7 replies to this topic

[tenn850]

I am going to service the front struts for the first time (170k miles) on the 850. Besides the struts (inserts) I am replacing the Spring Seats (the black part with a rubber hole in the middle priced at $23 at fcpgroton).

Do you replace anything else? Is it common to replace the Strut Mount Bearing ($75 ea), that is the plate that looks kinda square.

[cn90]

Read my DIY carefully, I outlined all my experience and all the parts are in my DIY:
http://volvospeed.co...-diy-tipstricks

Do a comprehensive Suspension Overhaul (Bilstein strut, strut mount, strut guide, control arms (Volvo Only), outer tierods, endlinks etc.) otherwise you will be back doing it again and again like I did! While you are there, check the CV rubber boots too. I assume the car has more than 100K miles, at that time, while you have everything apart, a rubber boot job is much easier.

FCP Groton:
- Strut: Bilstein Touring VNE-4579-BE (you will love this strut, not too soft, not too hard).
This came with the large nut so no need to order Flange Lock Nut 985871-3.

Darrell Waltrip Volvo
http://www.dwhondavolvo.com
Talk to Jamie (email or fax him the list for a price quote).
31200599-4 Support Plate..........$95/each x2
30683637-0 Spring Seat from XC90...$29/each x2

982845-0 Flange Screw.............$1.05/each x4
985868-9 Flange Lock Nut..........$0.75/each x4

9140068-9 Protecting Bell.......$6.75/each x2
9140067-1 Helper Spring.........$13.50/each x2

I'd do this project on a Friday and Saturday should you need nuts and bolts at Volvo dealer.
Make sure you use good Spring Compressors!

[HayaCruza]

tenn850, on 13 July 2009 - 10:15 PM, said:

I am going to service the front struts for the first time (170k miles) on the 850. Besides the struts (inserts) I am replacing the Spring Seats (the black part with a rubber hole in the middle priced at $23 at fcpgroton).

Do you replace anything else? Is it common to replace the Strut Mount Bearing ($75 ea), that is the plate that looks kinda square.

Struts and Spring Seats are the most common.
If your strut mount bearing is functional and not making any noise, there is no need to replace it.
If you want to make it as good as new, there is plenty to do but if you just want a DD with no other obvious problems, that will cover it.
Sway bar endlinks would be something else to consider, since you will take them off anyway to R&R the struts.

[randomdude]

cn90 pretty much nailed it. but if the strut mount bearings have never been replaced, then replace them no matter what!

i just did mine, and the list was; struts, springs, spring seats, strut bearings, and any damaged hardware. that about sums it up!

[Matty Moo]

best suspension tool I've ever owned. For $39 you can't beat it, and it's built surprisingly well for being HF. Way safer than conventional spring compressors and only a few bucks more.

http://www.harborfre...temnumber=43753

[cn90]

fatty matty, on 14 July 2009 - 12:13 PM, said:

best suspension tool I've ever owned. For $39 you can't beat it, and it's built surprisingly well for being HF. Way safer than conventional spring compressors and only a few bucks more.

http://www.harborfre...temnumber=43753

fatty matty,

Actually the Spring Compressor you show in your link is considered substandard.

I use two (2) sets! I rather overkill than get injured:

1. Main compressor:
Autozone Spring Compressor #27036 for $50:
http://www.autozone....entifier=555557

2. Back-up Spring compreesor from harbor Freights for $13, as a back-up in case the main compressor gives up!
http://www.harborfre...Itemnumber=3980

cn90, on 14 July 2009 - 02:35 PM, said:

fatty matty,

Actually the Spring Compressor you show in your link is considered substandard.

I use two (2) sets! I rather overkill than get injured:

1. Main compressor:
Autozone Spring Compressor #27036 for $50:
Sorry, linky is here:
http://www.autozone....artId=prod61817

2. Back-up Spring compreesor from harbor Freights for $13, as a back-up in case the main compressor gives up!
http://www.harborfre...Itemnumber=3980

[Matty Moo]

cn90, on 14 July 2009 - 02:36 PM, said:

fatty matty,

Actually the Spring Compressor you show in your link is considered substandard.

I use two (2) sets! I rather overkill than get injured:

Substandard in what way?

I've used both kinds, and will never use the singles again.

[JordanW]

tenn850, on 13 July 2009 - 10:15 PM, said:

I am going to service the front struts for the first time (170k miles) on the 850. Besides the struts (inserts) I am replacing the Spring Seats (the black part with a rubber hole in the middle priced at $23 at fcpgroton).

Do you replace anything else? Is it common to replace the Strut Mount Bearing ($75 ea), that is the plate that looks kinda square.

I would suggest using the XC90 spring seats, they aren't that much more expensive (You'll have talk to FCP to get the part number).

I don't know what brand and type of strut you are using... I'm very happy with the Bilstein Touring.

The strut mount... Well, personally I would. You've got 170K on the car, plus its at least 12 years old.

I did the job a month ago. Bilstien Tourings, spring seats, strut mounts. Went pretty well. I had manuals and all that, but if you pay attention to how you took it apart, its easy.

DON'T FORGET the alignment!!! You probably won't put anything too far out of spec... But it's worth the $60-70 for an alignment afterward!

Have fun! Good Luck!