Guys-- I need an opinion if I should use OEM Volvo parts for my 2002 S60 or are aftermarket parts acceptable?? Thanks Mud

 

Some aftermarket lower control arms are poor quality and the bushings do not last long. And I would only install the factory brand of front struts (boge,sachs?) Unless you were doing the "let's spend a whole bunch of money on performance suspension parts for my 18 year old Volvo, I want to make it handle better"

 

Stick with OEM, if you have a press, replacing the control arm bushings isn't bad ( in my opinion, a lot of people say it sucks), but I only recommend doing it with powerflex bushing since the front one can be rotated into position, while the OE front bushing is vulcanized so you have to press it in while it's oriented correctly. Struts are fine stick to oe, as far as the suspension goes, for me, coilovers were about the same cost as struts (without new springs) for all four corners if I went with the slightly stiffer Bilsteins

 

Nothing wrong w/aftermarket....but I don't mean Autozone.

Napa has good stuff. They have 2 levels....get the expensive ones.

Rockauto also has good stuff. Moog has good stuff...if you get their expensive stuff. Moog is as good as anything out there.

 

its helpful to know the part supplier when going aftermarket and who is OEM to Volvo, ie Lemfoerder, and genuine Volvo for many suspension parts are the same piece, different logo on the box... Check sites like FCP to look for info on who's factory OEM etc. Also check Advanced Auto parts, they carry a good list of OEM suppliers including Febi, Lemfoerder, Moog.