I noticed a few posts over the last couple of weeks about struts for the 850. I have an 855R with 150K on it now and it is starting to really annoy me with the constant clunking sounds coming from all over the place. I am interested in replacing the mounts and struts in the front and the mounts in the back in order to cure some of the noises.

I looked on FCPGroton.com and there are quite a few parts listed. I was expecting to need to get these:

2 front struts (probably go with the Bilstein TCs)
2 front strut mount assemblies
12 strut mount lock nuts
8 bolts
8 lock nuts
2 strut spring seats
2 rear shock mounts (for cars with Nivomats)

Am I missing anything? I'm probably going to replace the right side a-arm now too. Had the left side replaced about 30K ago. Are there any other mounts, etc... that can be replaced rather easily while I'm fixing all of this crap?

BTW, I am NOT planning to replace the Nivomats unless it's something that is highly recommended. $500 is way too much right now. Does anyone disagree with that logic?

TIA

-Kyle

There's also an upper strut mount bushing assembly that can also go bad and cause a thudding noise when going over a bump. The spring has to be compressed to remove it.

Your suspension noise might be coming from the swaybar endlinks and not the mounts. Typically when the endlinks go, they make a lot of noise over broken surfaces and large bumps. So, if you want to save a bit of money, try replacing them first.

Since your car has 150K you might want to replace the struts & shocks anyways. I've done several struts and/or shocks replacements on 3 different 850's. I even purchased a set of strut spring compressors from iPd. Definitely a good idea to replace the spring seats, but I'm not sure about the need to replace the mounts unless damaged.

I would replace the rear nivomats since they're probably shot anyways at 150K. I did on my '96 855T as well as my friend's '97 855T. On mine I went with Bilstein HD's and on my friend, TC's since he wanted more of a cushy ride. In either case you'll find the damping is much better than stock. On both wagons, heavy duty rear springs from FCPgroton were installed. They are a good compliment to the TC's and a little stiffer with the HD's. Of course, they will help keep the back end from sagging with heavy loads. I imagine the ride is even softer with the regular springs.

Historically, I've always ordered my struts and shocks from Shox.com because of their competitive pricing, fast shipping and great customer service. FCPGroton is a great retailer as well.

If you do the work yourself, definitely get your hands on an impact wrench. Air tools are preferable, but an electric one will do the job.

-Jeong

Thanks for the info, it was very helpful. Also, thanks for the suggestion on Shox.com... looks like their prices are very competitive.

As far as the swaybar end links go, is getting the swaybar off a DIY job (assuming I can get my hands on an impact wrench)? I'll probably take your advice and replace those first along with the swaybar bushing(s) to see if that is most of the problem. I'd rather not sink $400-500 into the suspension just to find out it was $60 worth of hardware ;-).

If it comes to it, I might go with the HD rear springs and Bilstein TC's all around. The prices online look reasonable enough.

Otherwise, the car is solid, except for the annoying clunk when going through a bumpy parking lot.

Thanks,

Kyle

The endlinks are easy to remove especially with an impact wrench. To remove the front sway bars is another story. That requires unbolting the frame and is not really a job for the novice.

Speaking of the sway bar bushing replacement, I unbolted the sway bar from the frame, but couldn't figure out how to get the bushing out of the u-bracket. The bushing isn't just sandwiched between the bracket and the frame, but the bracket holding the bushing to the frame seems to be a 2 piece design. However, I couldn't figure out how to get the bushing out. I couldn't pry the two pieces apart...they may be tack welded together. Can somebody tell be how to get the bushing out???

With that many miles and with all the work you are doing, I'd suggest replacing the front sway bar endlinks if you haven't already. I had just one go, and it made quite the racket.

Cheers

I noticed some good prices on strut mounts on ebay. Ad claimed that they were new OEM parts. Also, don't forget to get spring compressors. Some of the local auto parts places will loan these to you free aound here. Harbor Freight also sells them fairly cheaply but some have questioned their quality.

Strut replacement in my opinion, and I have never done it, is best left to professionals.