I am going to replace all four shocks and springs on my S70. I am borrowing some tools and want to make sure I get everything I need. I have a jack, 2 stands, a breaker bar. What size sockets do I need? I will also need to rent a spring compressor for the front springs. How do the rear springs come out? Is there a write up on a website somewhere on this? I am getting a blank page when I try to search...
How to replace suspension?
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Re: How to replace suspension? (zpmada)
I would get a complete set of metric sockets and wrenches from 12-19mm. A 10 and 11mm are nice to have too, but as I recall, aren't needed for the suspension, however are used throughout the rest of the car.. Also, be sure to have a couple sizes of extensions.
For the rear springs, remove the bottom nut on the shock and pry it off the stud, this will allow for more suspension travel which will allow you to pop the spring out. It's very simple. There is a spring retaining nut on the very bottom of the spring as well which has been known to give people a very hard time. Douse it with some Kano Kroil or PB nut blaster and let it sit for a bit. The front's are very straight forward, just be careful with the spring compressors and use a quality compressor. Take it slow, and don't let one side get too far ahead of the other, this will cause one compressor to slip around and possibly pinch a finger/hand..
| Quote, originally posted by zpmada » |
| I am going to replace all four shocks and springs on my S70. I am borrowing some tools and want to make sure I get everything I need. I have a jack, 2 stands, a breaker bar. What size sockets do I need? I will also need to rent a spring compressor for the front springs. How do the rear springs come out? Is there a write up on a website somewhere on this? I am getting a blank page when I try to search... |
For the rear springs, remove the bottom nut on the shock and pry it off the stud, this will allow for more suspension travel which will allow you to pop the spring out. It's very simple. There is a spring retaining nut on the very bottom of the spring as well which has been known to give people a very hard time. Douse it with some Kano Kroil or PB nut blaster and let it sit for a bit. The front's are very straight forward, just be careful with the spring compressors and use a quality compressor. Take it slow, and don't let one side get too far ahead of the other, this will cause one compressor to slip around and possibly pinch a finger/hand..
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Re: How to replace suspension? (zpmada)
Buy new rear shock mounts and the plastic bump stops while you're in there.
They fail and now would be the time for this.
Same with the fronts, you MUST install new spring seats, use either XC90 spring seats (better) or IPD spring seats (these always fail and as with the rear, this is the time to replace them, no extra labor time.
As for the metal strut plate, you need to inspect that once removed. most are OK but with some the center is worn out and then must be replaced too.
Buy new rear shock mounts and the plastic bump stops while you're in there.
They fail and now would be the time for this.
Same with the fronts, you MUST install new spring seats, use either XC90 spring seats (better) or IPD spring seats (these always fail and as with the rear, this is the time to replace them, no extra labor time.
As for the metal strut plate, you need to inspect that once removed. most are OK but with some the center is worn out and then must be replaced too.
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Re: How to replace suspension? (zpmada)
I think I saw a write-up over on matthewsvolvosite.com so you may want to try over there. It actually looks pretty straightforward. For me the hardest part would be breaking the 10+ years of rust on most of the nuts- one of the benefits on living in a northern climate.
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Good luck on the project!
I think I saw a write-up over on matthewsvolvosite.com so you may want to try over there. It actually looks pretty straightforward. For me the hardest part would be breaking the 10+ years of rust on most of the nuts- one of the benefits on living in a northern climate.
Good luck on the project!
Re: How to replace suspension? (JRL)
Hi JRL,
Could you clarify a couple things for me please? I am about to do this same job on my 99 V70.
1) Can I use XC90 spring seats on my car?
2) With respect to the IPD spring seats, are you saying that the IPD parts always fail or are you saying that the original seats do? I see that IPD offers three types of upper spring seats (for the front). Which do you recommend?
3) I presume that I should replace the upper shock mount in the rear? I do plan to do this in the front.
Thanks in advance for any advise and clarification.
| Quote, originally posted by JRL » |
| use either XC90 spring seats (better) or IPD spring seats (these always fail |
Hi JRL,
Could you clarify a couple things for me please? I am about to do this same job on my 99 V70.
1) Can I use XC90 spring seats on my car?
2) With respect to the IPD spring seats, are you saying that the IPD parts always fail or are you saying that the original seats do? I see that IPD offers three types of upper spring seats (for the front). Which do you recommend?
3) I presume that I should replace the upper shock mount in the rear? I do plan to do this in the front.
Thanks in advance for any advise and clarification.
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63,542 Posts
Re: How to replace suspension? (mgc)
| Quote, originally posted by mgc » |
Hi JRL, Could you clarify a couple things for me please? I am about to do this same job on my 99 V70. 1) Can I use XC90 spring seats on my car? YES 2) With respect to the IPD spring seats, are you saying that the IPD parts always fail or are you saying that the original seats do? I see that IPD offers three types of upper spring seats (for the front). Which do you recommend? ALL WILL FAIL. XC90 AND IPD'S ARE MADE OF THICKER RUBBER SO THEY SHOULD LAST MUCH LONGER (IN THEORY) 3) I presume that I should replace the upper shock mount in the rear? I do plan to do this in the front. THAT IS THE SPRING SEAT IN THE FRONT THE METAL PLATE IS CALLED A STRUT PLATE Thanks in advance for any advise and clarification. |
Re: How to replace suspension? (zpmada)
This is for an 850, but I think it will be basically the same for a '99. I used it when I did my '98.
http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/index.htm
Jim
This is for an 850, but I think it will be basically the same for a '99. I used it when I did my '98.
http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/index.htm
Jim
I am trying to unscrew the rear strut but it feels like the screw on top of the piston (access from the trunk) just keeps spinning. I am not removing the strut mount, just the strut for a quick replacement. Does the mount have to come out to get the piston off? I don't see why it needs to come out, cant I just remove the top screw and have the shock fall out?
Re: (JRL)
When installing the new rear spring, how critical is it to rotate it to the right position? If I am off, will the spring settle itself after driving around? Or do I have to get the position right?
I am still having trouble unscrewing and screwing the bolt on top of the shock. Do I need a special tool? My adjustable wrench and vise grips aren't getting anywhere. The bolt goes in too deep and I can't use a socket because the shock rod turns with the screw.
Modified by zpmada at 10:58 PM 6-3-2009
When installing the new rear spring, how critical is it to rotate it to the right position? If I am off, will the spring settle itself after driving around? Or do I have to get the position right?
I am still having trouble unscrewing and screwing the bolt on top of the shock. Do I need a special tool? My adjustable wrench and vise grips aren't getting anywhere. The bolt goes in too deep and I can't use a socket because the shock rod turns with the screw.
Modified by zpmada at 10:58 PM 6-3-2009
What is wrong with the strut mount?
So I had someone install new struts with B&G lowering springs (1.6"). Why does my strut mount look like this? The rubber part is no longer providing a seal. Is this normal when you do a 1.6" drop, or did something go wrong in the install/possibly a faulty part someplace? Both front strut mounts look like this:
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So I had someone install new struts with B&G lowering springs (1.6"). Why does my strut mount look like this? The rubber part is no longer providing a seal. Is this normal when you do a 1.6" drop, or did something go wrong in the install/possibly a faulty part someplace? Both front strut mounts look like this:
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