I have a 2001 s80 with 99k miles and the driver side upper spring seat is busted. It's causing an awful squeaking noise whenever i drive and its even worse when the car is cold. I was going to try replacing it myself with the help of a couple friends, but they are nervous about the job so now I have to take it to a mechanic. If anyone has had this done in the past, how much did you get charged for labor? I know the parts themselves should only be $30-50 each depending on whether I go with OEM or heavy duty, but I don't want to get ripped off on labor.

 

There is such a thing known as a Flat Rate book. All shops use this to estimate labor time then just multiply by $/hour. Each step has a time value attached to it. If you have never replaced the struts, this would be the time to do it. Use the best spring seats.
You should be scared of springs!
http://repairpal.com/estimator?checking_cookies=true estimator
Ed

 

Be careful about buying aftermarket. I bought a pair from a local nation wide after market supply which were very reasonably priced but they fit the upper spring support bearing very loose and allowed to much play top to bottom. While you are at it, buy the rubber washer assembly from Volvo which goes under the nut you put on top of the strut shaft. This controls the top to bottom play in the assembly.

When you pull it out, check the bearing in your upper spring support to make sure it spins freely. This does not have to be taken out of your car but I did and put a few drops of engine oil into it to insure it spin easily.

You may need a special wrench to loosen the nut which locks the spring support onto the strut shaft. The nut is shaped like a cross. I took a brass rod and hit it with a hammer to spin the nut loose. FPGroton sells the strut tool which is used for this for $20.00.

 

i just replaced mine, i did it 1/2 myself 1/2 and indy shop

1. I pulled the strut out myself--quite easy
2. I took the strut assembly and a new spring seat to an indy, they compressed the spring, removed the nuts and repplace the seat, and put the nuts back on
3. I then replaced the spring assembly and had the front end aligned

a. parts $50 (i should have bought the heavy duty spring seats for $100
b. indy charged $20 to replace the spring seat--i thought that was a deal (AutoZone may do this as well)
c. alignment was $75

 

Where are the best places to source the spring seat, particularly the heavy duty option?

 

I got mine form ipdusa.com

http://www.ipdusa.com/Volvo-S80-P2/S...-582-948-4253/

This link should take you to all 3 options for spring seats. Autozone, or some other local autopart store may have a spring compressor machine.