I’m putting new lower control arms, end links, and tie rod ends on my 2000 C70 this weekend. I’ve read that it is very important to “load” the front end before doing a final tightening on the lower control arms. One post said to put the wheels on, lower the car, and tighten. Another said to use a floor jack and lift the hub assembly to a point where the hub center is level with the bottom of the door.
Can anyone advise me on this? I only have a floor jack and jack stands so I’m working in close spaces.
Thanks in advance!!!

 

I just did mine a couple of months ago on my '99 V70 (together with the drive shaft), I had the stand under the car and used the jack to raise the hub assembly so the control arm was leveled. It's almost impossible to align or tighten the bolts otherwise. Just like with anything, after you are done and driven the car for a while make sure to check the bolts again. That's all, you should have no problems otherwise.

Good luck!

 

Thank you! It had sounded like it was more complicated than just leveling the part.
Have a great day!

 

Correct Xerxes, it's just to compress the spring/shock to align the holes, otherwise you can't even get the bolts in place. Jack up the hub till the holes are aligned, slide the bolts in there, tighten them and you're ready to go. Again, double check after driving for a while.

Good luck!
Blade~

 

Once again, my thanks.
This is my first Volvo since a '69 142S I had many years ago. I bought this one thinking there was't a lot wrong with it and have spent way too much to just give up.

 

Congrats on your purchase! They are good cars but not entirely without issues. We never had anything major on either of our cars but smaller things here and there pop up once a while. I guess if you take care of them they run for 300-350K, and especially the C70s are desirable as they are the sporty Volvos and also fairly low production.

Don't you wish you still had that '69? They are a classic now...

 

I sold it in a weak moment to go to Japan - I wish I could have stored it but I ended up staying three years so maybe at the time selling it was the best move. I did really enjoy that car.