Upper Spring Seat - DIY?

[brbevil]

Hi Gang,

I need to replace my upper spring seats for my 01 xc. Is this something that can be done with a spring compressor. I noticed in my various searches that I may need a special spring compressor. But other than that is it fairly straightforward? Any gotchas I need to consider? Thanks in advance for all your responses!

[JRL]

You don't need a compressor, you're not removing the spring off of the strut

[howardc64]

I'm pretty sure you need to compress the spring to get the upper spring seat off and on (the spring expand against this seat on top).

Follow this direction to take the strut assembly off, disassemble and change out the spring seat.

http://members.shaw.ca/heeeeee/strut/

I left a bunch of additional notes (such as how to avoid an alignment) here

http://www.freewebs.com/howardsvolvos/suspension.htm

See "Spring Seat" and "Replacing Struts"

On spring compressor, just make sure you have something fairly heavy duty and not the cheapest spring compressor you can buy.

On the replacement seat, I've heard people use XC90 one for better longevity, IPD sells better one, fcpgroton + others also sell a Urethan one.

Since you will disassemble the whole strut, you might consider changing the struts too if you think that is worn.

[brbevil]

What a great site - Thanks so much for the advice and the links! I will order the heavy duty seats from IPD and the spring compressor and see if I can tackle myself with my Dads help of course. He is more mechanically inclined than I am!

When I bought the car about a year ago I was advised new struts had been put on the car but they probably did not change out the seats. Cest la vie!

[dlr97]

You can usually rent a suitable spring compressor at a tool rental shop in most cities

[duettitude]

They charge a deposit to your credit card and issue a full credit when you bring the tools back.