i need to replace the strut towers on the passenger side of my wagon. how hard would this be for me to do at home? I'd like to hear from someone who's done this. I was thinking of getting the whole assembly (tower, spring and all) thinking this would be much easier to deal with. thanks

By strut tower you're referring to the metal part of the unit frame of the car. That takes a whole lot of measuring and welding to complete. If you're talking about replacing the strut assembly itself, just yank one from a junkyard. Expect to pay little for it. Inspect the spring seat area for corrosion at the base. If you're lucky you'll find one that's already been fixed recently and is in good condition. Otherwise just re-weld the spring seat (I mean a NEW one) on the strut assembly.

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chris herbst, five volvos.

not too dificult,one short cut,slice open the eyelets that hold the brakelines to the tower,then bend them back into shape when your done,this will keep you from having to open the brake lines.caution!!!!!!mix mathing your strut cartridges can cause dangerous handeling.you should install your original cartridge into the new tower,or better yet replace both cartridges w/new.you will need a spring compresser.if the only thing wrong with the old tower is the spring seat rusting out,you can pick up a new springseat for about $20.00 this will require disassembly and minor welding, quite simple though.

thanks. yeah, only the spring seat is rusted. would it be ok to find a non-rusted spring seat out of a junk yard? I checked with my local volvo dealership and they want $50 for a new one. And if i found a good looking used one, what should i expect/offer to pay for it? thanks again

50 bucks brand new doesn't sound so bad to me, it should have the good galvanizing or whatever. I would get that and have it welded on, then paint it up with something protective.

Greg