Hello,

My 100k 1999 v70 xc sometimes (this morning but not tonight) makes a noise in the right front that sounds like light-weight banging/loose plastic and is evident at low speeds over a less then perfect surface. My local shop checked it out and said it was a broken upper strut mount cap or something like that. Anyway, it's around $150 plus 3 hours labor. The left one is cracked.

The car rides great and I don't really have the $$ right now for "superfluous" repairs with a baby on the way (hence the Volvo!). Is there any danger or further damage that can be caused by waiting? If so, how long can I let this go? Also, is it something I can do myself - I've done things like brakes, alternators, master cylinder, CV boots on Audi's in the past.

Thanks in advance!
Dean

The longer you go the worse it will get. Picture this...the top of your strut is losely connected to the frame of your car...not an optimal situation. That said, you can drive for a while until the noise and knocking gets worse if you must. Fairly common problem. You can do it yourself, but you will need a spring compressor as you have to remove the front strut assembly and then most likely get an alignment. Check out www.volvospeed.com\bay13.htm for directions on how to do it. BTW, it is commonly referred to as the upper strut mount.