I've got an '01 S40 - there's a noise that comes from the driver's side front end thatoccurs sometimes when I accelerate or decelerate and sometimes when I hit a bump - it doesn't happen when it's cold outside (30 degrees, like now). A search on the site indicates it's the sway bar bushings....what's the best way to check that, and about how much would a Volvo dealer charge to replace them (I know it will be expensive based on a previous thread talking about what is involved).

Thanks!

jabbo

 

The easiest way to see if they are bad is to get under the car and try to move the sway bar.
If they are bad it will move very easy and hit the body.

 

With the car up on ramps the sway bar doesn't move, at least not with moderate force. There's also a post here https://volvoforums.com/m_12304/mpage_3/key_/tm.htm

by Flying torquewrench saying that the problem he had was "a worn rubber on the left hand lower inner suspension arm mounting bushing". What's the best way to check that?

 

Look up the sway bar with the tire off.
Then you can see the bushing.

 

Thought I would add this, My friend had a thumping noise in the front end when he hit small bumps. Local garage said he needed new GM Suspension bushing. His car has 62K miles so he doubted that diagnosis. He heard the sway bar bushings wear out. So he disconnected the sway bar links at the struts, drove the vehicle and the noise was gone. New bushings were $10.50, took me an hour to put in, problem solved... Try it, maybe it could fix your problem or try lubricating the bushings.. It will almost always eliminate the noise... Goodluck!!!

 

I have a 2001 s40 80,000 miles and had to replace the bushings. I didn't cost much and not that difficult to do. I think this is a common part that wears out. Tech could help you out.