Morning all,
quick question for you. I have a familiar clunk in my car known as a busted rear shock mount. I had the right side replaced last year and nowthe left side needs it. Practically the same day istarted noticing the clunk, my wheels also started feeling off balance. Could the busted shock mount be causing that or are these issues totally unrelated? I didn't notice any wheel problems the first time this happened. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

Hi Melloyello,

>I have a familiar clunk in my car known as a busted rear shock mount.
That seems rather unusual, it is usually the front upper spring seatthat fails over mileage & age and start making clunking noise but what do I know. Did you see the rear shock mount when it was replaced? I replaced mine at about 140,000 miles/12 years and the mounts still looked good but the front suspension needed complete rebuild.

Anything loose in the suspension/steering could cause some looseness/vibration at the steering wheel or to the entire car, so I would have it checked at a dealer or an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes. Sometimes you can also check for faulty spring seats by pushing on the front end of the car; it would squeak.

I hope this gives you some ideas.

Cheers,


JPN

 

Hi JPN,
Thanks for your suggestion. By familiar I meant familiar in my car. I haven't noticed anything unusual sounding/feeling/looking in the front suspension and no squeaking whenI push on the front seat. I took a drive yesterday while my husband stuck his head through the middle seat trunk access (very safe, I know) and we determined it's definitelya problem in the rear suspension which I'm having fixedthis week. My car's getting to the age where I'm getting a little paranoid about every new soundI hear so I'll probably be on more often asking you guys these questions. My car's rare and I can't exactly pick up another one anywhere. You know your stuff! Thanks again!

 

Hi Melloyello,

>By familiar I meant familiar in my car.
Well understood. There are3 major mfgs for the shock mounts as far as I know:
1.Genuine Volvo ($24.50 ea.)
2. Hutchinson ($24.50 ea.)
3. MTC ($15 ea.)

This is an on-line parts vendor some of us here use, as they carry many OEM parts and have a comparatively quick shipping.

http://www.fcpgroton.com/volvo850shocks.htm

This vendor has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, on labour (as well as saving quite a bit of $ on OEM parts) as I do approx. 80% of maintenance by myself. If you can do the same or know an independent shop that specialises in Swedish/European makes and is willing to accept parts from customers, that would be another good alternative.

Yes, I know yellow 850s are rare and hold good value. There is a gentleman in this forum by the name of JimKW, and Jim has told us a lot about each 850's value. I refer to Jim if I need to know a value on a 850, and as for technical aspect, there is a gentleman by the name of "Moderator Tech". Tech is the top-dog of the entire forum and we all have trust in him.

Anyway, I hope the vibration problem gets resolved soon, good luck!


JPN

EDIT: Make sure the rubber bushingsat the lower attachment of the shocks are not deteriorated. They could produce "clunk" too, if they are worn. When you work on suspension-related components, I would do both sides rather than one side.