but are stock with 143K miles on them.

Still have a front end clunk but I'm going to ignore it for now. Gremlins ...

Thanks for the advise Klaus!

Mike
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1998 S70 GLT

Turn your wheels to one side and reach behind and grab an endlink. Try to shake it, if it moves even a little, replace it.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Hi, Klaus,

Is it possible to tell whether struts are shot without removing them from a car?

Thanks,
Paul

When you come to a complete stop, does the nose of the car dip while stopping and then rise after you are stopped? Time for a change.
Or, push down on a corner and let go. The car is not supposed to "bounce" even a little bit. Don't make a dent on the soft fender metal :)

If your shocks/struts have been on the car for 150K miles, it is time to replace them. You have gotten your money's worth from the old ones.

Klaus

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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Thanks, Klaus.

the mileage will hit 100K miles in a week or so. So I have not got my money's worth yet. :-)

I am going to pay attention whether there is a nose dive at stops. It seems there is not much bouncing when depress a corner. One of the spring seat is gone. Just feel the car does not have the tightness as before.

Best,

Save your strut money for another 2 years, just replace the seat.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Too bad. Can not save money for another 2 years. Tried to replace spring seats today and found struts are gone (I can easily push it down and pull it up with one hand). And strut mounts have to be replaced too since grease came out and they are kind loose.

Now, come back to the old topic--what kind of struts should I purchase given potholes on NYC streets. Your input will be very appreciated. Thank you.

Also, is it difficult to replace rear shocks?

Over at www.shox.com I found 040. Bilstein Touring Class Shocks/struts 1993 - 2001 Price is for a set of 4. 369.00

Reasonably cheap and very good.

The only difficulty in the rear is bolt removal. I would replace the top shock mount just because it gets old and tired.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.

Paid attention to complete stops and there were no nose-diving. The reason I asked was because driving was like sitting on a chair that its 4 legs are not in equal length. :-) I understand one of the tires is losing air faster than other 3; but should that have such big impact?

Have a great weekend.

just replaced all four corners on my T5 with Sachs from iPD...as well as iPD spring seats, bearings, and end links. No noise at all and a tighter wheel...