Just bought an 03 S60 and notice a little suspension noise from the rear (kind of a thump or slap after a bump, not very loud). Is this typically a sway bar or strut issue?

 

Thump or salp after a bump would make me think of a loose spare tire/jack possibly, and yes it could be a bad strut. Just depends on what you got on your car.

 

Check the rear sway bar link first common problem.

 

Is it the link itself (loose) or a bushing?

 

The links are very common to go bad.
That is the sway bar end links.

 

How hard are these? Possible DIY or dealer only? I noticed my CPO warranty specifically excludes rattles, etc. from suspension, so i assume short of the link falling off, I'd have to pay it myself?

This car only has 36k miles on it too.

 

Unfortunately, CPO will not cover any type of noise, either mechanical or external (wind) or water leaks. Just mechanical. This one's out of pocket.

If you like, send me the vin, I can run it to see if infact your warranty is expired.
4yrs 50k from selling date, some 03's are still covered

John
Warranty Administrator
Volvo

 

You can change them in about 30 minutes yourself.

 

Thanks, I believe it may have expired. Don't have the VIN handy, but if I recall the inservice date was sometime in December 02, only 36k miles though. My CPO only runs through Dec 08 and I think that's 6-yr 100k.

Go OEM on these, or are the better aftermarket ones?

 

Its up to you.
I mostly like to stay OEM unless you plan on road racing it.

 

Thanks for all the help! Any good online OEM suppliers/supporters, or is it off to the dealer?

 

http://www2.swedishpartswholesale.co...l&dp=false

These are pretty good.