Front strut overhaul

[RollingThunder]

I'm wanting to tidy up the handling of my 940, so will be buying the iPd anti-roll bars soon. The PO has already replaced the coil springs, but I'm thinking of replacing the dampers and while I'm at it the top mount and bearing etc. I *may* fit Kilen lowering springs, but I'm undecided about that at the moment.

So a few questions come to mind -

1. Damper brands. I usually buy Volvo, Sachs, or Boge dampers but its easier to get KYB and Meyle - is anyone running these? If so what are they like? I don't like Monroe or Spax and I think Bilstein are a bit firm for what I'm after.

2. Strut top mount & bearing - is there a useful upgrade for these parts? I know on the 850 people recommend the XC90 strut top mount, I was wondering if there is a similar 'upgrade' for the 940? Maybe S90 parts? Same question about the recommended brands too

Thanks as always

[360beast]

I've used KYB once before and had no issues but it wasn't on a Volvo.

Go the whole hog and get Gaz GT dampers so you can adjust them to how you like

I'm not aware of any upgraded Volvo top mounts but that's not to say there are any, Dai does a camber and caster adjustable top mount that are essentially the same price as new genuine Volvo ones.

When I did my front suspension recently I bought TRW top mounts (you've seen the pictures in WhatsApp) but they had what appeared to be a groove linishes in to rubber and one wasn't even bonded to the top mount properly so they went straight back (made in Taiwan). I would get genuine Volvo if I were to go for standard ones,.but tbh I reused my 197k mile ones as they had ver little wear to them.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by 360beast

I've used KYB once before and had no issues but it wasn't on a Volvo.

Go the whole hog and get Gaz GT dampers so you can adjust them to how you like

I'm not aware of any upgraded Volvo top mounts but that's not to say there are any, Dai does a camber and caster adjustable top mount that are essentially the same price as new genuine Volvo ones.

When I did my front suspension recently I bought TRW top mounts (you've seen the pictures in WhatsApp) but they had what appeared to be a groove linishes in to rubber and one wasn't even bonded to the top mount properly so they went straight back (made in Taiwan). I would get genuine Volvo if I were to go for standard ones,.but tbh I reused my 197k mile ones as they had ver little wear to them.

I refurbed all that recently and went for Gen Volvo from FRF

[RollingThunder]

Thanks both.

I did see Dai's adjustable top mounts but I think that might be a step too far for me - I wouldn't know how to set them up properly

I do plan on doing the ghetto camber mod* though, it seems a good time to do it while the struts are out. I'll just rotate the upper mount until the raised section is just clear of the inner wing 'hat' - that should give me enough camber to avoid outer edge tyre scrub/wear on the wider tyres I'm planning...

*This is actually recommended in a Volvo Technical Service document which I have attached for those interested.

Griston, yes I'll get a quote from FRF for everything bar the springs - I'm probably going to replace the springs with Kilen lowering springs because I'm not convinced the PO has fitted the correct springs anyway - they are really soft, and I know he previously has fitted incorrect parts (remember the 700 series alternator...? )

[RollingThunder]

I guess I'm getting impatient in my old age - I've just ordered some KYB gas dampers and a Lesjofors 40mm lowering spring kit (the Kilen kit seems to be sold out across Europe!). As Lesjofors and Kilen are basically the same company I'm assuming they'll be equally good quality.

Just need to get the top mounts now - I'll probably go to FRF for those.

[loki_the_glt]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

I'm wanting to tidy up the handling of my 940, so will be buying the iPd anti-roll bars soon. The PO has already replaced the coil springs, but I'm thinking of replacing the dampers and while I'm at it the top mount and bearing etc. I *may* fit Kilen lowering springs, but I'm undecided about that at the moment.

So a few questions come to mind -

1. Damper brands. I usually buy Volvo, Sachs, or Boge dampers but its easier to get KYB and Meyle - is anyone running these? If so what are they like? I don't like Monroe or Spax and I think Bilstein are a bit firm for what I'm after.

2. Strut top mount & bearing - is there a useful upgrade for these parts? I know on the 850 people recommend the XC90 strut top mount, I was wondering if there is a similar 'upgrade' for the 940? Maybe S90 parts? Same question about the recommended brands too

Thanks as always

I'm running KYB dampers at both ends of the Valdez; I don't like knowing which way up a pound coin was when I drive over it, and the car doesn't get driven hard anyway so the stock suspension is fine.

[360beast]

Someone did the camber mod and lowered their 940 and it absolutely ruined the handling due to too much camber, you'll probably find lowering it sorts the camber out by itself.

[griston64]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

I guess I'm getting impatient in my old age - I've just ordered some KYB gas dampers and a Lesjofors 40mm lowering spring kit (the Kilen kit seems to be sold out across Europe!). As Lesjofors and Kilen are basically the same company I'm assuming they'll be equally good quality.

Just need to get the top mounts now - I'll probably go to FRF for those.

I did Lesjofors 40mm lowering all round with B4's. That with the Viking chassis brace makes it perfect for me

I got a spare set of struts from a 940 that I broke, had them blasted and powdercoated and then built them up with all my new stuff. The job then is just a swap in I did same with all lower arms as well

[RollingThunder]

Originally Posted by 360beast

Someone did the camber mod and lowered their 940 and it absolutely ruined the handling due to too much camber, you'll probably find lowering it sorts the camber out by itself.

I never thought of that - of course lowering it will change the camber... doh! Thanks for that. One job less to do

Griston, yes that would be ideal but I don't think SWMBO would appreciate yet more used spare parts going into the garage - we can hardly get in there as it is. I still have a set of Omega wheels in there remember along with some LandRover parts that I'll have to get rid of soon, I've been meaning to sell those for...years!

[volvo always]

Hope you don't mind me asking a question here.

I am going to be replacing my front dampers due to one leaking and noticed my front disks have no brake backing plates. How much more of a job would it be to fit new backing plates?

Many thanks. James.