Parts for your 2016 Volvo Xc60-Struts

Understanding the Struts on the 2016 Volvo XC60: What They Do and When to Replace Them

The 2016 Volvo XC60 is a sleek, well-engineered SUV that combines comfort, safety, and performance. When it comes to the suspension system of this vehicle, struts do play a vital role. Unlike some other suspension setups that rely solely on shock absorbers, the XC60 features a MacPherson strut front suspension. This means that struts are indeed fitted to the front of the 2016 Volvo XC60, acting as a key link between the wheel assembly and the chassis.

So, what exactly are struts and why are they important for the XC60? Struts are a major component of the suspension system that serve two main purposes. First, they act as a shock absorber, dampening the bumps and irregularities on the road to provide a smooth, comfortable ride. Second, they provide structural support for the vehicle's suspension by maintaining alignment and bearing some of the vehicle's weight.

On the Volvo XC60, the front struts help keep the vehicle stable and responsive when steering and cornering, while also supporting the weight of the front end of the SUV. The struts combine a coil spring and a shock absorber into a single unit, which not only saves space but also improves handling and ride comfort. Meanwhile, the rear suspension typically uses a different design, such as a multi-link setup with dampers rather than traditional struts, emphasising the importance of understanding which components are where.

Given that the XC60 uses struts on the front axle, it's important for owners to know when to service or replace these parts to ensure the vehicle continues to perform safely and comfortably. Unfortunately, struts aren't exactly set-and-forget components. Over time and with regular use, the seals inside struts can wear out, oil can leak, and the springs can weaken. This all leads to decreased ability to absorb shocks, poor ride quality, and potentially unsafe handling.

Some signs that the struts on a 2016 Volvo XC60 might be due for replacement include a noticeably rougher ride, excessive bouncing after encountering bumps, uneven or rapid tyre wear, and a tendency for the vehicle to sway or lean more in corners than usual. Clunking or knocking noises from the front suspension during driving or over bumps can also be an indicator that the struts are worn. It's always wise to get these checked out by a professional mechanic if any of these symptoms appear.

Maintaining struts during regular servicing is crucial to extending their life and keeping the XC60's ride quality intact. Inspection of the struts typically involves looking for leaks, checking the condition of the mounts and bushings, and testing the damping effect by pushing down on the vehicle front and watching how it rebounds. If the car bounces more than once or twice, the struts are probably no longer performing well and need replacement.

Replacing struts is not a trivial job and usually requires specific tools, including spring compressors, to safely handle the coil spring portion of the strut assembly. Because of the safety risks involved with replacing suspension components and the need for precise wheel alignment afterwards, it's recommended that owners get struts replaced by skilled technicians. After new struts are fitted, a wheel alignment is essential to ensure the vehicle tracks straight and tyres wear evenly.

It's also worth noting that while the struts themselves are a key focus during replacement, the associated parts like strut mounts and bearings should be inspected and replaced if worn. These components can contribute to unusual noises and handling issues if neglected. Some technicians prefer to replace the entire strut assembly as a kit, which includes the spring, mounts, and strut itself, for a quicker and more reliable fix.

Regular servicing of suspension components, including struts, is part of keeping the Volvo XC60 in top condition. Generally, struts might last anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 kilometres depending on driving conditions and load. Australian roads, especially in rural or rough areas, can be tough on suspension, so it's a good idea for XC60 owners to have their struts checked each time they go in for a service or if they frequently drive on uneven surfaces.

So, while the struts on the 2016 Volvo XC60 may not be the most glamorous part of the vehicle, they are essential to delivering the comfortable and stable ride that drivers expect from a premium SUV. Paying attention to the condition of these components and getting them replaced when needed will ensure the XC60 continues to handle safely and ride smoothly for many years on Australian roads.