I have a Volvo XC70 and got in an accident. luckily no cosmetic damage is done to the lovely ride except the left side lower control arm got broken.

Very rare car in my region so am left with no option than to import a replacement. I contacted a parts store in Illinois and i get the response that i have to change both arms . As this is a car i hardly use and before the accident all was in good conditions I am wondering why I have to buy a right side control arm if there is nothing absolutely wrong with it. If my need to replace the left one is because it went bad due to wear and tear from use, I understand it might be wise to change the other as well, but this isn't the case.

Please has anyone had a similar situation and can give me a benefit of their experience on this. The excuse I get from calling the store has to do with. Volvo designing their cars in such a way that both always have to be changed at the same time. It makes no sense to me.

 

Hi and welcome to the site.

How many miles is on the car?

You can call a dealer and they will tell you if that is correct or not. I can't imagine that being the case.

 

You are right if you are replacing the control arm because it was broken then only one side need to be replaced.but it you had the control arm break then there has to be other parts that might be damaged.

 

31,586 on the millage. Does that make them due for replacement already?

I got the response from the guy at the Volvo parts store in Illinois.

 

That's what I think too. Then he asking mentioned that arms are only sold individually except under certain conditions.

I'd be glad if I can get a shop that would sell me only the parts I need or any more advice e on this matter.

 

A control arm should not be worn out in 31,000 miles. If you can get one go that route. Maybe they only sell them in pairs.

 

Rspi that's not exactly true. I've seen control arm bushings on newer S40s break in less than that and with those once the bushings break the whole control arm needs to be replaced.