Volvo AWD Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 10/2009

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

S70 struts

posted by  db on  Thu Nov 5 07:01 CST 2009
Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
last visit: Thu Aug 19 14:50 CST 2010
[RELATED]

I have a 98 S70 N.A. with 280K miles.

My struts are either original or were before it hit 100k (when I bought it). The don't seem to be blown, maybe a very slight leak of fluid out of one of them. And I don't seem to have any issues with the spring seat clunking.

I am about to replace the worn control arms and end links and since I will have to get an alignment, should I seriously consider replacing the struts and the spring seats? or will they likely last a while still?

Also, what should I replace with the struts? the spring seats and the mounts? anything else? seems like a lot of different parts that are called different things depending on who is talking.

thanks.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    S70 struts

    posted by  KlausC on  Thu Nov 5 07:28 CST 2009
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    Please replace the struts and rear shocks. Your spring seats are also due. Replacing the struts calls for an alignment, so do them now. OEM is just fine.

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








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      S70 struts

      posted by  db on  Fri Nov 6 03:46 CST 2009
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
      last visit: Thu Aug 19 14:50 CST 2010
      [RELATED]

      So struts and spring seats? What about the mounts...are they a non-wear item? Are there spring seats for the rears too? I am guessing the spring seats are the rubber items?

      Also, if the struts aren't leaking...why replace them? I have done the pushing on each corner of the care and it returns to level without bouncing...doesn't that mean the shocks and struts are fine?








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        S70 struts

        posted by  KlausC on  Fri Nov 6 04:53 CST 2009
        Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        A Volvo isn't a softly sprung American/Japanese car that glides over bumps, so the 'bounce' test is not easily done. Even a 'bounce' of 1/2 inch on a Volvo is an indicator of a weak shock.
        At 280K, your shocks are close to death. You may not notice it, having gotten used to the softer ride over the years. But when you get into a panic situation and the car doesn't respond like it should, the bad shocks can cause real problems in steering response.
        Because the S70 doesn't have the expensive Nivomats in the rear, I suggest you get all 4 corners replaced with new rubber as well.

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








        •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

          S70 struts

          posted by  someone claiming to be db on  Fri Nov 6 15:31 CST 2009 [RELATED]

          makes sense...do the spring seats in the rears generally need it too?








          •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

            S70 struts

            posted by  KlausC on  Fri Nov 6 16:45 CST 2009
            Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
            last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
            [RELATED]

            The rear shocks are easier than the front and the rear spring seats usually last forever. But the rear shock mounts probably should be replaced with the shock.

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








            •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

              S70 struts

              posted by  db on  Fri Nov 6 18:47 CST 2009
              Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
              last visit: Thu Aug 19 14:50 CST 2010
              [RELATED]

              OK, just to confirm.

              Front struts and seats (not the mounts though)
              Rear shocks and mounts (not the seats though)

              Want to make sure I have my terminology and parts right...

              Thanks.








              •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

                S70 struts

                posted by  KlausC on  Sat Nov 7 04:14 CST 2009
                Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
                last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
                [RELATED]

                My V70 had Nivomats, so I left them alone - too expensive. But when I replaced the front struts, I went a little overboard. All I really needed was the shocks and spring seats and new bolts to hold the struts on the control arm. I opted to also replace all of the upper hardware since there was no labor charge.

                I was dissapointed with the quality of the nuts/bolts from FCPGroton and bought OEM from the dealer. IPD supplied better quality end links.

                If you DIY, the ABS sensor attached to the strut is made of plastic. There is a very small plastic pin that gets pushed out to release it from the strut. Don't lose the little pin!

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







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.