My 2003 S40 with 155K miles is in need of new struts. The ride is starting to rattle my joints. I'm wondering if I should pay the extra and replace the entire lower control arms rather then replace the bushings (stock rubber). I was wondering if anyone out there has done this operation and if it helped with holding a good alignment. I put two new tires on the car last year and had the alignment done and it now pulls to the right. I figured new struts, control arms, spring seats, and upper mounts would bring the car back to it's original nice ride. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

sounds like you are on the right line of thinking

 

I have a '03 myself with over 85,000 mi. On it am are planning on replacing the front struts. Any advice, directions or digrams would be appreciated. Let me know how yours went as well.

 

If you have replaced struts on other cars then this one is no different. As always compress the strut spring before loosening the nut holding it down. You can get the new strut pretty close to the old strut's position so driving to an alignment is no big deal.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yes i have done it before but on late 70's early 80's models of american made cars. Was only worried european suspension might be alittle different. Thanks again.

 

If you have replaced struts on other cars then this one is no different. As always compress the strut spring before loosening the nut holding it down.

 

Hudini is right. It's pretty easy. Although as far as I know Volvo is very particular with replacing bolts and nuts with new one but I suggest just getting a thread locker from your local auto parts store. Attached is a quick tip if you're doing the rear shocks. It just makes it easier to put the New shocks back in. Good luck!