Hi John, welcome to the World of Volvo's. I replaced my struts at around 85k (7yrs old) and they were still good. They didn't spring right back up like new ones, but had no looseness either when when I worked the shaft in and out (sounds kinky!). I just felt it was time for new ones. (I went w/ OEM Boges). Usually a bad strut/shock will show signs of leakage. It's also unlikely that a vibration would be caused by shocks, more likely places to look would be, a) out of balance or "bad" tire(s)/bent rim. b)worn suspension components. c) out-of-spec alignment. If you show up with new struts and shocks and tell them (the dealership) to install 'em, they just won't do it. John O is right on (as usual) with his explanation of how thing work at the dealers. BTW, I had a RED dipstick handle break off once, had to fish it out with needlenose pliers! (about $12 to replace)

RussB in CT