S60 ‘05 what front shocks to get
 

Hi Guys,

I’m in need of 2 new front shocks and would like to get recommendations about these. I see a lot of mentioning of the Sachs ones.
Also if you have any advice about where to get them for a good price that would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Sachs is said to make Volvo's shocks and their SporTouring line is what I installed on my 2002. They were just OK.
I installed Bilsteins on another car and saw tremendous improvement in ride.

I have the heavy duty ones (H6 or B6, I forget) to go on my '07. Many install the H4 (or is it B4?) level with satisfaction.

Someone local to your side of the Atlantic will be along with source recommendations.

Thank you for taking the time to reply and advise.
I have been looking at the Bilstein B4 ones as the higher ones the 6 and 8 ones are outside my price range. Will have to look for a good deal and a reliable source now.

I fitted Bilstein B4s all round a few years back. Got a very good deal from PFS. Much improved ride and handling.
Might want to replace the top spring cups whilst your at it (don't buy cheap and stick with major brands or Volvo) and check the top bearings.

Volvodriver..
There is no easy answer to that.
Not long ago I was in a need similar to yours.
Even Vida was refferi g to at least three(!) distinct specifications.
I went with Sachs, as OEM supplier, but the problem of which EXACTLY shock to get can be solved in only one way, I'm afraid.
Lift the car, take wheels off, squeeze your head in there, and try to read out the plate on that old shock.

Worked for me.

Ps: if anyone needs parts.. look at my signature. Time limited offer. Some goodies in there(like these shocks, 1year old) I can't transfer to XC, some crap. Ask.

The Bilstein "8"'s are for lowered cars. If you're that far into modifications you'd know it.

Otherwise don't over-think this. How many miles are on your '05?. My '07 V70 has 105K on the rears and only 47.4K on the fronts as they were replaced by a Volvo dealership during the original owner's time.

57.6K is surprisingly low mileage for front struts to fail. I have the repair record from the dealership but no explanation. I imagine ride quality was the "selling point" used or perhaps they leaked. It'd only take one to truthfully recommend replacing both.

As with my '02, I'll be doing the rears first. This time I believe I have time before I have to do the fronts.

The difference in ride quality after replacing the rears was amazing. However, after finally getting around to replacing the fronts (one was leaking badly and the other was completely without dampening power) I was disappointed.

I suppose the weight of the car and the fact that I drive like a granny kept wallowing to a minimum.

Rears aren't that expensive. Start there.

I’m not very clued up about cars to be honest.
Just this week I brought my car into the garage for a service and the mechanic said it would be a good thing to replace the front shocks. He didn’t say I was in need of any rear ones.
I have done a 150.000 miles on it now and as far as I know the suspension hasn’t been replaced before. The mechanic said that they lasted very long if that is the case.
I’m inbetween Meyle, Sachs or Monroe shocks as they all seem to be in the same price range and within my budget.
I do read some good stuff about the Bilsteins, but they are also a higher price range which if it really would make the world of difference compared to the others I would stretch to.
I do really appreciate you all taking time to reply. Thanks

I just had a look at PFS and they sell the Bilsteins B4s for a much better price then I have found them before. Will be looking to order these now as most of the replies here speak well of them. I do rather spend a bit more for quality products then buying cheap and buying twice and quality is about safety as well.
Thank you very much.

All depends on what do you want to do with the car. What do you expect from it.
Do you want it to last?
Do you want it to be more "sporty"?
Former ride, assumed short bursts?
Or longer spurs, like my 1300mile each way- for these idadvise something softer.

Fund out what do you have in there at the moment, and using it as a reference (ride quality).. choose something that fits you.

I fitted Meyle 6 years ago and they were fine and are still acceptable.
I only fitted them though because they were much cheaper at the time (£88 for the pair) versus established brands.
If price is now similar across the board, I'd be Sachs first with Monroe a close second and Bilstein if I wanted to treat the car.