Volvo S60 Suspension Diagnostic & Maintenance Guide (2007-2018 Volvo P3 S80, P3 S60, P3 V60 & More)

►The Volvo P3 chassis spans multiple models and configurations, all the way from sedans to crossover SUVs. Even still, they all share the same basic suspension layout. The S60, S80, V70, XC60, and XC70 sit upon a MacPherson strut at the front, and a basic multi-link independent setup holds up the rear. Unlike previous Volvo models, most of the rear suspension is shared between AWD and FWD vehicles. Fortunately, Volvo did their homework and applied much of what they learned over the years to the P3 family of vehicles, and borrowed an equal amount of engineering evolution from Ford. The result is a surprisingly solid and reliable suspension system for a European car. It also happens to be especially easy to work on and diagnose should something go wrong.
As with any European car, though, there are a few issues that are worth knowing about should you be looking to buy one or maintain the one you have. That's what this video is all about.
00:00 - Intro
03:01 - Front Brakes
05:25 - Rear Brakes
05:53 - Front Suspension
11:30 - Front Subframe
12:31 - Front Wheel Bearing
13:45 - Rear Suspension
17:10 - Rear Subframe
19:03 - Wrap-Up
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[@IanDuffy]

Loving all the P3 vids! It's been a ton of help to me for sure :)

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you love it! Happy to help, Ian!!

[@JeremiahBelocura]

These P3 vids are a lifesaver, thank you! Bought an ‘09 S80 T6 AWD coming up on 200k miles from a friend last year, and appreciate the guidance on DIY maintenance and troubleshooting.

[@fcpeuro]

Sure thing, Jeremiah! Let us know when you reach 200k miles on that S80!

[@JeremiahBelocura]

@@fcpeuro just did over the weekend! With a day trip across Florida yesterday, I'm now almost 200,500 miles 🥳

[@dannygonzalez0861]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!! You guys ROCK!! Literally most informative P3 video of all time! My wife crushed two rims and this is going to help me see what other carnage was done that day. Cant thank you enough.

[@LaxM]

Perfect. The sway bar end link clunk sounds exactly what I'm hearing. Thanks for the videos!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad to help!

[@Squidbillies]

Fantastic video… Wish I’d seen this years ago. A lot of helpful tips for any make/model. For me however, thanks for better acquainting me with my P3.

[@joecraven2034]

Learned a lot. Thanks for an excellent video on these suspensions.

[@StacyEdenton]

That intro though!! Great video!

[@carperslol1283]

Love these P3 videos! Just bought a D5 v60 and looking to up my knowledge 🤘

[@fcpeuro]

Congrats on the new purchase, Tom! Wish we had the D5 here in the states!

[@georgehofgren6123]

Great video, thanks! I have a front left clunk and will bet its the sway bar link you pointed out. Also, quite helpful to be able to easily identify which size brakes/rotors you have 🙌👍-

[@drivelife.channel]

Thanks for an awesome overview! Got the 316mm on my S80 D5 :)

[@fcpeuro]

You're very welcome!

[@summerfox9292]

Excellent video, lots questions answered. Thank you

[@koraypekericli]

Thanks a lot! I've been waiting for this video. Great information. 👍🏻

[@fcpeuro]

You're very welcome, Mehmet!

[@mateusz4244]

Great video with superb content. Definetly subscribed and like that video! Thanks! My strut bearing went bad after 191k km(about 119k miles) after some fast driving on the fresh snow and leaving a car parked for about a month(maybe some rust finished its life :P ). The symptom was that there was a slight resistance at one point when turning the steering wheel smoothly from one side to the other. I own V60 2014.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for subscribing, Mateusz! Glad you like the P3 content! Good catch on the strut bearing!

[@joecraven2034]

Really a good video! Thanks, FCP.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Joe! You're very welcome!

[@NickGonsalves]

Great stuff, keep it coming

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Nick! More to come!

[@rossgossman6530]

Thank you for this video.

[@javierdacosta8841]

great video, will help a lot on my v70 d5.

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to hear that, Javier!

[@richardjones3112]

Excellent information.Fantastic channel.

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you, Richard!

[@simsneon2]

Thank you very much your video was quite helpful there’s just not a lot of information on these cars

[@fcpeuro]

No problem Link, thats why we thought some people may find it helpful!

[@nikolaymihaylov902]

Really informative video!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Nikolay!

[@monsterhunter191]

Brilliant thank you ❤

[@Vision42_]

I have a p3 s80, and yes I'm so happy it's simple, definitely going to the website for some controle arm kits

[@timd853]

Please, make a video about all the polestar models, especially their engine and suspension!! Thank you so much!

[@almuliman]

Timely! I was shopping struts and shocks on FCP Euro for our 2012 S60 about an hour ago. Developed a clunk in the front right a few weeks ago -> bad strut mount. Replacement Bilsteins B4s are in my shopping cart 🙂 Need to check all those bushings too when the car is home next.

[@fcpeuro]

Awesome! Good choice on the B4s. How many miles do you have on your S60?

[@almuliman]

@@fcpeuro Just over 176,000

[@airfrancerider369]

Thank you for this video. I shot the rear trailing arm bushings on my 2012 S80 (old spring mattress noise on each speed bump) and now I know we need a special Ford/Volvo tool to remove it... I guess the iPd rear sway bar and end links are no stranger to a quicker wear and tear (and even worse : cobblestones streets). Well, at 135 000kms that's okay I guess! Otherwise I already changed the front suspension arms and end links around 130 000kms, HUGE improvement! (and Koni shocks obviously)

[@fcpeuro]

Cobblestone streets are the real suspension killer! Glad you have your front end feeling tight!

[@hunterix21]

Excellent video and very clear 👏🏻👏🏻 thank you 🙏🏻 Please upload more videos of the P3 (S80 T6 3.0) about common failures if is possible.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks, Alex! We just uploaded an engine diagnostic guide for the 6 cylinders which includes the T6 engine! kzbin.info/www/bejne/laLKhqStjNymj5Y

[@hunterix21]

@@fcpeuro thank you very much 👍🏻

[@Arinis.ltd.]

Amazing Video, I have a 2016 V40 , I hope everything you mentioned will apply to my car.. I have all sorts of front end vibrations and unfortunately the dealer cannot find the issue (well, unless I tell them exactly what to check) now after your explanation, I know what exactly to ask them to check... thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Fingers crossed!

[@SensuAudica]

Nice and educational video as always. Too bad you didn't cover the rear electronic brakes much. Do you have another videos on that subject? I need to replace brake pads soon on my 2015 s60r and apparently there's a few things to think about there while doing it because of the electronic parking brake system. Thanks though!

[@maxlychak5486]

Hey, Was wondering if the rear disc brakes are always 300mm. Thanks for the help in this video!

[@EmilBMWable]

Do you know if you can replace the 4c shocks without needing to program them into the ECU?

[@sairamgaj6283]

Hey just wondering, if I were to replace the suspeiosn on my 2015 Volvo XC60 would I be able to install the 4C system if I wanted to. I am having a lot of issues with a harsh ride, and wondering if I can do anything to adjust this?

[@robm3048]

Very informative video. I was self diagnosing my suspension problem and this video helped me alot, thanks!

[@fcpeuro]

Great to hear!

[@MarcelloTheBandit]

Would you recommend the Bilstein B12 Pro Kit or just B6 shocks and struts for a P3 V60 AWD?

[@lonetraveler5660]

My 2012 xc60 fwd has squeaky noise from left rear wheel area. I didn’t see any thing obviously failing. What could be the cause? changed the shock absorbers. Noise still there. Noise is mostly associated with bumpy road.

[@ricardomoran3036]

I have a 2011 S60 T6 AWD with 4C struts, my question is: Can I use the S80 4C struts?, Im getting trouble to get the struts for the S60 in Mexico.

[@DownSouthChipper]

Are the front struts on a 2010 S80 R design any different from a normal 2010 S80?. And what does tuned suspension mean.

[@derekkeely7260]

Another awesome video. Im currently trying to buy my first Volvo, but it's not going great. I'm trying to get a 2011 s60 t6 awd with 55k miles on it from carvana. It's been delayed because "It didn't meet there quality standards" before shipping. Whatever repairs they're making is almost taking a full month.i hope it doesn't fall through.

[@fcpeuro]

Good luck!

[@Dawinci1337]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="731">12:11</a> Are there no bolts behind on the mount that overlaps the subframe? Is that mount only mounted by the 2 big bolts that mount the back of the subframe?

[@davidclarke427]

You showed the conical style threaded ball joint on the vehicle then cut away to the pinch bolt style one , I’m confused why there are two different configurations?

[@topdamagewizard]

I got the P3 rear "clunk" in my s60. A little afraid to take it in. But this video made it not seem so bad.

[@isaiahshamar]

Was it the bushings? I have the same thing and it's driving me crazy...

[@topdamagewizard]

@@isaiahshamar Ball joint. 800 dollar fix

[@isaiahshamar]

⁠Thanks. And sheesh, must've been the dealership with a price that high?

[@topdamagewizard]

@@isaiahshamar Nah., My guy only works on Volvos. I trust him. We replaced all 4 joints as preventive maint

[@SterlingSigurdsen]

Know what to look at now.

[@98XC1]

Great video. Would only disagree that P2 is harder to work on. Aluminum parts are way easier to remove in rust belt and 4 bolts to replace front wheelbearing is better than dealing with the press style bearing, and only special tool is a piece of 6inch pipe from home depot to drive in balljoints.

[@diyforlife2809]

I just picked up a JDM 2011 RDesign V60 T6 AWD...Do you know how it is different than the standard V60?

[@mousiee7]

How can one tell, visually, if a p80 S80 has Sport suspension?

[@jr08th]

Hi Guys, awesome video, where are you guys located?! I've had pretty bad experiences at VOLVO dealerships paying premium price. I know,..... im in Boston MASS?>

[@vldsrb4131]

On a steel control arm you can change rubber bushings not whole arm, original arm is aluminum and you can not replace rubber bushings.

[@gorandjuka8376]

when we can see xc90 spa models?

[@1566ize]

Very good video! I have a Volvo S80, 2007 model. There is too much roadnoice in it, I suspect old and worn bushings. Are there any bushings I would adress first in your opinion?

[@fcpeuro]

You will certainly want to inspect all of the control arm bushings, tie rods, end links, strut mounts ect, especially if everything is original!

[@miroslavzecevic8345]

Great video, i learned a lot. I have a question about automatic gearbox. As far as i know, there are two kinds, one from Ford (Powershift), and one from Aisin (Geartronic). Is there any safe way to know which one is in the car? I am looking for a nice V60 or V60 CC (2017-18), and that bothers me a lot. Thanks in advance

[@fcpeuro]

We actually didn't get the Ford Powershift gearbox here in North America on the P3 cars, so we're not entirely familiar with it. However, I would imagine they were found on the Ford Ecoboost-powered cars in Europe.

[@corystansbury]

Do the front A arms on P3 cars chew up tires when they start to wear? I know that was an issue on earlier cars and they often wore quickly.

[@fcpeuro]

Worn control arm bushings and ball joints are definitely going to cause some increased tire wear.

[@hamishrhodes5108]

Heya team, i love the quality of your videos. I have a P3 question... Ive got a 2014 V60 T6 R-Design and when stationary in traffic with my foot on the brake, there is a consistent clunk coming from the rear of the car, the clunk happens every 10-or so seconds and is reasonably quiet. Do you have any ideas on what it could be?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Hamish! While it's difficult to diagnose stuff like this, we would recommend looking over the rear suspension, including bushings, as well as the rear brakes.

[@hamishrhodes5108]

@@fcpeuro thats for the reply, ill have a good look, my suspicion would be brakes, it almost sounds like a solenoid clicking. If i cant find anything there ill be sure to also check suspension bushings

[@LaRafa7]

👍🏻

[@sintellterry]

2016 s60 t5 with sport package. Is it normal to hear an air hiss noise when going over large speed bumps? there's no other symptoms besides that noise and you can only hear it with the windows down.

[@randis2065]

Yes, it is normal

[@miikaheiskanen6735]

Hey. i have a 2012 volvo v70 D3. the problem is that the car vibrates at a speed of 60 km / h. the vibration increases slightly as the speed increases. feels in the car body and a bit in the steering wheel. would there be any part of the platform that does this? the drive axles have been replaced and the wheel bearings at the front. acceleration is not affected by vibration. thanks if you can help :)

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Miika, it could be something as simple as needing to have your wheels balanced, especially if you start feeling it at speed.

[@SphericalPretzel]

2013 XC60 w/ 118K. Just had to replace both front springs (passenger side broke) and rear trailing arm bushings. Are spring failures common? Still have a very slight clunk/ bump (nothing severe) when car upshifts/ downshifts. I only notice it at low speeds and more-so on the 1-2 and 2-1 shifts than any other time. I’m wondering if it maybe the engine torque rod has failed (it’s original) and the clunk/bump is the engine moving around. Other idea is that it may be strut mounts. Any suggestions? Thanks for the P3 content!

[@Tomm9y]

I've broken several front springs on 2 x XC70's, driving on rough rural roads. It sounds like the XC60 chassis is similar.

[@fcpeuro]

Springs can definitely break, the first thing to check would be worn strut mounts/bearings.

[@kend1276]

Great review. I own a 2012 and 2015.5 S80 AWD, both with the T6 3.0 . Having some issues with the ride on both cars. 165,000 miles on the 2012 and 97,000 miles on the 2015. I have a rattle in the 2015 that I can’t find, nor can the Volvo dealership after multiple attempts. It sounds like a cable is hitting the sides of an internal wall. The dealership has had multiple techs look at the car to find the rattle with no luck. It’s been there for 60,000 miles and driving me nuts. The location sounds like it’s coming from the front left side between the driver’s door and front left corner panel. Any suggestions? Also, can you recommend anyone in the NJ area for good honest repairs of your caliber. The dealerships are getting really bad.

[@kend1276]

@@JohnGorny Thank you for the reply. I’ll give that a shot and report back.

[@endurocrosser8834]

Better check if you have any loose parts underneath the wiper cowl.Like the intake vents that seat underneath or under the front left fender some of the routing of the headlight washer system or the reservoir for the windscreen wiper sits there also

[@kend1276]

@@endurocrosser8834 Thanks for the idea. I’ll give it a try.

[@Viking3DK]

Hallo FCP Euro.. I have to ask.. My volvo v60 has 300mm frontbrakes.. Would it be possible to switch out my 300mm brakes to 316 or 336mm brakes by just swithing out the calibers? And does it need any work to make them fit?

[@fcpeuro]

More than likely a change to the caliper carrier will need to be done, depending on the year. A good visit to the forums may also be in play here!

[@antonzhloba6929]

there is a reinforced new rev strut bearing by volvo (only original part)

[@redbird444]

My 2013 S60 T5 AWD has had a steering wheel shake forever. It seemed to start right around the time a went from 17” wheels to 18” after market. Wheels were rebalanced and rotated several times. No luck. Finally bought new rims. No luck. They been rebalanced and rotated too. No luck. The wheel shake is intermittent beginning at about 55mph and seems go through a phased cycle of beginning, peaking and fading in a span of about 60 seconds. Sometimes it doesn’t shake for a while. A Volvo dealer and i dependent shop found nothing obvious. About to just begin throwing mud (money) at the wall and randomly just replacing things. Love the car as it’s 10 years old and only has 40,000 miles. Anyone have any ideas on the 8th mystery of the world?

[@juniorazeez702]

It could be the rotors. Had a similar issue with my Camry. Changed wheels, tires and still had the steering shake issue. Mechs finally decided to replace the rotors and that solved the problem.

[@alexung2897]

What is limb mode on a P3 Engine?

[@randis2065]

It's like winter mode on the p2 models. It diminishes the power and acceleration.

[@ChukwutexGreatest-ef2ww]

Y is it that XC90 cylinder consum alot of petrol?

[@ChukwutexGreatest-ef2ww]

6 cylinder consum alot of petrol?

[@jkw24691]

The control arm does not go bad. The bushing goes bad. Easiest and least expensive to just replace the bushing. Buy OEM Volvo. Chinese bushings last about a year.

[@trancegsi]

I've got a rattle from hell slow speed under 40mph sounds like boot trim rattle, can't find anything that's obvious. High miles but passed mot no advisories . So annoying. Got louder after a changed a rear shock due to tiny leak.

[@blockthis08]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="604">10:04</a> front end clunk

[@mateuszkapusta6415]

Polak?