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Strut Replacement 850

1995 850 Turbo. Going to change the struts.
Outside of the struts, strut mounts and strut bushings, anything else I need to purchase? (besides borrowing a spring compression tool) The springs are OK.

Thanks in advance........








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    Strut Replacement 850

    You probably do not need the strut mounts (mounting plate). They are quite expensive, and probably are not worn out. You may or may not need the upper spring seats. They are reportedly prone to causing noise if worn. IPD recommends replacing them. I did, they're not too expensive. You should probably replace the dust shields (dust boots). If your sway bar links are worn, this is a good time to replace them. Ditto for the sway bar bushings. The nuts and bolts that attach the strut to the knuckle are to be replaced with new pieces according to Volvo. I discovered this at about 10 o'clock on Saturday morning with strut parts scattered on my driveway. I reused the old ones, and my front end hasn't broken yet, but I'm waiting. It could happen at any time. That should about cover it.

    Phantom








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      Strut Replacement 850

      Thanks for the tips Phantom. Good idea about the mounts -- they are not cheap!!! Did the connecting links earlier in the year when I did the ball joints. Did you go with Boge or Bilsteins?








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        Strut Replacement 850

        I put Bilstein HD's all the way around on my car. I was looking for a firm controlled ride, and I'm very happy with the Bilstein's. I bought my car used with 107K miles on it, and it still had the original Boge's as far as I could tell. It's hard for me to compare the Boge/Bilstein when the Boge's were that old. If a nice ride is the preference, I suspect the Boge's would be a better choice.

        Phantom








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    Strut Replacement 850

    Think you've got it covered; the upper spring seats (plastic or hard rubber) might stand a preventive replacement, although they're pricey (like $40 each at the dealer). Threw Bilsteins into the wife's 850 2 summers ago; job went like greased lightning. Struts on the 240 are a bear in comparison.








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      Strut Replacement 850

      Thanks Smitty -- appreciate it. Since you put Bilsteins in the wife's car I have a question. I'm not sure about Bilstein or Boge. All I'm looking for is a smooth ride ( car will be going to my daugher in 2 yrs) Are the Bilsteins a harsher ride? Did the wife feel a difference between the original Boge to Bilstein swap?








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        Strut Replacement 850

        Sorry for the delayed response - been travelling too much. Hope this doesn't come too late.

        The Bilsteins only feel harsher over significant road irregularities. If you have smooth roads where you drive, you'll hardly be able to tell the difference except in the turns or other transients, where the more sophisticated Bilsteins will control better. My wife, who is moderately attuned to automotive stuff, could not tell the difference. A change in tires was more noticeable to her (went from PO's el cheapo Mastercraft to Bridgestone Potenza RE950 in 205/60-15).

        Overall, if the car is not driven with 'spirit', you can't go wrong with the OEM Boges.







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