WOW. I just had two new control arms and two new tie rods put on my car and WHAT A DIFFERENCE. It feels brand new again. The original ones had been replaces once with aftermarket (by the previous owner) and they failed rather quickly. Genuine volvo this time... we won't make that mistake again.

Just though i'd share that. also i replaced the sway bar link and that got rid of all my front end clunking.

amazing.

 

I have ran into several problems installing aftermarket parts on a Volvo.

 

I did the entire suspension, motor mounts, tie rods, sway links, control arms, wheel bearings, struts, strut springs mount, over the last two months.

I may pay the price (literally) but half the parts are Volvo, half FCP Groton aftermarket.

Right now it's very good. Next fall? Who knows. The control arms I know are Groton, big price difference and again I am not naive but man for a 155K car, I had to cut the cost down somewhere.

Footnote: The struts are Gabriel Ultras and they were too inexpensive to pass up. Mounts and strut springs are Volvo. So far very good shocks. Rears are Boge.

 

I would almost guarantee that the rt. motor mount (pass side under crank) is shot or will be if never replaced. Mine was metal on metal. If that mount is shot, it will take out the other suspension parts pretty quickly, Volvo or not.

 

How much did it cost you to replace all the parts and what were you able to do on your own.

 

720 labor included. not bad i guess since a lot was replaced. everything was done by an independent Volvo dealer, i'm not too good with mechanical stuff. i stick to the electronics

 

i recently replaced:
Left and Right Control Arms with Ball Joints
Left and Right Outer Tie Rod Ends
Left and Right Front Strut Assemblies
Left and Right Strut Mounts / w bearings
Left and Right Spring Seats
Left and Right Sway Bar Links
Left and Right Strut Dust Boots
Left and Right Strut Rubber Bumpers
Strut Mount Lock Nuts (six)
Strut Bolts (four)
Lock Nuts for above bolts (four)

all from FCP Groton. i have used their parts before and they are good quality. i am most pleased

 

I did everything you did but the strut boot covers.

Well If mine fail early because of aftermarket poor quality I will learn a lesson as will you.

It sure is tempting to buy the parts half off of Volvo parts.

If the car was newer ( I have 158 on it now), I would have went OEM, but I would not be unhappy to be replacing them again in a year or two. That means the car is still running the way I look at it.

 

When you say you "installed new control arms and tie rods" did you actually have the arms and rods replaced or the bushings?

When you say "independant Volvo dealer" do you mean a Volvo dealer that sells new Volvo's or a mechanic shop that works on Volvo's?