I got my 2002 Volvo s40 back from my mechanic and it developed a nasty rattling sound in the front. I took it back and he said that the bushings on the front sway bars need to be replaced. He made a temporary fix

He states that replacing sway bar bushings on a front drive car is a major undertaking requiring hours of labor. Thus the temporary fix for now.

I checked online at YouTube and elsewhere and frankly it did not seem that big of a deal, just replace the left and right front sway bars the bushings come with the sway bars.

My mechanic claims that even the engine must be moved (slightly) out of the way.

I am not sure what to think now. Thus I am asking the question is it a major undertaking, requiring even moving the engine (slightly) to replace the left and right front sway bars on a 2002 Volvo s40 (which) is front drive?

Frankly, it does not seem that big of a deal.

Would something like the Haynes Repair Manual have anything on this?

Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Respectfully,

Newport_j

 

Haynes talks about how to remove/replace the sway bar - which does require lowering the sub frame to create clearance (thus your tech was correct in saying its a big job). What you may want to look for is whether there are split bushings that can slide on when the brackets are removed and the sway bar is still in place. Did you have a look around to see if you can access the bracket bolts?

 

I have not looked around yet. Thanks for the info, I now know what to look for. Split Bushings?

Respectfully,

Newport_j

 

You are confusing two different parts: sway bar links and the sway bar.

There is only one sway bar. There are two sway bar links. The links are easy. The sway bar (or the bushings between the sway bar and bracket) is more labor intensive.