Hello, I’m new to the Volvo community and just bought what has been my dream car since I was 15. Unfortunately a few days ago I took it on a drive in the rain and slid out of control hitting a curb head on going about 15-20 mph. I made it over the curb with no body damage (thank God) but the steering is very very hard with no return (it also gets stuck in certain areas which makes it extremely unsafe to drive) and the wheel itself seems to be pushed out of place. This is my first car and I’m not mechanically inclined whatsoever (the most “work” I’ve done to a car is fixing lights and putting a spare on) My dad took it to a mechanic and was told it was going to cost the price of the car to fix (about $5k) but he also couldn’t remember what the mechanic said was specifically wrong with the car😐. So now I’m here, I posted pictures below of the damage I’ve been able to spot on my own. I’ve been leaking power steering fluid out the boot of my steering rack and I need an alignment very badly, but I’m mainly wondering if there’s some sort of frame damage I’m missing and how expensive and difficult it’s going to be to get this beauty to be driveable again.

 

Look like you hit and bent the subframe/steering rack, right control arm is probably bent also. Wheels maybe if you went over a curb. If the frame rail is not damaged that could be a DIY project - not an easy one but no special skills or tools would be needed - just ingenuity holding the engine up with the subframe removed. It would not be logical to pay someone to fix it. It could be a dangerous DIY project - I would make sure that engine is secure working underneath it!

Sorry for your loss.

 

I appreciate the response, I’ve been looking into buying a cheaper volvo that maybe doesn’t run as nice as this one did, but you gave me the confidence to start my first little restoration project with my friends and family. Any details on sourcing a new subframe or how to get my steering wheel back in place would be extremely helpful. Thanks again😄

 

It all depends on one's desires and abilities but this is fixable and for much less than $5k if you are willing to take charge of it and do the leg and arm work. Best find another cheap 240, I believe any 1986 and up will do, and get the parts from it to fix your car--it will be a good experience but you will need help as this job is not quite for beginners. It of course depends on how much you love this car, if it's strictly money it may not be worth it.

 

Thanks for the response, I’m very up for the job (I’m hoping to get a few friends and some family in on it to make sure I don’t completely destroy the car) but was wondering if I should strictly be looking for 86+ 240’s to strip for parts from or if the 740 and 940 models would also work?

 

Only a 240 subframe will fit. 7/940 are not compatible.