Gidday,
I've got a 2000 T5 and apart from the now fixed common gearbox problem we are having problems with the front struts.
When we got the tranny rebuilt (another story) the mechanic dopped the front end and stuffed the original struts. He replaced them with heavy duty bilstein units but these are too stiff for our conditions (dirt roads, potholes etc) and are punching out the top circular rubber strut mounts. So far we have replace these 3 times now.

The new mechanic says that Bilsteins are a top unit but not really suited to our conditions. Can anyone reccomend a strut setup that may be a bit softer on the mounts. We live in country Australia and the roads arn't much chop.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

Go back OEM.

 

I've had mine replaced by the dealership about 1.5 yrs ago - was still under warranty. I hear clunking again so I think they are going to hell again - or at least the one on the driver's side. I'm so un-impressed with Volvos - what a design flaw - how long have they been making cars? - and they can't figure out how to mount a strut!? I won't go into all the intermittant electrical, A/C, and tranny problems that I have experienced also ... never again!


2001 V70 2.4T Wagon....

PB

 

I hear you PB. Don't get me started. Thanks Tech, I think thats what I'll do. It's a waste of $1000.00 worth of struts though

 

WOW yes it was a waste. Maybe you can sell them and make most of it back.

 

All three of my cars still have the original struts from the factory. 175K, 150K and 130K miles on my cars. I was going to change them to get a better ride and my independent shop and the local dealerships both said don't change them unless they are leaking. Says they rarely change the front struts on these cars and next to never change the rear shocks. If I ever do change them, I'm going either OEM of Bilstein touring.

 

hey ill buy those bilstiens Are they the HD or TC?

 

Sounds good, but I live in Australia! I'm pretty sure they are HD.

Andrew

 

I've heard the HD's give a very harsh ride and most people do not like them on their Volvos. That's why I said Billstein Touring which is the TC I believe.