Well, I think I've isolated my strange squeaking clunking sound to be the Strut Mount Cap. Today I looked and was actually able to turn the cap with my bare hand and voila it made a squeaky sound.

I tried to tighten it and it just spins in place, like there is a nut somewhere down below that I can't see. Do you think that I need to replace anything here or just a simple tighten down and off I go?

Thanks in advance,
--
David
1995 854 Sedan, Naturally Aspirated, 146k mi
No modifications.

Any time you can turn the large nut at the top of the strut without resistance it is your spring seat that is gone. Replacement means that the strut must come off, the spring compressed, and strut disassembled. If you think you need new struts, now is the time to replace them.

I suggest using the spring seat designed for the XC90 (OEM) as it is the same size but designed for HD use. If you go the IPD HD seats route, look into replacing the sway bar endlinks with a set of IPD heavy duty endlinks rather than waiting/paying for additional shipping.

Continuing to run with a broken spring seat can result in a broken top mount and a hole in the hood, after a good pot hole hit. This will happen after the squeeking goes away, followed by a metal to metal noise.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

Thanks to both of you - I'm well on my way to replacing with Bilstein Touring struts. Any thoughts pro or con?
--
David
1995 854 Sedan, Naturally Aspirated, 166k mi
No mods but open to suggestions.

If you suspect they are OEM, replace the rear shocks at the same time. Much easier to do than the fronts and will make the car ride smoother.

The Bilstein struts/shocks are very good and will last forever. Make sure you get HD rubber seats or XC90 OEM seats.

Klaus
--
Always willing to listen, just not able to take direction.

It's likely that the strut spring seat bushing in broken loose
and/or hogged out. (This is at the top of the strut tower under that nut
you turned.)

The standard strut spring seat is a weak link in the suspension.
IPD offers a heavy duty spring seat which may or
may not be more sturdy than the XC90 seat.
(Which is supposed to be better than OEM 850 seat).
I plan to try the IPD seats and will order with a sway bar kit and some other
suspension stuff in IPD's July sale.

Bill

Bill,

I just went over to ipd two days ago and they said they are having a sale this weekend on everything. 15% off anything online or via phone orders. Any thoughts on Bilstein touring struts?
--
David
1995 854 Sedan, Naturally Aspirated, 166k mi
No mods but open to suggestions.

Hi David,

I decided on Bilstein Touring struts and shocks and have them here awaiting
the IPD stuff: sway bar ,HD spring seats and HD end links.
The Struts don't come with dust boots or bump stops so check your old struts to
decide if you need new. (I have one torn boot and will replace both.)

Good Luck,

Bill