Hi,
I recently purchased a s40 with 80k miles. It is in great shape with clean carfax and service, however I've been reading that the shocks / struts and mounts usually need to be replaced at 50k miles. After reading about this I am thinking I need to replace them.

Can someone give me an indication on what to listen and or look for if they need replacement? If I do need to replace, what is the best option for parts replacement (original Volvo parts or after market parts)? I don't need anything high performance racing etc... Just something that is reliable.

Thank you.

 

I did not replace mine until well over 150k miles when the upper strut bearings started making a knocking sound over bumps. The struts themselves were perfect even when I replaced them with Koni units. (Only wanted to do the job once) I still have the stock rear shocks at 175k miles.

I can recommend the Koni brand as they ride very well. Plus the cost was very reasonable. My only advice is to replace the strut bearings while you have the strut apart.