V70 Suspension

I have a 1997 V70 TDI with 110,000 miles in the UK. The suspension is starting to feel tired. It wallows a bit and has lost precision. I know some of the bushes are worn and will be replaced soon along with new dampers. The question is are there any sensible upgrades either after market or from other models in the range. I use the car every day and do approx 30-40k miles a year. Also towing a race car during the summer. Thanks for any advice.

Reply to
Mark
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Cor blimey mark, you must be really hammering your car, I have a 1997 V70 TDI, and am just replacing front shocks after 225,000 miles!! All bushes and rear shocks are still original. I guess I've been lucky. Anyway, apparently the Gas adjustable shocks from Monroe or similar are fine for the front of the car, and you can buy Load compensating shocks for the rear, which will be ideal when towing. I'm unaware of any other suspension upgrades, other than lowered springs, but these are a bit un-necessary as the TDI sits low anyway. You are using V70 T-5 alloys though aren't you? If not, get some!! I am told that V70R springs are suitable, but if the car runs too low you may lose your sump. See

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for loads of suspension part options. I will be ordering some front shocks for mine tomorrow, and I have also replaced the top-strut mounting and spring seat after I got a knocking sound at 220,000 miles. Good luck. at 110,000, your car is young !!

P.S 16 inch alloys proved to be considerably better that 15 inchers for me, removing the majority of body roll, and making the car corner like a... well, like something which goes round corners without throwing you into the door or centre console! Heated electric memory seats are my latest addition too. Very nice.

Reply to
joe landy

Any pictures Joe??

Tim..

Reply to
Tim..

As many pictures as you like Tim. The whole car, or just the goodies (seats, wheels, e.t.c)? Also, where do I post the pics to? I can e-mail them to you directly of course. It really is time I got a webpage up and running! Cheerio.

Reply to
Joe landy

Just in case it's of any interest mark, there's a set of said V70 T5 wheels on ebay. Tyres are shot, but the rims alone would cost £350 each from the dealer. They look clean too. I have no connection with the seller you understand, but I couldn't resist mentioning it. Just take a look at the picture! Hope the link works.

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$43530042&category432

Reply to
joe landy

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Would those rims fit a '91 745 ? That would look soooo nice !!!!

Reply to
Stuart Gray

Just keep in mind, those 16" wheels for the 850 and 70 series, while they look very similar are different in details, so make sure you get a complete set of one or the other.

Reply to
Mike F

No, the offset is much too high, they'd position the wheels about 1" too far in, so they'd rub on the struts and inner fenders. You'd need a spacer and longer studs to make them work. And any low quality spacer that thick will cause vibrations you'll be hunting down forever.

Reply to
Mike F

Thanks for the responses. Been away hence the delay in replying. I'll have a look at Eurocarparts, although my past experience with patern parts (re BMW mainly) is that they are never as good as the original. They usually work fine initially, but not for as long so the saving is lost by having to do the job again.

The wheels is an interesting one, though I would be wary of making the car more prone to bumps crashing through than it already is. I spend much of my milage in London with it's awful roads. I do know that some of the bushes are worn - advice given at the last service (Volvo agent Cambridge Garage in Petersfield Hants)so this may be part of the reason. I'll do them and the dampers and then consider what else once I can see what good condition suspension is like. Im not really trying to maked the volvo a road racer - (Ive already got one of those for the track), but rather get it back to a secure, confidence inspiring reasonably rapid but relaxing drive.

Mark

Reply to
Mark

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