I have a 92 940GL. I need to replace the front struts and I have never done this before. Can anyone help by giving advice on the best way to do this? This is my first post so go easy on me. LOL!! Thanx!

 

front struts are a fairly involved job, and really a pain to do without a proper lift. absolutely for sure you need a 'internal spring compressor'. in addition to your new strut, at a minimum you want to replace the strut tower upper piece that has the bolts, thats part #27 here, and generally comes with the bearing #25. real volvo parts are a better choice, the after market ones are sketchy.

control arm bushings #11 are almost always toasted on these, replacing them will greatly tighten up your front end.



Offhand, the sequence is...

1. get car up on stands, remove front wheels
2. jack the control arm [7] up slightly, remove tie rod end nut [13]
3. unbolt top end of swaybar link
4. loosen but don't remove struct cartridge cap nut
5. remove cap from top of strut tower
6. loosen but don't remove strut top nut
7. remove three nuts [30] holding strut top plate [27]
8. lower strut assembly, swing strut so its facing out of car, secure with wire or string
9. install spring compressor, clamp spring to release all tension
10. remove strut top nut, strut upper bearing[25], top plate [27]
11. remove spring
12. remove cartridge retainer nut
13. remove cartridge

now undo all that backwards to reinstall, replacing what parts you're replacing.

the actual installation procedure for me consists of 1) calling my mechanic and making an appointment. 2) dropping off car in morning. 3) picking up car in afternoon and paying the piper

 

thanx a lot for the scematic. thats realy gunna help alot. the bushings are a good idea too. have to pick those up. thank you again. gunna give it a shot this weekend. ill let you know how it went. my wife thanx you too.

 

I'd take the last bit of advice Pierce offered. Without a spring compressor at your disposal, you can't do this yourself, PERIOD. Now if you feel like doing all the rest, and taking the components to a shop with a compressor for them to get the assembly put back together, go for it.