I am a complete car ignoramus. I just like my 2004 S60 a lot and hope to drive it until it falls apart. 98,000 miles.

The dealer was doing routine maintenance and said that there are "deep cracks" in the bushings and they should be replaced.

Other than what I just googled, I'm really not sure what that means or how serious this is.

If it's just something that makes the car ride more smoothly, I'm not going to worry about it right now. If it means my axle is going to spiraling off down the freeway, then perhaps I'll get it done.

The car seems to drive just fine to me. All other maintenance is current.

I should point out that about twice times a week I drive (carefully, slowly) through a dirt parking lot that has lots of potholes. I am literally going 5mph and steering around them, but sometimes I hit a bump. That's about it for serious wear/tear other than normal suburban roads and the freeway.

 

Would assume the mechanic relayed to the dealer suspension bushings are cracking. Common for the bushings to degrade over time due to ozone exposure.

Have the dealer physically show you the bushings. The bushings are relatively inexpensive, the labor is the bulk of the cost.

 

True that rubber on suspension components degrades over time.
You should have gotten a better explanation from the service writer. Also, you can ask "what are those?" and "show me". You can also shop this at an independent mechanic that specializes in Volvo or Euro makes in general.
Ed

 

I would go with an independent on this one. Bushings are just a lot of labor but replacing those that are cracked or have harened will make the car ride and possibly steer and brake better. It should not be a safety issue, however.