1991 240.

BACKGROUND:
I bought the car a few months ago, my 1st Volvo and love it. I've been going through it and replacing everything I can find wrong with it. 212K in the last few months I've done new brakes, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, cap, rotor, plugs and wires. I guess the point I'm trying to make is, I think this car is great and want it to last another 200K. So, every little thing I can find wrong with it I'm fixing.

THE PROBLEM:
When I bought it, it had some suspension noises, quite a few of them actually. I replaced the ball joints, front and rear control arm bushings, sway bar links, sway bar bushings. With so many knocking sounds I figured this would cover it, but it still has a steering knock when turning.
If I'm sitting in the driveway, and move the steering wheel from side to side, no more then 15 degrees either way I hear a faint knock, then the same when I turn it back. I can also feel this knock slightly in the clutch pedal when it is depressed. At driving speeds, it sounds and feels the same as if I'm sitting in the drive way. Noticeable, but not loud. However, last night I took a hard right turn and it was very noticeable. Sounded like I hadn't fixed the suspension at all.

QUESTION:
I did NOT replace the tie rod ends. So, my question to you is: What are the chances this noise is coming from the tie rod ends, vs. something I might have missed when I did the suspension work?

OTHER OBSERVATIONS:

• There is no pulling or shimmy at highway speeds. If I let go of the steering wheel the car drives straight as an arrow down the road.
• The tie rod ends appear to be the original.
• The boots on the tie rod ends are not split.

Thanks in advance.

 

The ball and socket assemblies could be seized and rusty inside the tie rod ends causing the pop or knocking sound.

 

Something often overlooked are the 4 king pin bolts that hold the crossmember and complete suspension to the frame. In the following pic they are the two bolt heads at the base of each strut tower. With the car on the ground just put an extension on 'em and give a healthy tug. They work loose over the years and can simulate all sorts of suspension clunks. Not saying it is the cause of your noise; only that it's something to check.

 

Checking your tie rod ends is pretty straightforward. Just jack up one side of the front of your car, grab the tire at 9 & 3 o'clock. Do the push and pull on it and see if you feel any play. There should be no play at all. If there is any play, then you need to replace the tie rod ends. Do the same for the other side.

If you do find play, have a friend do the push/pull thing on the tire whil you inspect the tie rod linkage from underneath (if you are under the car, make sure it's on jackstands). From there you should be able to tell if the looseness is in the outer or inner tie rod. Replace what is necessary.

While you got it on jackstands and you are underneath, you can check the bolts that Swift was referring too. I'm doing mine next time I'm under there.

Good luck

 

I checked the tie rod ends, doesn't feel like there is any play there. Thanks for the suggestion though.

I didn't see an attached or linked pic. I assume you are talking about these bolts?



I'll check them when I get home tonight. From what I remember there were some bushings on there. Since most of the front bushings were worn it wouldn't surprise me if these were too.

I was also told on another forum, that it could be the upper strut mount. Ever hear of that causing the problem?

Thanks again.