2007 XC 90 Front Strut & Spring Assembly

nyc1836 · Nov 18, 2018

2007 Volvo XC 90 3.2 need advice for decent after market complete pair of Front Strut & Spring Assembly does it come with the mounts?
also for just the strut mount and spring seats saw some by URO parts are these any good? might have to only change the mounts and seats

ChitownV · Nov 18, 2018

It would help if you had your car and mileage listed in your signature.

Why are you thinking about the front strut assembly?

URO parts are not good, speaking from first-hand experience in various European cars and from many reviews used across different European auto companies. I did my front mounts, bearings, and struts this past summer. With only 111k miles, the front struts were so worn out where I could push down on one without using my body weight. Can't imagine it could dampen the weight that much of the XC90.

Here are a few things to consider.
- Any "quick-strut" type aftermarket strut/spring assembly is made cheaper. I have seen this in an XC90 and the springs have a lower spring rate, the struts have a "whoosh" sound at every compression, and they still make the XC90 nosedive
- If you are doing the strut mounts, depending on mileage (greater than 100k miles), it might be a good time to do the front struts. Everything will be apart. The Sachs or Bilstein Touring (for a little more sport) are the best stock replacement options and are priced similarly.
- If you don't have spring compressors, you could borrow/rent from an Autozone or similar outlet.
- You will need an alignment after. Budget for that too.

Here is a kit for you to get a general pricing idea for the components: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-strut-kit-front-6-piece-xc90-kit-p2xc90strtkt2p6

Here is a video outlining front strut replacement. Can do the mounts at the same time.

bblake12 · Nov 19, 2018

I did mine in my 2007 with a spring / strut complete package. I just didn't trust compressing the springs. The sway bar replacement was the hardest part for me. After watching this video a thousand times I think I could have done it easier.

If you do decide to just do the strut, take it to someone to compress the springs for you.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

ChitownV · Nov 19, 2018

bblake12 said:
I did mine in my 2007 with a spring / strut complete package. I just didn't trust compressing the springs. The sway bar replacement was the hardest part for me. After watching this video a thousand times I think I could have done it easier.

If you do decide to just do the strut, take it to someone to compress the springs for you.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk

You do realize that is the same video I linked, lol.

Compressing the spring isn't difficult or that hard. There are tons of how-tos and videos about compressing a spring and disassembling a strut. You do make a good point in doing what you feel comfortable doing. The sway bar end links can be difficult if they are rusted. I suggest using a wire brush to clean the threads and a PB blaster soak.

I found changing the struts a rather straightforward repair. I have done over 24 struts before this pair. The first one for the XC90 took me 1.5 hours while taking my time; the second one took me only 45 minutes. In the video there is a special tool for the spring pad nut. I ended up using a hammer to loosen and tighten the nut. No special tool needed.

Tommm · Nov 19, 2018

I replaced the struts on a few cars including my 128i, our 06 XC90 our 07 S80 and a friends XC70. I am not an expert. I am also very afraid of compressed springs. What I recommend, and what I did after the third if you are not in a major rush is drop off the parts at a local shop and have them put the strut assembly together.

I wouldn't go with URO either after what I read. But, my buddy did go with URO for sway bar mounts on his 968, and some of the rubber pieces still had the Porsche logo on them. Go figya! they are at both extremes.

In each case purchased Sachs struts from FCPeuro.com, rmeuropean.com and tasca volvo. I bought the parts that goon top of the strut too. I went with lemforder, febi, and another brand. In one case the part was still had the skf (I think thats the original Volvo name) on it.

The reason I said if you have time, take off the complete strut assembly and give it to a shop with all the new parts (or pick up springs from a wreck). They compressed the spring, installed it on the new strut, and put all the new pieces on. They charged me $65 to do that. I think that works out to about $10 an hour if I did it myself. The spring is undoubtedly the toughest part of these jobs. Also, get the piece of rubber that goes between the bottom of the spring and the strut. I didn't on the S80 and that sumbich cracked now I have a noise at low speed when it is hot out.

Change it all at once. The labor is the most expensive part of this job. Also, how are the control arm bushings? I read a lot of aftermarket horror stories. The cheapest DIY is buy the factory blue box parts from Tasca or another on line dealer. Many also say replace the bolts. I agree.

88domer · Nov 19, 2018

ChitownV said:
In the video there is a special tool for the spring pad nut. I ended up using a hammer to loosen and tighten the nut. No special tool needed.

I like that option! While watching the video, I was thinking about what I have in the garage that could replace that tool. Was planning to use the big vice grips or channel lock pliers.

BD

'06 S40 M66 T5 FWD, '08 C70 M66 T5 Premier Plus, '11 XC90 V8 AWD, '13 C70 T5 Platinum P* ('94 854 Turbo, '05 S60 2.5T FWD, & '04 XC90 2.5T AWD R.I.P.)

ggleavitt · Nov 19, 2018

Decent sized crescent wrench, open the flats just enough to get it on the "sides" created by the cross corners, you'll see it intuitively where to put the wrench if you try, and a Torx-40 or T-45 to hold the top of the strut from turning.

Bought the "special" tool for the first time I did a strut replacement, maybe used it once.

I buy new hardware when I do this job.

huzzsaba · Nov 19, 2018

The best tool I have bought to date is an electrical impact wrench. It will take the top nut off without any counterhold. I use a pipe wrench on the on the cross nut. works like a charm.

ggleavitt · Nov 20, 2018

Three springs, three struts (AI moves to join AG,AB, and 47, AE and 48 join with new bumpstop for AE).

Front spring 30648138 MARKED 31
Front spring 30648139 MARKED 32
Front spring 30648140 MARKED 33

Shock absorber 31304066 MARKED 48
Shock absorber 30776718 REPL 2 PCS 31304066, 2 PCS 31277953, MARKED AE
Shock absorber 30645515 MARKED 17, REPL 2 PCS 31200416
Shock absorber 31277877 MARKED AG, AB, 47
Shock absorber 31200416 MARKED AI, REPL 2 PCS 31277877, 2 PCS 31277953

The "Marked" reference above is for the suspension code, see black label on the rear of the passenger side B-pillar. Link here (post #6) to decode- https://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread.php?363585-replace-nivomat-rear-shocks

Someone else can articulate the differences.

If you replace with a ready made strut, might be good to know what it's being replaced with, spring and strut code-wise.

RyanR · Nov 20, 2018

In one month, a friend of mine went through two sets of "quick struts" for his '06 V70. They are junk. Completely. Get Sachs struts. Please. Bil "Touring Class" if you want sportier.

Springs are 99% not dangerous with a good compressor USED PROPERLY. Grease up any threads in the compressor. Treat the compressed spring with respect. Put it someplace far away while you do the work.

Air tools are indeed fantastic for the job. Nowadays, you can get really nice electric impact wrenches.

Aside from the strut, other components should be brand named high quality. XC90's are giant heavy cars built on a car platform. Don't skimp here.

-Ryan

Tommm · Nov 20, 2018

Not sure about the rein part but the price is right. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-strut-kit-front-6-piece-xc90-kit-p2xc90strtkt2p6

I would also get the piece of rubber between the spring and the strut on the bottom. Its not expensive.

atraudes · Nov 20, 2018

Rein is a top-notch name, from everything I've heard.

FWIW, here's the list of the parts I used, as well as a discussion on insulators (I'd get insulators for top and bottom, personally).

Orange · Nov 21, 2018

Rein is the actual supplier for genuine Volvo spring seats. By the past it was Sachs - and maybe it still is for some cars

nyc1836 · Nov 22, 2018

I bought SACHS found a pair for $44 shipped on Rockauto

Tommm · Nov 22, 2018

nyc1836 said:
I bought SACHS found a pair for $44 shipped on Rockauto

You lucked out. The struts are usually around 115 each

2007 XC 90 Front Strut & Spring Assembly

nyc1836

ChitownV

bblake12

ChitownV

Tommm

88domer

ggleavitt

huzzsaba

ggleavitt

RyanR

Tommm

atraudes

Orange

nyc1836

Tommm

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities