New to the forum and site. I have a 2001 S80 2.9 l . Car has 71,048 miles. A few months ago I heard a "clicking " sound in the front left wheel area when the wheel was turned right. Brought it back to the Volvo dealer and said that it was a strut, no big deal if I didn't mind the sound.
Now the car needed some work to de done, oil change, check engine light on, and inspected. Said they fixed check engine light, did smoke test, but said that lower control arm bushings and both strut tops had to be replaced. (Labor and parts $880.72). Had car over the New Year, picked up yesterday. drove it home, still hear the clicking sound when I turn.
My wife drove it to work today and she said the chekc engine light came on again, called Volvo and told them, will drop it off next week.
Question I have is, can I replace the strut myslef? Is there any thing special or special tools I need? I believe the strut has to be compressed.
I helped my son replace the struts on his 2000 Acura Type R to put an adjustable lowering springs on, and I know we used a compression spring tool.
I had gone to a parts store and the replacement strut is $125.00. Should I use this type or a Volvo one? Thanks in advance for your help,
David

P.S. Would you replace both struts or just the one?

welcome to the forum. If you have done this before, then it shouldn't be much different. It is preferable to use Volvo parts for this, just for the comfort side. If you want to have a firmer ride, then go for the lowered one. Mind you, your ride will be different. Go to fcpgroton.com if you want to get a replacement, they are one of the cheaper, ie-price not quality, suppliers for Volvo replacement parts. If you go for a cheapo brand, you will get a cheapo part. Good luck and take it slow when replacing the struts. Extra care is always the way to go.