Has anyone used the monroe strut mount kits (part# 902911) on their car and had issues with the OEM Volvo upper strut washer bottoming out on the strut mount leaving a gap between the mount and the rubber part of the washer? If so, how did you remedy it? I have tried all the local parts houses but they are no help and I have also sent Monroe an email asking if they sell the washer but I haven't heard anything from them yet. The Volvo part number for the washer is 1273745, see photo below. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

ugh, Monroe. I'd use Lemforders, https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/vol...upper-1387188l

or if you have to cheap out, Meyle.

 

I see the error in my ways... I did save the old strut mounts and they look good, just dirty. I'm just trying to find a fix to the monroe issue before I have to resort to pulling everything out again and installing the old strut mounts with new bearings.

 

I have seen many 740 with the ol' gap right there. Gotta love aftermarket bull****....

Run used OEM stuff maybe......

 

That's why I kept the ones! Started experimenting tonight by cutting my own 1/8" thick rubber and using those between the OEM washer and the aftermarket strut mount. Looks like it will work but I ran out of the rubber gasket material, will buy more tomorrow and post the results.

 

aftermarket strut mounts suck. I have heard nothing but bad stories.

 

Installed the other homemade rubber washers today and drove it around for about 50 miles and they seem to be doing the job. I'm thinking that I will probably go ahead and order some new springs for front and back since the old struts were completely shot and the bumpers and boots were gone and I think the person I bought it from drove it that way for awhile. When I install the springs I'm going to put the proper strut mounts in and wash my hands of the monroe strut mounts!

 

I had a pair nearly blow-out after 4 months of winter driving. The remedy? Take a trip to a Volvo dealer and shell out for Volvo mounts. Monroe isn't that good, but for some things, their products are okay. Rear shock absorbers on my 240 are Monroe, and I've had 'em on for 3 years, no issues. I put front Monroe shock absorbers on my wife's Ford Explorer a year ago, no issues.

It's tough to decided which components to use original Volvo parts for, and which components it is safe to use aftermarket parts. I just go with my gut now.

 

Generally, a really bad idea to get rid of functional "old, dirty" parts for new shiny ones, especially in older cars. Don't love you Volvo to death--if it isn't broke, etc... I put very little $ in my Volvos and rarely have any issues... But I keep everything original and nobody touches them but me unless something really catastrophic happens.