Suspension: '00 V70 T5 Suspension refresh - springs?

[itguy]

Hi Everyone

Now that my car has done 100k i'm starting to consider refreshing the suspension on my T5 as its starting to feel really harsh and crashy over anything but perfect motorway surfaces.

A few questions if I may;

1) Is it typical to fit new springs at the same time as dampers or do springs not 'wear out'?

2) Would I need to have the car 4 wheel aligned after changing dampers (and/or springs)?

I'm not looking to have anything special, just OE as I don't want it lowered / more hard etc - just to feel nicer again.

3) Anything else I should replace at the same time too so I maximise my 'wheels off' time?

4) Having only owned the car from 63k I don't really know what to expect as 'new'. Do you think my current (orig) suspension will be ok/bad/v bad/totally knackered after 100k of country roads+town driving?

I'll be doing the work myself BTW (not that it matters really!)

[John_C]

I have read a lot of different things about springs over the years, some people say as long as they've not stretched/compressed too much from their unloaded spec when you measure them with no load on them then don't worry, other people say replace them. Personally they're not that expensive so I'd change them.

I would also take a very close look at all the suspension bushes, they will probably be nearly as responsible as the dampers for the problems you are getting.

Definitely get a proper four wheel alignment done, for peace of mind alone it's worth it.

After 100k I would expect your suspension to be tired but serviceable except for some very badly worn bushes. A proper suspension refresh should make a big difference.