[Smiddy]

I own a Volvo XC60 (2013) and today my mechanic inspected it and discovered that both rear springs were broken. I also own a Volvo XC70 (2010) and had the same problem with it 2 years ago. I’m 66 years old and have owned dozens of cars (none of the others were Volvos) and have never had to replace a spring. Is Volvo using poor quality steel in its springs or is this normal and I was just lucky for 45 years?

 

[grendel1960]

it could be worse, i have a friend who owns a mercedes slk, he has gone through 2 sets of springs in 3 years, is it possibly that these components are now manufactured to save weight, so less tolerance, or maybe the roads are not as well maintained anymore.

 

[Smiddy]

That’s certainly possible. I was also wondering if it’s possible that Volvos (and Mercedes) build heavier vehicles (for safety) and therefore there is more strain on the springs.

 

[grendel1960]

volvos certainly do build slightly heavier, but usually have heavier springs to compensate. the mercedes slk, has very short stiff springs that are very light (as it is a sports car) and these tend to be prone to breaking. but it is unusual to hear of volvo springs breaking