My local repair shop replaced the left control arm on my 1996 850 with a Moog product. I've since researched the replacement process and have decided to to the right control arm replacement myself. I'm reading that a Lemforder or a Meyle HD arm would be a better quality choice. Should I go with the Lemforder or Meyle HD product on the right, stick with Moog on both sides, or switch out the Moog I already have and replace both sides with two Lemforders or two Meyle HD arms.

 

Lemforder is who makes Volvo's control arm, it is what goes on my car.

Volvo does not like cheap replacement part, if you plan to keep your Volvo, use good parts. If you only need it for a few months, get the cheap part.

 

The problem is with a lot of cars and especially older cars where there is fewer of them the replacement parts might not be coming from different manufacturers on in different boxes. I say this have years of experience working on cars and work in parts stores. Moog tie rods for 850's aren't made by Moog. When I opened the box they had German writing and I'm pretty sure they were the Volvo OEM's product in a Moog box. I did the control arms on mine a couple years ago and use Autozone brand control arms and couldn't see any difference between them and Moog or the Volvo/OEM units offered on line.
There can be differences but the name by itself doesn't guarantee you're getting a better or worse product just like the price doesn't either. I bought a pair of no name ball joints from Rockauto for near nothing on clearance and when I opened the box it was Moog inside. Moog is a respected name in suspension parts and usually carries a lifetime warranty. I look for ligetime warranties because I tend to keep cars longer and the warranty is one more indication it's a better quality part.

 

Thanks for the responses. I was almost going to replace the Moog control arm if I didn't hear that it would perform well and last. The Lemforder control arm is in place on the left side now, and I'm awaiting inner and outer tie rod ends to complete my front suspension rebuild.