The suspension on my volvo works great, however, when I go over a bump or a dip, the right front side of the car makes a clinking noise as if something were loose. I checked the shocks, and like I said the ride is good. It's just the right front too, what could be making all that noise?

 

Check the upper spring seat and the sway bar link.
You can check the upper spring seat by taking a 13/16 wrench and try turning the nut on the top of the strut.If it turns it is bad.It should not turn and feel rubbery.

If that is good look at the sway bar link they go bad as well.

 

I just checked the spring seat and it does turn, while the other doesn't. About how difficult is it to replace this myself?

 

It will take you between 1 to 2 hours as long as you have a good coil spring compressor!!!!
A good spring compressor is a must
This way you stay safe!!!

 

Now I can't find anywhere to order this part, will I have to order it from the dealer? Do youhave any websites where I could order this?

 

Sorry I think only the dealer sells it at this time.
The dealer keeps these parts in stock.

 

I just found these online, can you tell me if this is what I'm looking for?

http://oem.thepartsbin.com/parts/the...g&category=All

 

Yes that is it!!!
Thank you for the link I am going to add it to my post of links!!!!!

 

Sorry to keep bugging, but do I need any special tools to replace this? well besides the coil compressor?

 

No there is a funny looking nut under there but you can use a pair of channel locks to get it loose.
Thats what most of the guys in the shop use.

I assume you have a decent amount of normal hand tools?
You will have to remove the strut totaly from the car.
The nuts I beleive are 18mm for the strut.
Either 18mm or 15mm for the sway bar link.
You will have to remove the 10mm bolt holding the ABS wheel sensor in the hub.
The 3 top nuts are 13mm.
You will also need a couple of different sizes of Torxes sockets.

 

thanks, it doesn't look too bad and I found another website that shows you how another volvo owner fixed his struts, it gave me a general idea. it's for another model, but he uses the same fundementals you gave me. here's his website:

http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/

Oh yeah, I just called Midas and they are charging about 300 bucks, so I think I'll give it a shot.

 

That link gives good info.That was a 850 that he used.It is the same for your car for the most part.

 

Now I'm getting ready to replace the bushings on the spring, but do I need to torque the bolts to a certain degree? if so what are the specifications that I need to do this to?

 

No they don't really have to be torqued to a specific degree.We just always used an impact gun and never had a problem.Just make sure they are tight.

 

Thanks, I just replaced the spring seat on my S80. Not really too many problems taking it appart, just that funny shaped nut that I had to take care of with the channel locks, thanks! Anyone else out there trying to do it, make sure you tighten that funny looking nut on the strut or else you'll have to go back in there to re-do it. Definitely one of the simpler jobs I've done on a car, but time consuming for a first timer.