We often get calls from Volvo owners about knocks, squeaks, rattles and clunks. Common failures that can create these noises are worn out upper front spring seats or worn out upper rear shock mounts.
Volvo front wheel drive models commonly develop a clunk in the front suspension that can be caused by worn out upper spring seats. This can occur in some models with as few as 30K miles and can be exacerbated by performance springs and shocks.
We recommend replacing the upper spring seats whenever the struts are replaced as part of regular maintenance. The expense is minimal in comparison to having to do the job over later.