I have a 2001 v70 t5. The motor and tranny work fine, but the front suspension is very stiff and harsh. What can I do to soften the ride? I am thinking softer springs. Anyone have experience with this situation?I don't drive it hard so a softer ride won't bother me. Thanks for your help.

Rex

 

If it has high mileage might be time for new struts.

 

My wife has the same car as you and we both disliked the hard ride. I think you must have 17 inch wheels and 40-aspect ratio tires, as we did on our car, since it's a T5. I put ads in Craigslist and kijiji and found a young guy who wanted our fancy 17 inch wheels, and I swapped him even for our 17 inch wheels and got his 16 inch alloy wheels with good 55- or 60-aspect ratio Michelin tires (can't recall which ratio right now). These ride much better and the car is OK now.

Start with the simple things, like wheels, or more precisely, tires, which are the first source of springing for a car. If you have low aspect ratio tires, try swapping for smaller wheels that will accept higher-aspect ratio tires. Big wheels with low-aspect ratio tires are mostly for cosmetic appeal at the point of sale, since you can't (or should not) use them at their maximum possible grip on public roads.

Good luck!

 

have had simmilar issues with my s80. check the spring seats as then tend to wear and make for miserable suspension sound and feedback. it was about $120 for the seats them selves from the dealer then a butt load more for labor.

 

Get new spring seats and while you have the suspension out it would be good to replace the cv boots if they're torn or leaking. With the manual transmission it is just too fun to drive with a mushy suspension. Front Suspension that should make the job much easier for newbies.

 

Check the upper strut spring seats. They will crack through and then there will be PLENTY of noise. you can check it by popping off the top bolt of the strut (21mm)and pulling off the cap and You can then inspect the mount for cracks.