Hey,
New to this forum thing, have a couple of ?'s about my 850r. One great car needs some work. This is not my primary vehicle car needs a new struts in front don't know what kind to purchase. should I just chalk it up and pay dealer prices? or is this a job any garage can do? Really it needs just the right sideand sway bars and links. I was told I should get them all done instead ofjust one side. Help!!!!!!!!!!

 

If you are doing one side in my opinion do both.
Buy either KYB or Bilstein.

Also if you want to look up parts and prices to buy the parts and have them installed look in the General section.
There is a post "Links to sites" you will get alot out of searching the sites. Mainly parts sites.

EDIT:The link is not like in " above my post was deleted and another one was made but still alot of links there.

 

Thanks and one more question it's about 30degrees average what kind of oil should I be using, I see alot of people us mobile 1 snythetic

 

Someone here can answer it better than I can.
I am Located in FLA. Even though it was in the 30's her this morning!!!

 

That's cool I just left Orlando.

 

I am using Mobil 1 and love it and so does the car. Change over now.

 

Cool I live about 5 miles from Disney.

 

Greetings from Chicagoland.

I agree with Tech, never do one side onlybut do both sides. If one side is shot (unless it's been damaged by an accident), the other will soon follow.

As for the parts, I usually use FCP Groton of Connecticut:

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo.htm#850

My reason for patronising Groton:
1. Has OEM/better parts.
2. Has parts illustrations that no one else on-line seems to have.
3. Quick shipping (usually 2 to 5 days to Chicago).
4. Availability of little parts, such as certain lock nuts, etc...

Make sure to ask the shop to see if they accept parts from customers, as some places don't. The fronts on 850 are of McPherson, so it's a straightforward job but I still would do it at a Volvo dealer or a shop that specialises in Swedish/European cars. Also, when you replace the strut, make sure to replace the following as well.

1. Strut bump stop
2. Special washer
3. Top cap
4. All lock nuts

The following is optional but I would do them if they are still of original:
1. Upper spring seats
2. Upper strut mounts (bearing)

After all of them are replaced, they should be good for the next 10 years/100,000 miles or so. I used Bilstein Touring for both fronts & rears, and someone has noted that Heavy Duty models are too firm. You could perhaps save a few $$$ by going for OEM (Sachs) struts.

As for the oil, it's mostly of a personal preference rather than scientific facts. However, since you have an R model, I would avoid 5W-30. I would go with either full-synthetic or synthetic-blend 10W-30 of a name brand (I use Valvoline's Durablend 10W-30 and so far my 850 T5 seems to be happy with it). As for the oil filter, I would definitely go with OEM (MANN).

Good luck,


JPN

 

Synthetic would be best if you have a turbo car. Otherwise, a synthetic blend, then just dino oil.

Use 10w-30 for w/e oil you choose. That will be the cheapest, and work fine.