I'm having bilsteins installed tomorrow. When looking at the shocks and sstruts I noticed that the rear shocks come with dust covers but the front sstruts do not. When I asked my parts supplier they said that bilstein now uses an added dust seal instead of the dust covers due to the springs tearing the covers. I was curious if others on this board have been given the same explanation?

I just installed Bilsteins on my 94 turbo wagon. Either re-use the original dust covers for the front struts or get new ones - they're there for a reason. Volvo wouldn't have paid more money to install them if they didn't have a benefit.

I put the dust cover from the stock shocks on the front struts. The cover is part of the rubber/urethane bumper located near the strut bushing. I have yet to see a pair of struts that were shipped with dust covers. Most companies will sell you matching covers.

I haven't seen Bilsteins for Volvos, however every other strut car I have worked on that used Bilsteins has the shock fitted upside down in the strut. This means the piston seal is actually inside the strut body away from any dust/dirt anyhow. The chrome wiping surface you see through the springs is in fact the outside of the shock. There is a wiper that keeps excess dirt out of the strut cavity. I have never had a problem with this setup and the wipers last a long time without failing. That could be your answer since I haven't ever seen dust covers for this setup.

I have installed several various struts on 850s, and with all installation I used dust covers. I actually have Bilsteins on my car now. They have dust covers and have not torn. If they tear then I will cut them off. Until then they will stay there.

Nope, I never heard that explanation. I installed the Bilstiens 3 weeks ago and can confirm that there are no dustcovers on the front struts (and none wanted, at least by me.) I can say that I'm really pleased with the performance of the new struts/shocks on the crappy SoCal freeways and in the twisty backroads.

Regards,

Jim

1996 855R