All-

Bought Gabriel G52079/80 replacement struts at Autozone...the bottom plastic boot holder piece (excuse my non-technical description) is a sliding fit over the original strut, but the replacement strut is different (see photo - original strut on top with the boot and boot holder, replacement strut on bottom). I possibly could heat the boot holder piece and it would fit over the disk on the replacement strut...or is there something else I should do?

 

It's not supposed to come off the original strut. When buying OEM ones, the new one comes with it already in place.

 

The Gabriel replacements don't have it - the original boot doesn't snap on to the disk on the replacement - it just slides on and isn't anchored....

 

I think that disk is there for the same purpose.

 

But the disk doesn't anchor the dust boot - the dust boot easily slides up and down over it, which kinda makes the dust boot pointless as far as keeping dust out of the strut.

 

You can zip tie it. Sometimes things like this are the case with aftermarket parts.

 

I actually thought about that, and decided I should first post my problem in case a "standard" solution exists (like the strut is not correct, a different boot is required, etc.). Thank you, Sir!

The sad realization for me is that the 1st generation S-40s apparently are quickly becoming cars that aren't DIY maintenance friendly. *sigh*

Thanks again!

 

don't know how you can blame Volvo for an aftermarket vendor's parts packaging. Zip ties are a fairly common method for fixing the dust boots. I've done both Boge/Sachs and Bilsteins on my Volvos with no complications. Sometimes its helpful to look at the OEM parts diagrams and research R+R procedures to see those line items that should be replaced (ie bump stops, spring seats etc) when the struts are removed. I do agree that the Gen 1 front struts are not the easiest to deal with - make sure you research how to align the strut mounts properly before removing the spring compressor - dunno if that only applies to my 2000 S40 or all Gen1 S40 struts...

 

I'm not blaming Volvo - it's just that the after-market parts for the Gen1 S40s are drying up in general, making it difficult to keep the car on the road. On the other hand, it's got 170K on the odometer....

 

I've not had any problems getting parts - then again I tend to shop OEM suppliers or genuine Volvo for most parts (particularly rubber and suspension bits) - ie Boge Sachs are the OEM for your shocks. I keep a pretty diverse list of web sites - since I'm in CT, FCP delivers next day and I've used Tasca Parts for Genuine Volvo parts when needed (they are in RI). Other sites I've used include IPD, EEuroparts, AZAutohaus - with a rare dip into Ebay. 170K is still young! My 850T just crossed 200K, and I sold off my Audi 4000Q a few years back when it turned 250K and my wife's Highlander is up to 170K...