Volvo Repair: popping sound, spring seats, spring seat

Question
Hi, I have a 1999 S80 2.9 with 170,000 miles.  Overall, it has not been a bad car.  My local shop replaced the front struts, spring seats, sway bar links, relined the front end, etc.  Now, if you are sitting still and move the steering wheel back and forth with the engine running, a popping noise is coming from the right strut area.  Any suggestions?  Also, another question while I am at it.  For several weeks a spent fuel smell is emanating from the car.  I say spent, because it is not a fresh gas smell.  Almost like a lingering vapor that did not burn completely.  I have examined all hoses I can find.  When the car is parked outside you cannot smell it.  Only when the car is parked inside and it appears strongest on the passenger side.  There are no warning signs or codes.  Car runs perfect.  Thanks in advance!

Answer
Perry, not sure what a spring seat is but these make that noise when the upper strut cushion is bad.  Im assuming that when they did struts, they replaced those as well. What kind of struts did they put in there?  Not sure what to think of the gas smell.  Roger