2011-2018 Volvo S60/V60 - Shock/Strut Replacement - Updated

UPDATE: I recently replaced my front LCAs and shot some video of how to get the struts in and out. I updated my original video, too bad youtube doesn't allow you to replace videos and keep comments/views. Check my pinned comment as well for another update.

This video covers the majority of the work required to replace the suspension components on the P3 chassis of Volvo S60s and V60s. I went with the Heico SportIV suspension kit and although the car feels a lot tighter and has a lot less body roll, it feels bouncy at times and bumps are fairly harsh. I am not sure if the stock R-design suspension or Koni struts with H&R lowering springs feel the same as this setup, but it is a bit harsher than I was expecting. Overall the car feels better, so I will be sticking with it until I either get a new car or somehow get the money for a KW3 coilover setup.

I originally planned to remove the entire wheel knuckle in the front to remove the struts, but the ball joint separator tool I bought was too small and the ball joint did not want to budge with the small hammer I had. I also had to end up cutting off the outer tie-rod on the driver's side as it was completely seized to the inner tie-rod.

[NetworkNerd]

Additionally, I have since purchased the 2x following items which are worth it IMO if you plan to swag springs/struts more than one time. Also, I found out that the OEM style springs (not my aftermarket H&Rs) are too narrow to properly use the rentable spring compressor kit found at most autoparts stores.


The knuckle spreader is finicky to hold in place while cranking it down, but after I sheared off the threads in the pinch joint on my new knuckle I would never recomend to reverse thread the bolt anymore. I am also able to get the struts in and out by myself now. So long as I jack my car up to at least the 2nd position on my jack stands, it is high enough to push the LCA and knuckle down off the strut with a crowbar and S-hook.

[simsneon]

Fellow Volvo P3 owner here
And I would like to say thank you for your video because I’m getting ready to do the same thing thank you for all the information and torque specs to keep up the good work my friend

[pacifiedherbicide]

Holy cow..

Thank you for going through the process of making this video. This is incredibly valuable.

[Kjpfm]

I used you hinge idea to spread the housing and it worked easily and perfectly! Great idea.

[andrewreed]

Good video. I found it helpful prior to doing my struts. I was able to do mine solo, just using a big prybar and the same hook tool you used to pry the control arm down. Getting the car high enough was a big help. I did not have to remove the caliper or disconnect the ball joint. One tip I have is to loosen the CV axle bolts and free the axles in the hubs, so you don't accidentally pull the CV axle out of the transmission. Also impact tools are a big help.

[Coldax-wH]

STEP 1: Install a lift. I’ve done this several times on different Volvos I have owned and I always learn something new each time and from videos. A tricky job for sure and having the right tools help.

[christianholms]

A control arm pry bar is a very helpful tool for anyone attempting this task

[chris]

Echoing all the other comments. Absolutely excellent video, very informative

[patrojas]

Great job with the video.
Kudos to your mom for helping you.

[hugomasatyk]

Good video, very instructive, and well done...Thank you so much!! I also have a V60 2015 which needs front suspension replacement. I decided to do it by myself Question: Can you send me the link with the replacement parts?. Looks pretty good quality but I was not able to find it with the visual information I got. Thanks in advance!

[chrisgoodness]

Nice video ! Where did you get the torque specs ? I have a 2014 S60

[lvrally]

This is awesome! I'm going to attempt this. I expect to take a full day if not more, I'm not very hopeful that the struts will come out of the knuckle easily.
Where did you get the shop manuals and torque specs for the V60?!

[cookeh]

Thank you very much for this video! used it alot when doing this for my 2013 V60. Mostly the same, but the hold downs on my car were allen keys, not torx. Could be because my car is EU.

[stevewilson]

I tried to do this and it was a $600 mistake. The culprit was the replacement struts. When I unpacked them I assumed they were form, fit and function for the originals but they weren't. The bottom of the struts were .060 too big in one axis and .120 in the other, so they wouldn't go in the hole. That sprung the wheel hub assemble and it had to be replaced. To boot the tab that locks in the clamp slot was out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the car. If I had spring compressors I probably could have fixed it. But if I had good spring compressors I would have only replaced the shock.

[SibRevs]

Did your car have the "electronic suspension"? How do I know if I need the standard struts or electronic struts?

[andrewreed]

Where do you have your jack stands placed? On the front of the subframe?