Hi All,

This questions has been asked bfore by others, but I see find no helpfull
answers.

My S70 AWD Turbo (150K) and previous 850 Turbo Wagon ride nice on smooth roads,
but on bumpy roads is harsh. Does the ride get worse as shocks and struts get older?

Riding on 15" wheels with Cooper Lifeliner 195/65/R15s.

Is there any solutions, i.e, aftermarket shocks and struts?

Please advise.

Thanks,

Ted

 

Hi Ted,

The S70 & 850 are sport sedans/wagons and they are equipped with rather firm dampers (shocks & struts).If the OEM Sachs dampers are firm, the only solution is probably to find aftermarket dampers thatare softer. Also,many Volvos come with thin-profile tyres (sport tyres) and they would contribute to firmer ride as well, so you could try smaller wheels withtyres that have thicker profile. The thinner the sidewall of the tyres, the firmer the ride.

As the dampers wear out, the ride would become somewhat softer and you would notice enhanced roll at corners, as well as bouncing that does not subside for a while after hitting bumps.

I am not sure as to what brands/dampers are available that give you softer ride. I used Bilstein Touring dampers on my 850 and I was happy with them, but the ride was still on the firmer side, which I liked.

Also, see if other members jump in with different/better opinions.


JPN

 

Easy check for worn shocks. Bouce each corner of your car up and down several times when you stop does the car?
These cars do ride firm, which I also like.

 

hey, so would the car keep bouncing or stop? Which should he be looking for if they were bad. On mine its obvious cuz I hear air being pushed out from the chambers that once held the gas(I think). I plan to get TC Bilstiens which I would also recomend as an upgrade/replacment.

 

If the car keeps bouncing you shock is most likely bad. Think push-push-push-push-stop-bounce-bounce. If that helps . Does it feel "tight"?
Noise like that doesn't nessarily (sp?) mean the shock or strut is bad. But then again I cant hear your noise.A slight but noticable "pisst-pisst" noise is normal. I haven't heard many (if any)complaintsaboutBilstien products.
Something simple if obvious-What aboutyour tire pressure?
Thanks for helping me clarify my post

 

I want new dampers. My s70 awd has 70k miles on it and the suspension no longer feels tight. I hit a bump and the damn car keeps bouncing.
Do you have any recommendations for the entire front and back? what is a good online store to order the parts from? thanks

 

If your going to go through the hassle of replacing a strut you might want to replace the spring seat.

 

certainly not an expert on cars, but I had a apir of coopers on my S80, ( I have a 2008 s80 awd, 1999 s80, nad 1999 S70 awd) The coopers rode terrible, like a truck. As soon as I took them off and put on a differnt set of tires the ride improved. On the S70 awd and the 2006 S80 I have michelins, ont he 1999 S80 I have toyo proxi 4's.