Hi all,

I’m having some issues with the suspension on my Volvo, and I’m hoping to get some advice. The ride has become noticeably rougher, and I’m hearing some odd noises when driving over bumps. The car has around 120,000 miles,

and I’m not sure if it’s time for a full suspension overhaul or just a specific part that needs attention. Has anyone had similar issues with their Volvo’s suspension? Any tips on what to check first, or if any common parts fail at this mileage?

Appreciate any insights!

 

thanks in advance for any help

 

What year/model do you have? First thing to do is a visual inspection - any signs of physical damage? check the springs to see if an end may have broken off (usually the last 2-3 inches) - S40s are prone to this problem. Any signs of oil leaking out of the struts? Any rubber bushings appear cracked or loose? If you jack up the car, and tug on a wheel - any signs of play? If so you may have worn control arm bushings Next do a test drive. Do you notice clunks going over speed bumps or rail road crossings? Does the noise change turning left vs right and does the car seem to go in and out of alignment (control arm bushings)? Common issue on older Volvos is the strut's spring seats can fail leading to a clunk. Odd noises can also be due to worn/failed sway bar end links.

 

When it comes to noise, sway bars are suspect, as are the rubber cushions at the top of the front springs. There are a lot of wear parts under there on a volvo. The ball joints and tie rod ends (all 4) ought to be evaluated at 120,000 miles, although they aren't too likely to cause a nose. Lots of wear parts under there that don't last forever, but in my opinion they're all easy to replace and cheap.

 

Yep, that's what I loved about our 850 Wagon. The only special tool required for removing the front struts were a pair of "death sticks" and a 16mm and 18mm socket/wrench (lord knows why Volvo didn't use 15/17s that come with ever socket/wrench kit sold at Sears LOL. I also made myself a special tool out of small piece of pipe to loosen that "cross" strut nut. Our Gen 1 S40 was more of PITA. the front springs on those cars a very tall and progressive and the standard spring compressor wasn't tall enough so I'd resort do some very unsafe practices... One other tip - when replacing sway bar end links, have both wheels off the ground to avoid placing torque on the sway bar.