WebQuest
Front Strut Assembly
Process
Ok folks,
This is our desired end-state. A newly assembled, strut & spring assembly, ready to be fitted onto a 1998-2000 Volvo X70-series, car. As a rule of thumb: The stock suspension components should be replaced every 100K miles, or so.
We're going through the build process step-by-step, to demonstrate (a) how simple this process is & (b) to empower you with the required knowledge to perform this procedure, yourself! So, here we go!
Attachments
Special Volvo cross-bolt socket & 27mm socket
Description: Two nice-to-have items, for the next step.
Spring installed onto strut
Description: Ensure the spring is properly oriented & not upside-down. If not oriented properly, the spring will not seat against its respective stops & be susceptible to movement within the strut assembly, resulting in substandard vehicle controllability. An unstable, shock dampening platform. These particular springs are more narrow at the bottom.
The bump stop & gaiter assembly
Description: Ok, the easy stuff first. The yellow bump stop (with metal washer) keeps your suspension from bottoming out, while the accordion-style gaiter, protects the strut shaft from contamination. These items need to be assembled.
Top spring stop
Description: The top of the spring (pinky finger) should rest in the spring seat pocket (pointer finger).
Installed bump stop & gaiter
Description: Note the strut sealing cap, to the right of the gaiter. The gaiter needs to be seated around this cap. This seal anchors the bottom of the gaiter, while its accordion-design allows it to articulate with the suspension, without distorting.
Assembled bump stop & gaiter
Description: This assembly can now be fitted onto the strut. Remember to pull the bottom portion of the gaiter "neck" over the edges of the strut sealing cap, to keep out contaminants.
Installing strut coil spring compressors
Description: You can install these hand tight & be sure to use the retaining pins, if your compressors have them.
Bottom spring stop
Description: The lower portion of the spring should sit against the spring stop, that my finger is resting on.
Gaiter bottom stretched over strut cap
Description: Ensure both the bottoms of the gaiter & strut cap are about flush with one another.
Spring compression, using an impact driver
Description: The springs should be compressed down to about 12". The impact tool makes very short work of spring compression, but be VERY careful when tightening. If a heavily tensioned, spring compressor slips off & the spring goes flying? A direct hit, will ruin your day!
Install suspension strut mounting nut
Description: Using torque wrench & 22mm socket, torque to 52 ft-lbs. Unit is now ready to install!
Volvo Front Strut Removal & Replacement
Install the strut bearing plate
Description: Press this onto the upper spring seat (by hand), as far down as you can.
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