I was recently given an '99 S70 GLT as a replacement for my Saab 9-5 - recently replaced motor but ABS module was bad and disgust factor too high for my father-in-law to keep dealing with it. This is my first journey into Volvo world but liking it so far.

Had typical ABS module faults and a bit of clunking and vibration in the front-end. My indy replaced an inner tie-rod end and the other boots. This has fixed the shimmying after hitting a bump, but still a bit of clunking from the front end.

The car has 150K and I suspect all original suspension components. There is a bit more bounce in the struts that I care for - what else should I plan on renewing when I replace them?

I've used eEuroparts for my Saabs for a long time but their selection of volvo parts seems a bit more limited. Is there someone who sells a kit with the appropriate bushings, washers, and nuts to renew the front suspension?

This car will be primarily for my wife and we have terrible roads in PA. I've seen lots of recommendations fro Bilstein HD and the XC70 mounts. Are the XC70 mounts a worthwhile upgrade even with OEM type struts rather than performance?

Here's where I'm at with my New Beast, a 2000 S70 GLT:
1. Timing Belt, Idler and Tensioning pulleys, and Water Pump scheduled for this week. Serpentine belt too, while they're in there. Dealer wants about $1000; my mechanic wants about $700.
2. Brakes all around, including reman calipers and new hydraulic lines. $500.
3. Struts, mounts, bearing plates, spring seats, stabilizer linkages. Rear Shocks replaced. The Spring Seats, which my Mechanic saved for me, were completely worn out on one side; a full cup had become an open-ended "D".
'Twas about $900 for Monroe shocks; I've heard people are happy with Bilsteins too....
4. Oil change, of course.

There was significant rough rattling over bumps from both front and rear, and times of questionable control. All gone now. Pretty nimble little beast; getting tires all around at end of Summer. Other than OEM-supplied Michelins or Continentals, any other recommendations ??

I went Plus One, with Borbet 16" wheels, and Bridgestones in 205/50/16...much better handling, and and no rubbing...unfortunately, Bridgestone discontinued the tire(Potenza g009)....argh!!!

After a bit of shopping, and not being certain what else may need work, I opted to simply replace the sway bar links. Easy DIY, clunking is gone, feels slightly more sure-footed in turns (may just be because the vibration isn't there when I hit a bump).

Thanks for all the thoughts!

Clunking could simply be sway bar end links. Make sure the outer tie rods and ball joints are ok. It might also be the struts.

Just did my struts on my 850 (same car basically) at 185k. At 150k the struts might be all done. If you do them, also do the spring seats (OEM XC90 spring seats are ideal) and new mounting nuts. I also did new bump stops.

I used OEM Sachs struts on my car.

Read the recent post on struts titled "KYB shocks" for more strut discussion.

Some online parts dealers:
OEM parts - Tascaparts.com
fcpgroton.com
ipdusa.com

Thanks, tie rod ends and ball joints are ok - I know that the rubber on the strut mounts is cracking a bit, so figured I would replace the bump stops, mounts, and spring seats. I did not inspect the sway bar end links closely but that is a good place to check.

To verify sway bar end link condition, you can disconnect the lower end and just let it hang straight down. Then drive the car and listen for any reduction in clunking.

Easier to just reach behind the wheel, grab the endlink and push/pull on it. If it moves, replace it.

Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.

When I replaced my struts I was advised by a V70 owner on this board not to bother with replacing the mounts. I didn't and no problems so far. Plus the mounts are expensive! The spring seats seem to wear out before the struts so it is advisable to at least change those two. From what I've read here the mounts pretty much last forever....:)

I would replace the swaybar endlinks and use IPD version.

Unless you like a hard ride, OEM sachs/boge struts/shocks are just fine. They will eliminate the nose dive under braking.

Get OEM XC90 mounts! They will not fail.

If you DIY, watch out for the ABS sensor mounted on the strut tower. There is a center plastic pin that punches out and the sensor plastic then falls off. Do NOT try to pry it off.

There are a lot of parts suppliers, just watch out for URO knockoffs. For discount OEM parts check out:
http://www.tascaparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=213668

Tasca is only online Mon-Fri, typical dealer but only 10% over cost. If you do decide to use them, your best bet is to call them and let them know exactly what you want, like new strut bolts, XC90 spring seats.

Klaus
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Volvos should be saved from the junk yards, not donated.