I have a 1998 S70 T5 with about 155,000 miles on it. Recently I can hear a creaking noise from the front right suspension. Is this just the strut or do I have to replace the bump stop or something like that? It creaks with very low deflections of the suspension. Also, any recommendations on what brand of struts to go with? Bilstein, Koni, Sachs??

Thanks!

doug

Upper strut mounts and/or spring seats are frequently reported to fail at about the mileage you have. Need to remove the strut to replace them. Need to contrive to maintain front end alignment or have realignment done afterward. The struts themselves may or may not be too worn for your ride comfort, good handling and overall driving satisfaction. If replacing struts I would do both sides. If replacing mounts or spring seats I don't see a need to do both sides unless both are bad.

There are many previous posts on this issue (and choice of strut types and brands) and there's a web site that illustrates the procedure (probably referred to in some earlier posts).

I had the same thing go on my car - you especially notice it if you push down on the fender, it's a real creaking noise. Good news, however, is that it's not likely the strut. On my 99 S70 T5, it was the stabilizer bar, and they both went within 1 month of each other. Cheap replacement, relatively, compared to struts.

Not stabilizer bar, but endlink, right?
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic (125K), 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red (45K), Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon (Sold at 140K and miss her). My cars have been running so well lately they've got me worried.