Yesterday, I heard an awful sounding noise coming from the left front of my 2001 XC70 when turning, and moving on a bumpy surface. Today in the light, I can see the the spring is broken.

I will need to replace it volvo says a new one is $130.

What else should I replace a the same time? the whole strut?, top mount?

Should I do the right side also?

How hard is this project - I know I need special tools to compress the spring - any other tips?

Thanks

 

WOW on the broken spring. I have never seen a spring break on one of these cars.

I would replace the upper mount while you have everything apart.
You will need a socket like in the picture and a spring compressor. Sometimes you can use a pipe wrench to get the one wacky nut loose. I made my own sockets to remove the nut.

Maybe to the other side mount while you are doing the job.

The job really is not all that hard.