I have a 98 S70 Base 160K miles. Planning on replacing:
Struts, shocks, control arms, half shafts, outer tie rods, sway bar links (as much OE as possible).

What is the expected life for front and rear wheel bearings and inner tie rods and how do I tell if they should be replaced?

Thank you!

 

Bearings can last forever. When a bearing goes bad you will hear a rythematic noise that is timed with speed. Wheel not turning smoothly.

As for the tie rod ends, the first sign that they need replaced is the link ends have torn boots (rubber grease joint covers). Secondly, they will have a little play in them when you whiggle the wheel while the car is jacked up.

 

RSPI, Thanks for the feedback!! this upgrade is getting expensive and this helps alot!

 

sorry to call you out on this RSPI, but if the boots are torn it does not nessarly mean they need to be replaced. However, if the tear is on the CV shaft boot, replacing is a good idea, or at least just the boot if the joint checks out fine.

Volvos and other European cars are set up tight. Domestic cars are set up loose. Asian imports are a little to both. That is my experience across the board.

 

I just completely rebuilt my entire front end and my inner tie rod bushings were completely gone. When i took the passengers side apart, the tie rod end fell off in two pieces lol. The drivers side tie rod end flopped around like a limp noodle. When you buy replacements, make sure you identify your chassis number from the plate under the hood prior to buying any parts; there are a couple of different inner tie rods available for specific chassis.