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Suspension? V70-XC70

My 2006 XC70 Ocean Race has 95K on it. It's in relatively excellent shape. Interior and exterior- excellent. Motor is performing well, uses some oil. All systems seem fine. NOW...the car is not as 'tight' as it once was...rattily and harsh ride. Not bouncy...harsh on bumps. FCP offers a suspension 'kit' for $900 for the front and odds/ ends for the rear. This could take me to $2000 for parts, not to mention labor (I just don't have the tools and strength to do this all myself). Talk me into it...or out of spending ALL that cash. Should I just do the 'basics'...struts and mounts? Or go full hog and do all the bushings, etc. ? Just wanted to hear some thoughts, as my wife would certainly have me go for the least expensive route....








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    Suspension harsh? V70-XC70

    It might just be the tires. My 1995 855T bounces on telephone pole shadows. The PO put Tiger Paw tires on all 4 corners and those are really stiff tires. They handle well.

    Of course, the bushings are probably all dried up and don't help the cause any.

    I replaced the rear shocks (the old ones were toast) and no change in the ride.

    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








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    Suspension? V70-XC70

    It is a problem, my 1995 850 rides like a go kart until I get above 50mph. It has 183K miles on it. I know it needs bushings, the rubber goes bad with age, but I don't now if that will cushion the 'roughness'.

    Finding a good mechanic is the real problem, not the cost of repairs. Replacing struts/shocks will not change the ride smoothness, been there done that. My rear shocks were completely gone, but the spring rate and bushings kept the rear of the wagon from bouncing. And I am getting too old to crawl under the car and muscle suspension bits off.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








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    Suspension? V70-XC70

    Dropping some cash on '06 Ocean Race with low miles is worthwhile, especially compared to a payment on a new(er) car. Frame it to your wife that way. Above all, keep her happy, even if it means you have to live with a rough ride!

    It's hard to say but IMO at 95K it shouldn't be needing a full refresh of suspension components. Though I've lived with original struts @twice the mileage... Sway bar end links for sure need refreshed, maybe strut mounts, but not the whole hog. Can you pull a couple wheels and check on the condition of the control arm bushings? Look for cracks and separations in the rubber.

    It really is a trick to find a trustworthy mechanic who will work in your interest. Perhaps the greater struggle is trusting a mechanic at all. A struggle many of us have had (and has driven us to the DIY route despite the hassles).

    Regards,
    Will








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    Suspension? V70-XC70

    IMHO - At 95k, do what it needs. Probably front struts, strut mounts, rear mounts and rear shocks, Or does your car have rear struts? I forget. Don’t own one. Do you have someone you can trust look it over?
    --
    Will I buy another Volvo??? We'll see....







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