Front suspension spanner work - do I need special tools?

[smack]

Hi all,

Do I need any special tools to disassemble the front suspension? It looks like the bearing in the top strut mount has collapsed, so I need to strip the suspension to replace it. Looking at the Haynes manual, it uses two Volvo Special tools to remove the top cap - do I need them, or can I get the job done with other tools?

Oh, and it's a 850, but looks like all late model cars are the same.

Thanks,

Stuart

[smack]

The two tools listed in by Volvo for the job is 9995467 and 9995469 to remove the retaining nut on the retaining nuts on the bearing and shock absorber.

Anyone that can help me / done it before?

[jayx73]

I did this job on my 850 t5, all you need is a good set of spring compressors,
The top nut is specially shaped but can be removed by clamping the strut in a vice and removing the nut with a pair of swan necks. an ali drift and a hammer can also be used.
Removing the strut from the car is an easy task ,it is also worth checking the drop links and wishbone bushes at the same time.

Edited by jayx73 on Thursday 7th August 08:59

[smack]

jayx73 said:

I did this job on my 850 t5, all you need is a good set of spring compressors,
The top nut is specially shaped but can be removed by clamping the strut in a vice and removing the nut with a pair of swan necks. an ali drift and a hammer can also be used.
Removing the strut from the car is an easy task ,it is also worth checking the drop links and wishbone bushes at the same time.

Thanks for that Jay. After a morning of googling, I found this on a yank forum:
"You will need an appropriately sized torx bit and a wrench to fit the nut (I think it might be 21mm). Some use a socket with ground flat sides but a box end wrench works just fine if the struts are off the car. You will also need a vise to hold the strut from turning while you break the nut loose. It does help to stick a bar through the holes where the strut mounts to the hub for extra leverage. You will also need strut spring compressors to compress the spring to get the top coil plate off the strut(many local stores like Advance Auto/Autozone have these as loaner tools). This also threads onto the strut."

So, it looks there is work without needing the Volvo Special tools.

[smack]

If someone is doing this job, here is a great write up:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=470...

HTH someone