Volvo Strut Replacement DIY (850 Front Struts, Mounts, Spring Seats & Suspension Parts)

►Ben McNally is here to walk you through a complete front strut assembly upgrade on a 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo using Koni struts and various other components from brands like Lemforder, Genuine Volvo & Sachs.
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Volvo Suspension Kit w/Mounts (Complete) - VOLVOSTRTKIT1
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Volvo Shock & Strut Assembly Kit (850 C70 S70 V70) - Koni STR.T VOLVOSTRTKIT
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Volvo Strut & Mount Kit Front (850 C70 S70 V70) - Sachs VFSK3-OEM
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Volvo Strut Assembly Front (850 C70 S70 V70) - Koni STR.T 8750-1060
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[@fcpeuro]

Shop the parts used in this video: www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-suspension-kit-w-mounts-complete-volvostrtkit1?

[@phdt12]

Found your video online after Googling XC70 suspension. You made this look very easy. Thanks for the video.

[@bradtodabone22]

Thanks for the video, I was able to change the struts on my 2002 Volvo S80 T6, all the parts were basically the same. Great video and very easy job to do!

[@matthewHizzle]

Thanks for the video! Gave me to confidence to do it today!!! Just finished. The left side took two hours the right side took 30 minutes lol. The top nut on the right was seized and spinning the strut shaft, so it took a while, some PB blaster and a torch finally got it off.

[@matthewHizzle]

Top nut on the left was seized*

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome! Glad to hear it helped out.

[@TheOneJPtv]

These DIY videos have saved me thousands of dollars. THANK YOU FCP!...I LOVE ATTENDING KZbin UNIVERSITY!!💯

[@medcenman]

Dude you make this job look sooo easy :):):) Love it how you explain everything so clearly. Thanks alot

[@fcpeuro]

It can be hard to get out, sometimes the tension of the control arm can force the strut assembly into place. Don't be afraid to step on the control arm to help give you some room.

[@MailmanWilly79]

You were correct sir! The spring had slipped about two inches behind where it should have been. Will be attempting to remedy the problem this weekend, weather permitting. Thanks for the help, it's much appreciated.

[@fcpeuro]

+Will Morin Glad we could help!

[@mikloskiraly941]

Thanks so much for this video. I had much noise coming from the right front. I knew that the struts themselves were good. I purchased the upper spring mount and support mount bearing along with new bump stops and top washer. I did both side to keep them the same. This video really helped but the drivers side was a bit more difficult in getting the strut off. Once both sides were done. I went for a test drive and the clunking noise is gond and the steering is much smoother. THANX for saving me $$$.

[@NChoy]

Love the DIY videos... keep up the good work FCP!

[@kiamaz254]

Thank you soo much for this video!!! just changed the right strut on my 850 and it was soo helpful!!

[@TopDedCenter]

Picked up a volvo super cheap, and they seems to play the suspension game a little differently. Thanks for the detail of this video. I was curious about all the necessary replacement components.

[@csebastian71]

Thanks for the answers. All items are in my cart, just waiting to pull the trigger.

[@marruc2h2]

awesome video! I just received my struts and I'm going to replace them myself (with a little help from a friend)

[@dominikschneider4303]

Hey Ben thanks a lot for your videos! Your videos motivate me to repair my V70 T5 by do it yourself. Also thanks at FCP Euro for good parts and fast shipping to Switzerland

[@Philosopat]

This video was exceptional and indispensable in this job. Had fun actually! I found these easier than the rear shocks honestly! I had two things occur that weren't satisfactory. One of the 13mm locking top nuts spun on the bearing bolt but I got it as tight as I can now. Then when test driving, I heard a clunking in the driver side. Apparently I didn't tighten the cross nut all the way! Oh I was frustrated! Will I have to take it all apart again and fix that? Nope! With vehicle on ground and wheel removed, I jacked up the control arm to compress the spring as well as possible and listened the strut top nut enough to lift the cap and tighten down the cross nut! Worked like a dream! Tightened it all back up and clanking is gone. Fantastic Bilstein tourings front and back with new lemfjorder sway bar linkages. There were destroyed cheap moogs there and one was even slightly longer! Wow! As you might guess alignment is definitely necessary lol! Thank you! Liked and subscribed!

[@gabedavishunting]

I did this on my xc90 thanks for the great video.

[@volvo940man4]

Dear Ben, Just ran thru this after studying the video, overall these vids are great, but on this one you need to clearly state that the star nut really needs to be torqued down (50 - 60 lb ft, I think). I tapped it real tight using a drift/hammer like you did and it loosened up in 1000 miles, which leads to clunks. Best way to get it for std struts is to make an notched socket and give it a hit or 2 with the impact gun. Thanks.

[@slimflex1]

beautiful . thanks FCP. you guys are the best.no doubt

[@Schroedrsnufkin]

Thanks for the great instructions. I also had to use the jack to get the sway bar link to line up with the hole. XLnt!

[@mattgreg]

Great video...very helpful. thank you!

[@hausm3ister]

thanks for making these videos, very interesting and very helpful indeed!

[@Philosopat]

Extremely thorough video. Went and got an impact! 🤙😄

[@peterscotney1]

Good video , nice clear instructions to follow , feel more confident about doing it now !

[@DukeDMS]

Great work. This video is hugely helpful.

[@fepatton]

Very helpful, thanks, as was the all-inclusive FCP front suspension kit. I just finished upgrading the strut assembly on my XC70 and it works great! Now, on to the control arms...

[@luish69m]

Gracias bien video 👍🏼

[@winross62]

excellent video was great to just have it on my phone sitting next to me so I could refer to it as I went a long. So much better than any shop manual I had Chilton or Haynes.

[@steveparrish1691]

Perfect!

[@N254NK]

this was enjoyable to watch

[@GMTabone]

Brilliant job, my local mechanic wants $1,000 for parts ,plus labour for my C70 Coupe.

[@jarripotero3202]

Your local mechanic is Ali Baba.......

[@Korruptionen]

I have those rotors on my VR. 302's FTW. Thanks FCP!

[@mattbartholomew5707]

I'm from the UK and love the 75% shipping discount you have on offer just ordered myself a whole load of front strut parts from you becuase of it!

[@jasonvangorden1265]

Thank you Matt!

[@michaelmorris6575]

Great video! Thank you

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome!

[@cheryesjerome1427]

Very good video. I like it. Very informative.

[@Malakiman5oh]

Yay. Now your old struts can go in my car. Lol

[@ramsfavlopez6158]

Very good you make look easy well done thanks for the video

[@nesto2002]

excellent instructional video...

[@Twobarpsi]

Awesome!

[@edwinthomas618]

I bought a Koni Srt.t for my 96 850R. It was helpful. Putting the sway bar back on... I would recommend putting everything on the jack up the arm up i til.sway lines up to shock. it was a PITA without this method. They ride great both fromt and rear

[@wetlettuce4768]

Got my struts assembled had a few tense moments using 'Ebay' special spring compressors since the quality ones I got were too short for the Volvo springs.

[@paulo1149]

VERY helpful. Thanks.

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@misbahurchowdhury155]

showing good.

[@fcpeuro]

You'll want to tighten it down to 51.6 ft. lbs or 70 Nm, hope that answers your question.

[@precopster1]

Great video. On the '99 and 2000 V70, C70 and S70 the ABS sensor lead will need to be unscrewed from the hub (10mm bolt X 1) as the lead is shorter and may get damaged. Also the ABS lead holder bracket will have to be adapted off the old strut tower again because the lead is too short to use the new brackets on the aftermarket struts.

[@fcpeuro]

Yes, Basically the same procedure.

[@sairamgaj6283]

Hey @FCP Euro, thank you for the video. I have a 2015 Volvo XC60 and have noticed how bad the suspension has been lately compared to other cars, I feel vibration in the cabin even when just going over a crack in the road, and it seems to judder a lot. I am wondering what the ideal fix would be?

[@fcpeuro]

No need to disconnect the battery but it doesn't hurt. Just make sure the key is off. Hope that helps.

[@fcpeuro]

I believe there should be a spot for a 13mm wrench behind the strut, hope that helps.

[@fcpeuro]

We used a 21mm socket to remove the nut on the top.

[@Philosopat]

I want a strut brace so bad!

[@doubledeep8165]

Good Video, thank you! But what is about the Sleeve 9153007 ??? Vida told you that you need to replace /put it everytime in you new Shocks, that the bolt has no "play" and can´t cause any Camber problems...

[@fcpeuro]

Is your replacement part an OEM part? If so consider replacing it just as you took it off the car. If it's not OEM, you'll want to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installing it, either with or without the rubber ring. Hope that helps.

[@susannewinslow5717]

Mines probably worse off then that one. Thankfully I get to fix it sometime soon!

[@fcpeuro]

Interesting, do you have a part number?

[@fcpeuro]

If they're not chipped, broken, or rusty there probably isn't a reason to replace them, but if you're project is a full renovation you may want to consider it. If they're in good condition you're likely pretty safe re-using them.

[@ikudekwu777]

I tried replacing the springs on an S70 - the fella I bought it from had lowered the car with Eibach springs, but the roads in my neighborhood are a bit rough for that. Followed along with this video, but it seems like the stock height front springs (ProParts) FCP sells are too long for the Koni FSD struts that are on the car. Or do I need a longer set of spring compressors (I can only get the ones I have around five coils, not the six that the Haynes manual, for instance, recommends)? Curious if anyone has any tips! Thanks.

[@aechap]

Hi FCP I recently did the job but now the front strut on the passengers side is making noise. Taking a look I can see the washer that sits on top of the strut is loose and I can spin it by hand freely, it also pops up when I push down on the car. How do I proceed? Shall I try to tighten the strut top nut ? Should I try to tighten the cross nut too? My feeling is I didn't tigthen them both as much as I should.

[@olle209]

One last question, what is your take on changing the springs? Many Volvo garages even say that they do not change them on a petrol car unless they are very rusty or starting to crack, still if feels like I should throw in a new pair on my 16 year old V70 renovation project, I mean when you have demounted all anyway or is it a waste of money?

[@olle209]

Hi Ben, any DIY video on how to change rear springs, I have seen the shock guide for the rear, but what about if you need to change the springs like I do now on my V70 1997 GLT

[@surfercalaveralfc]

Hi, is the procedure shown here the same on the P2 chassis? 04 XC70? If not, I would really like see you guys do one. My XC70 needs a front suspension overhaul.

[@olle209]

Hi Ben, I am half way into this job, no problem to get the struts out etc. A bit scary with the spring compressors... One question, how tight or how far down shall I tighten the cross nut? all the way to the bottom on the threads of the piston bar of the shock or ? In the Video you just tight it down a bit and I wonder if this is critical?

[@olle209]

Hi Ben, before I start this work, a friend of mine did this work on his S80 2002 D5 Diesel, he had trouble to get the strut out, he says that it was not much room because it gets stuck between the control arm and the top of the "wheel house", he said he had to squeeze the control arm downwards but it was hard to do own his own, in the video it looks like twist it all to the right somehow, can it be hard to get it out? Or is he wrong somehow?

[@pherchs20]

Great video tutorial thanks, How to know witch strut absorber do I need to replace? My Volvo is equipped with four-c system. Thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Assuming have an R model and not the rare S80 with 4Cs. Here's a link to both 4C struts that we offer. We have both Genuine and an OE option: www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/S60/Strut-Assembly?year=2005&e=2105&m=182&page=1&position=Front Monroe is the OE supplier for Volvo for these particular shocks. I hope that helps.

[@dwightcarlson7136]

Does the replacement affect the alignment? i.e. will it be necessary to have the alignment done?

[@olle209]

Hi Ben. Many discussions in Swedish Volvo forums if you should buy this piece of rubber that they use and put between the bottom of the spring and the Metall plate part of the strut/shock. It is used on V70 as of 2005 that I know perhaps even earlier, but not on 850/V70 1992-1999.

[@ericedmonds90]

I'm about to replace my s60r ftont struts. Im just curious about the 4c connector on the strut. Do I disconnect the battery b4 I remove them or does it matter. I don't have any messages on the dash but 8 do n know one leaks fluid which is why I'm changing them.

[@ericallen7336]

How do you know how much to tighten down the cross nut?

[@olle209]

Could I not damage the drive shaft by stepping on the control arm with my 250 lbs? Could it not make it go loose?

[@ericedmonds90]

what socket is needed to remove the nut on the strut shaft ( the big one) not the 3 smaller ones?

[@leticiasaenz3281]

hi I have a volvo s80 2006, the mechaniic change the but they pop up a lithe bit on top by the hook looks dangerous to me

[@olle209]

Hi Ben, waiting to tighten it unitl I get the special 1/2 Nut that fits my torque wrench. Question, My supplier in Germany skandix.de sold me a rubber ring to put on top of the spring seat, then the strut bearing comes on top. It was no rubber ring fitted from the factory, a bit afraid to use/add parts that were not used from the factory.... ? What do you think?

[@watsonzou3059]

how about 2000 s80? do the same procedure? should i buy other extra parts if i only replace the front shocks? pump stop and washer attach with front shocks? any difference between front and right shock? thx so much for your reply. after finished installing, do you think wheel alignment is a must?

[@fcpeuro]

Same procedure, I'd recommend bump stops, spring seats, and strut mounts at the very least. The left and right struts are the same part numbers. It's likely you will need some sort of alignment after. Hope that helps.

[@Ashleenaccarato]

How important is the torque for the final top bolt? I just replaced my struts with all new parts, Bilstein, and I have creaky sounds when I go over speed bumps. Used an impact driver. Do you know what could cause this?

[@davskol]

I guess there is a reason the spec torque is only 25 NM. It looks like this FCP Euro mechanic is tightening the main bolts to little, it's 65 NM + 90 degrees (you have to push it real hardt to get those extra 90 degrees) and the top mount to much with an impact gun.

[@LJRossPhoto]

Ben, how do you like your shocks? I'm thinking about getting the Koni Sport (Yellow) for my 850.

[@fcpeuro]

Sold the car, but couldn't have been happier with the time I had with them.

[@andrewpearson9139]

I think it's worth mentioning that sometimes the knuckle is not as tight as bens is and the strut may drop and inadvertently pull your cv axle out of its joint making the repair much more expensive. Right guys?,

[@fcpeuro]

It sounds like you're riding pretty loose, which can be very dangerous, check your torque values and get those guys nice and tight.

[@RigsPGT]

I did one side the other day and got the spring seat from Napa (Febi brand) but the top washer doesn't touch the strut mount anymore just like the old one did before. Do you think the seat is taller or maybe I have tightened the cross nut way to much thus creating a gap? Have you guys ever seen this on the 850s/S70 you've worked before? I'm thinking to get an extra washer, enlarge the hole so it can fill the gap and with the original one to tighten it.

[@fcpeuro]

I believe what you're referring to is normal. Can you send a pic to my email? [e-mail]

[@hoichingyip1959]

Hi,these are factory springs and koni strut? What different between factory and koni strut by using factory springs?

[@fcpeuro]

Yes, those would be the factory coil springs. The Koni sport struts have heavy duty valving to help with cornering compared to factory struts.

[@fcpeuro]

Sorry, no video on that one yet, but keep an eye up, we upload new videos all the time.

[@MrJolem]

Bolts for strut / hub carrier have been replaced the wrong way round...they should be positioned from the FRONT of the car.

[@wilschnella1202]

That's what I thought too. Good catch! Just seeing this video now 8 years later.

[@MailmanWilly79]

Tried this on my Dads car. Don't know what we did, but when looking from under the hood at the shock tower, the whole shock twists. We hear a "pin, ping, ping" sound when we turn the steering wheel, sounds like the spring.Any suggestions on how to fix this? Also, the bump stop we got doesn't have the tabs that fit into the cap as shown in the video, is that vital?

[@fcpeuro]

Hello Will, From the sounds of it I'd bet that the springs are not seated properly in the upper or lower spring seats. I'd double check the position of those. Also, Without the tabs in the bump stop the washer may have the tendency to wander which could also make noise. I hope that helps. - Jason

[@fcpeuro]

Well, you don't want to jump on it, but using your weight to give yourself some room, a little patience and some gentle persuasion should help you get that assembly out.

[@jpizzo70]

what impact driver is that?

[@BlastReadingSeries]

I know this must be a silly questions, but do the star-shaped nut and the top strut nut (e.g., nut connecting seat and bushing to one another) go down all the way until it doesn't go anymore? Thanks!

[@fcpeuro]

Hello, That would be correct, At that point you'll want to tighten it. I hope that helps. If your still a bit unsure please feel free to email me at [e-mail]

[@BlastReadingSeries]

+FCP Euro Thanks, Jason! Really appreciate you getting back to me!

[@jarripotero3202]

Good job, but don´t be bruto and take off the ABS wire clamp, take a steel bar and down a bit the stabilizer bar, to take off the upper stud (15mm socket). As another Tube user says, the 2 main 18mm bolts are fitted in wrong way, the thread must be positioned to rear of the car.

[@omabluevenice]

I replaced mines on my Volvo 850 but when I drive they still feel weird a little bouncy and hard. and my car sits kinda low

[@brandonpatterson4360]

Will this stop the clunking and creaking noises coming from my S70? It seems like when I go over a bump or rough road it's very creaky and clunky (if that makes sense) and the ride is very rough.

[@fcpeuro]

Typically yes, it's usually the spring seats

[@brandonpatterson4360]

FCP Euro Would part # VOLVOSTRTKIT1 include everything I need to completely overhaul the front and rear suspension?

[@nickpierik9325]

What is your experience with Koni Orange struts? And the longevity??

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Nick, Koni Orange struts are great for stock height or slightly lowered cars. They do have a performance advantage over the factory shocks, but still give you a comfortable ride, without being too harsh. Longevity greatly depends on the condition of the roads in your area and the type of driving you do. Also, the shocks will last a bit longer using the stock height springs, vs lowering springs. Overall it's a great option for the Volvo 850!

[@csebastian71]

is the bumper in this kit the heavy duty xc90 version?

[@fcpeuro]

No, the bump stop in this one is a custom one made specifically for FCP for this kit and a few others: www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-bump-stop-front-850-c70-s70-v70-9140067

[@MrStephenBrads]

Do you need to replace the cross nuts and that other bolt when doing this?

[@jasonvangorden1265]

It's recommended to always replace hardware when installing.

[@MrStephenBrads]

Is it okay to use the same hardware temporarily? i.e. for a week or so. I will be pulling the strut assembly apart this weekend as well as next weekend after I can source more parts. My current situation I just need to replace the spring seats so I can get my car on the road

[@olle209]

Answer on your previous question. Part no. Skandix 1031280 and Volvo must be 9157705

[@csebastian71]

Sorry, I meant the black top seat. I saw that you do sell it separately but it is not part of the kit, right?

[@fcpeuro]

Ah, you're correct, we've got them but they're not included in this kit. Here's the link to the beefy ones if you're interested: www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-suspension-strut-mount-spring-seat-xc90-30683637oe

[@Thorgal85]

i started on this job today but without the powertools. first problem. the top bolt, on the top the strut doesn't want to get loose. The whole rod of the strut turn together with the bolt...

[@jasonvangorden1265]

Hello, If you don't have power tools you can use the counter hold tool to prevent the strut shaft from turning. You can view it here: www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-strut-tool-cta-a446

[@Thorgal85]

+Jason Van Gorden thx 4 the quick response. meanwhile i figured it out and used a 10mm wrench to block the top of the shock. (little square thing) :-D i guess the car needs to be re-alligned now?

[@jasonvangorden1265]

I would definitely recommend an alignment after suspension work has been performed.

[@KeikoFXDesigns]

Looks really easy to assemble! I am looking to buying a 2004 XC70. Are they the same style as these?

[@fcpeuro]

Yes, they're straight forward to assemble. The XC70 will have a similar style strut assembly.

[@KeikoFXDesigns]

Awesome thank you. Just wondering are there lifted kits? I would like to give it a 4" lift.

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome! There's a company called Bad Swede Auto Systems that specializes in the lift kits for the XC70. www.xc70liftkit.com/

[@KeikoFXDesigns]

Awesome thank you... I was just wondering if I will need to adjust the gear ratio to be able to take the abuse of larger tires.

[@fcpeuro]

You don't have to but you may experience slower acceleration. A speedometer re calibration may also be necessary depending on how much larger the tires are.

[@Ashleenaccarato]

How far do you tighten the cross nut down?

[@fcpeuro]

Hi Ashlee, you want to tighten that cross nut enough so that the top hat is seated and tight against the spring.

[@GoldenGrenadier]

Y U NO use torque wrench? I winced a little when I saw orange paint fly everywhere.

[@orlandosanchez179]

Why would he need a torque wrench

[@MrBrimor2654]

Did you forget to fix the rubber boot to the bottom of the strut?

[@ronbuchhold7902]

you forgot to slide the boot over the strut after installation bad boy

[@mabskha7917]

Wish they listed the part number. So we can get them from Volvo