I have a 86 240dl and need to get new shocks. (I assume, as mileage is 110k and they seem very soft, make jolting noise on bumps ext).

Has anyone had this done at a shop in which they can share the labor cost of having the rears w/springs and front struts replaced? Labor only, as I have not decided how much I am going to spend on the shocks/struts yet.

Thanks

Just one caveat. although I'm sure you're probably correct in your assessment that struts need to be replaced, don't overlook the possibility of a bad steering rack. I've had to replace it on every 200 I've owned (between 100-200k miles), and they also make squeaking noises when bounced.

Just had the front strut cartridges replaced - I bought KYB's from

www.fcpgroton.com

picked them up at my rellies in the USA. Brought them home to Canada (legally declared and well within my 48 hour duty allowance)and had them installed.

Cost to install - including an alignment was $150 CDN . give or take a few $$'s.

This was at a local alignment/tire/front-end shop that has a great track record in town. Shop around many local shops were almost double that price.

I was quoted as much as $175 not including the alignment by my Volvo non-dealer specialty shop - and they are 90 miles away. They are where I go for all the mechanical that is over my head...

For the rear - It takes about 20 minutes per side to swap out the rear shocks.
I picked up rear shocks for about $25 each, at Canadian Tire (kinda like Walmart), and spent 45 minutes on a warm afternoon doing the job.

Chock both the front tires.

Loosen the nuts slightly (just past break free point) on one rear wheel while the tire is still on the ground.

Then jack up one side as if you were changing the tire, but lift it as high as possible. Then place blocks or an axle stand under the subframe, just ahead of the trailing arm.

With one side well blocked, jack up the other side and block it the same. With the body raised on both sides, the rear axle hangs down and gives you more room to work under the wheel well.

Do not work under the car with only the jack for support!!!

Remove both rear tires.

With the tires off - both top and bottom shock mounts are right there. A bit of WD-40 or other spray lub to break the rust, and you're off to the races.


Oh yeah - if it is really warm where you live - you may want to place a beverage of your choice in the fridge before you start - it'll be just right when you're done.

Good Luck

Goldy,

Quick question. Just curious, how many miles on your car? My car has 211K and the consensus seems to be that with that mileage I should change the strut mounts too or perhaps the whole strut. How does your front end feel with just the strut cartridges changed? - I'm considering all options.

Thanks,
Jim

hi ken!

My first Volvo was an 83 245, and it was in need of shocks and struts on all four wheels when I bought it. I got it for a real good price. It was mainly used as a beater, and it looked like one, too! The car was really floaty and bouncy. My friend said he liked it! I wanted more control feel and wanted to get new shocks/struts. I didn't want to spend too much money on it, so I shopped around and found Pep Boys to be the most affordable. The shocks/struts were Gabriel brand. I don't remember the cost, but they were quite wallet-friendly. The total cost of parts and labor was a little over $250. Sorry, I don't remember how much labor was alone. But I can tell you the parts were fairly cheap. Overall, I thought the Gabriel shocks were pretty darn good. I did't have any complaints about them at all. The suspension was not too stiff and not too soft. I was pretty happy with them and Pep Boys. I don't know how much you want to spend or how much you value your car, but I got cheap parts only because my car was used as a beater. The price I paid for the shock/strut work was just about half of what I paid for the car! So you see why I opted for a cheap place and parts.

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I will tackle the rears on my own, and maybe throw in springs, and then have the fronts done. I am not looking to put a ton of money in to this, but I think I should have a very clean/good looking veh that runs great for about 2k when all said and done. Thanks..

Gabrriel shocks have been around a long time-they are very good shocks. Monroes have been araound forever also--not sure now of their quality--they used to be good also. I have picked up new shocks from Ebay at incredible prices,and have installed the rear shocks easily on my 240. Fronts are a diff story. I am considering getting the tool you need to compress the spring on the front shocks to do it myself. A good time to check your bushings in front also. The longer you let the bad shocks go-the more damage can take place.

I just had the shocks/struts, strut mounts, tie rods, and control arm bushings replaced on a 92 245 that was all squeaks and groans and handled like an old taxi. It was $800 labor for 10 hours. If you don't need the bushings, tie rods, and strut mounts, knock about half off of that, according to the itemization of hours on my bill. I can't see where I got much of a time discount for getting it all done at the same time, but I'm happy with the results. If it ever handled like it does now, the memory has faded. I used KYB's.

Dodging a minivan purchase,

Jay