Klaus,

Sounds like good advice. I had meant to ask about a substitute for the system as I had heard there were better parts. I want to make sure we are on the same page, as the nomenclature is somewhat confusing. IF I change to the XC90 it is the strut mount I want, not the spring seat, or do I want both? Is there a particular year or any year XC90?

I'm relatively new to the newer Volvo's and ordering on line. Where I lived before I just went to the dealer as it was only a 5 mile drive. Now it's 70 miles, so I try and use mail order when I can. I had thought that when FCP Groton listed the OEM PN as the PN they were selling you, you were getting the OEM part. Is this correct? Perhaps I need to call them.

I'm trying to limit what I really need, as I'm already doing all the belts and fluids along with the upper engine mount and a full tune up. So far I'm into it around $400 and that's before I start ordering the suspension parts! Her car has 150K on it, so I'm inclined to want to "change everything", but realize I can't afford to do that, so I'm more inclined to just do what's broken and for now that seems to be the rubber spring seats. Should I really replace the strut mounts with heavy duty? Am I going to get in there and find that there are more broken parts than the currently obvious spring mount? I'd hate to get this thing apart and find I don't have replacements for all the broken things, but don't want to order stuff unless it really needs replaced.

Thanks again Klaus for your wonderful knowledge.

Jerry
01 V70 T5a