Suspension: 70: - Front suspension advice...

Faust · Mar 21st, 2018, 13:07

After a bit of advice please: my missus drives a 1999 V70 NA 2.5 petrol.

The dampers & springs have never been changed (it’s done 197k miles!) and their time has come. She got an advisory for minor corrosion on the springs last May for her MOT. The car still passes the bounce test, but not as well as I'd like.

I’ve had a look at the 850 guide on here and the job looks fairly straight forward…

Does anyone have a recommendation for dampers/shock absorbers that give a good service? The car is not lowered and she doesn’t want a harsh or 'sporty' ride as she uses it for transporting musical instruments (Harps to be precise). PFS stock Meyle & Sachs oil filled dampers – any experience in using these? Other options?

Same with springs: Any recommendations?

Strut mountings: going to fit new units as I really don’t like doing a job twice.

The ‘star’ shaped nut: does anyone have a tool I could borrow? (If not I’ll have to buy one... at least they're fairly cheap!).

Any other hints and tips for getting this job done? Last time I changed struts was on an Sierra XR4x4 a few years back… still got my trusty spring compressors even though I’ve not needed them for a while (double wishbone set up on an Amazon is a bit easier to work on than a MacPherson strut set up!)

Thanks in advance

Mike

SteveSarre · Mar 21st, 2018, 20:15

Hi Mike

I have never found where to get the tool for the star shaped nut.
I just use a spanner hooked around one of the arms or a hammer.
Where would you get yours?

I or others can give you more detailed input in due course, but be prepared to change the upper rubber mount, and also the upper metal bearing plate.

Standard shocks and springs will probably suit you fine.

It is a straightforward job unless your spring compressors cannot grab enough coils.

Probably replace the drop links while you are at it unless you know yours are recent and good.

Steve

walshy · Mar 21st, 2018, 20:17

Sachs are good quality and are oe on a lot of cars. We sell a mix of monroe and bendix which are made by optimal I think and have never had any issues with them. They are also made to oe spec.
We sell lesjofers springs which are a Swedish company I'm sure and are also made to oe specs and are very reliable.
There are a lot of springs and shocks available on line at cheap prices but I wouldn't go down that road as we have customers that fit them and then end up buying our springs and shocks to replace them.
Hope this helps.

Faust · Mar 21st, 2018, 21:41

Cheers for the answers.

Skandix sell the star nut tool: http://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts...nting/1036675/

Drop links are about a year old (changed them myself).

Yep, going to change both mounts - spring cap and support bearing. Foolish not to when you've got the strut disassembled IMO.

Got Lesjofers springs on my Amazon and I'm happy with them so I'll keep my eyes open for a pair of these.

Used Sachs before so I'll probably price up a pair (just wanted confirmation that they 'suit' a V70).

Probably going to be doing the re-build over the Easter weekend... she'll be buying me a lot of pints in exchange!

SteveSarre · Mar 22nd, 2018, 09:22

PS

Since you are going to replace pretty much all of the components, you could look into buying a prebuilt assembly.

You are only short of a new bump stop, shroud and star nut.

I don't know what is available in terms of price and quality, but worth checking. (Let us know).

I always would want to take the old assembly apart so I could learn about what failed, and match that with any symptoms.

Steve

Faust · Mar 22nd, 2018, 12:18

Did think about full struts ‘ready built’ but I could only find units for phase 2 V70s… and the quality didn’t look brilliant to be honest.

Going to speak to FRF in Swansea today so I’ll ask them about availability.

My missus likes working on cars (taught her to do her own ignition components and brakes etc.) and she’s interested in doing the front struts - well, watching me and learning! - so it’d be a shame just to do a simple switch rather than the whole job.

Stu B · Mar 22nd, 2018, 16:16

Hi,

I did similar on my 850 last year, there are some pics and questions / answers that might help in my thread here:
https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=272275

Shocks wise, I went for a full set of Bilstein B4 from PFS. Been very happy with them, rides very well with standard springs, new top mounts, spring seats and bearings, bump stops etc.

As regards the star shaped nut, I used a large pair of stilsons (spelling?) across the diagonals to crack it and nip it back up, whilst holding the centre with an allen key (old struts) or open ended spanner (new struts).

It's not a bad job but be patient with the two little bolts that secure the top mounts under the boot floor. Roger advised me they are easily snapped as I recall, mine came out intact with lots of careful lubrication and working back and forth but it'd be a pain if you sheared them.

Bigfella666 · Mar 22nd, 2018, 20:18

Chaps

I have to replace what I suspect is the mount rubber after Lakes did the wrong side yet still managed to get her through an MOT !

Sick to death of sorting out the incompetence of others but have always been put off using the Stu B style spring compressors. Any advice on strong, safe brands would be much appreciated, with a view to doing the job meself !

Faust · Mar 22nd, 2018, 21:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfella666

Chaps

I have to replace what I suspect is the mount rubber after Lakes did the wrong side yet still managed to get her through an MOT !

Sick to death of sorting out the incompetence of others but have always been put off using the Stu B style spring compressors. Any advice on strong, safe brands would be much appreciated, with a view to doing the job meself !

Use Clarke compressors myself - they've got safety hooks on which means the unit can't fall off the spring. Excellent bit of kit.

Had a compressor fail years ago... scared the hell out of me (luckily I wasn't injured but it could have been nasty).

Bigfella666 · Mar 23rd, 2018, 07:30

Cheers Faust,

I guess you are referring to the vertical unit which sit still on a stand and is either foot operated, or I have seen a spindle version which may have been Sealey.

The fail to which you refer is precisely what I was referring to and which I would not want happening to me !

Mar 21st, 2018, 13:07	#1
Faust Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 00:05 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nottingham	Front suspension advice... After a bit of advice please: my missus drives a 1999 V70 NA 2.5 petrol. The dampers & springs have never been changed (it’s done 197k miles!) and their time has come. She got an advisory for minor corrosion on the springs last May for her MOT. The car still passes the bounce test, but not as well as I'd like. I’ve had a look at the 850 guide on here and the job looks fairly straight forward… Does anyone have a recommendation for dampers/shock absorbers that give a good service? The car is not lowered and she doesn’t want a harsh or 'sporty' ride as she uses it for transporting musical instruments (Harps to be precise). PFS stock Meyle & Sachs oil filled dampers – any experience in using these? Other options? Same with springs: Any recommendations? Strut mountings: going to fit new units as I really don’t like doing a job twice. The ‘star’ shaped nut: does anyone have a tool I could borrow? (If not I’ll have to buy one... at least they're fairly cheap!). Any other hints and tips for getting this job done? Last time I changed struts was on an Sierra XR4x4 a few years back… still got my trusty spring compressors even though I’ve not needed them for a while (double wishbone set up on an Amazon is a bit easier to work on than a MacPherson strut set up!) Thanks in advance Mike

Mar 21st, 2018, 20:15	#2
SteveSarre Premier Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2024 15:16 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London/West Country	Hi Mike I have never found where to get the tool for the star shaped nut. I just use a spanner hooked around one of the arms or a hammer. Where would you get yours? I or others can give you more detailed input in due course, but be prepared to change the upper rubber mount, and also the upper metal bearing plate. Standard shocks and springs will probably suit you fine. It is a straightforward job unless your spring compressors cannot grab enough coils. Probably replace the drop links while you are at it unless you know yours are recent and good. Steve __________________ V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Man. 1999 Red V70 2.5 10V Auto 1998 Green C70 T 20V Auto Conv. 2001 Blue, C70 T5 Auto Conv. 2000 Blue V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Auto 1998 Green, V70 2.5 10V Auto BiFuel 1999 Red (scrapped) V70 20v Auto 1999 Green (scrapped) Last edited by SteveSarre; Mar 21st, 2018 at 20:17.

Mar 22nd, 2018, 09:22	#5
SteveSarre Premier Member Last Online: Apr 24th, 2024 15:16 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London/West Country	PS Since you are going to replace pretty much all of the components, you could look into buying a prebuilt assembly. You are only short of a new bump stop, shroud and star nut. I don't know what is available in terms of price and quality, but worth checking. (Let us know). I always would want to take the old assembly apart so I could learn about what failed, and match that with any symptoms. Steve __________________ V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Man. 1999 Red V70 2.5 10V Auto 1998 Green C70 T 20V Auto Conv. 2001 Blue, C70 T5 Auto Conv. 2000 Blue V70 2.5 Turbo AWD Auto 1998 Green, V70 2.5 10V Auto BiFuel 1999 Red (scrapped) V70 20v Auto 1999 Green (scrapped)

Mar 22nd, 2018, 16:16	#7
Stu B Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 19:02 Join Date: May 2016 Location: Cheshire	Hi, I did similar on my 850 last year, there are some pics and questions / answers that might help in my thread here: https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=272275 Shocks wise, I went for a full set of Bilstein B4 from PFS. Been very happy with them, rides very well with standard springs, new top mounts, spring seats and bearings, bump stops etc. As regards the star shaped nut, I used a large pair of stilsons (spelling?) across the diagonals to crack it and nip it back up, whilst holding the centre with an allen key (old struts) or open ended spanner (new struts). It's not a bad job but be patient with the two little bolts that secure the top mounts under the boot floor. Roger advised me they are easily snapped as I recall, mine came out intact with lots of careful lubrication and working back and forth but it'd be a pain if you sheared them. __________________ 2017 V60 CC D4 AWD Polestar

Mar 21st, 2018, 20:17	#3
walshy Member Last Online: Apr 15th, 2024 12:17 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Bellshill	Sachs are good quality and are oe on a lot of cars. We sell a mix of monroe and bendix which are made by optimal I think and have never had any issues with them. They are also made to oe spec. We sell lesjofers springs which are a Swedish company I'm sure and are also made to oe specs and are very reliable. There are a lot of springs and shocks available on line at cheap prices but I wouldn't go down that road as we have customers that fit them and then end up buying our springs and shocks to replace them. Hope this helps.

Mar 21st, 2018, 21:41	#4
Faust Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 00:05 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nottingham	Cheers for the answers. Skandix sell the star nut tool: http://www.skandix.de/en/spare-parts...nting/1036675/ Drop links are about a year old (changed them myself). Yep, going to change both mounts - spring cap and support bearing. Foolish not to when you've got the strut disassembled IMO. Got Lesjofers springs on my Amazon and I'm happy with them so I'll keep my eyes open for a pair of these. Used Sachs before so I'll probably price up a pair (just wanted confirmation that they 'suit' a V70). Probably going to be doing the re-build over the Easter weekend... she'll be buying me a lot of pints in exchange!

Mar 22nd, 2018, 12:18	#6
Faust Master Member Last Online: Yesterday 00:05 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Nottingham	Did think about full struts ‘ready built’ but I could only find units for phase 2 V70s… and the quality didn’t look brilliant to be honest. Going to speak to FRF in Swansea today so I’ll ask them about availability. My missus likes working on cars (taught her to do her own ignition components and brakes etc.) and she’s interested in doing the front struts - well, watching me and learning! - so it’d be a shame just to do a simple switch rather than the whole job.

Mar 22nd, 2018, 20:18	#8
Bigfella666 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 1st, 2024 13:31 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: London	Chaps I have to replace what I suspect is the mount rubber after Lakes did the wrong side yet still managed to get her through an MOT ! Sick to death of sorting out the incompetence of others but have always been put off using the Stu B style spring compressors. Any advice on strong, safe brands would be much appreciated, with a view to doing the job meself !

Mar 23rd, 2018, 07:30	#10
Bigfella666 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 1st, 2024 13:31 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: London	Cheers Faust, I guess you are referring to the vertical unit which sit still on a stand and is either foot operated, or I have seen a spindle version which may have been Sealey. The fail to which you refer is precisely what I was referring to and which I would not want happening to me !

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