So I have replaced spring seats, struts, control arms w/ball joints, bearing plates & now CV axels on my 98 S70 non turbo. However I am still getting clunking type noises over bumps in the road. My friend said it might be the wheel bearings. I jacked the front end off the ground and there was a very small amount of play from left to right but not top to bottom. I though it might be from the steering.? Any idea what would be causing the clunking noises. Also the 4 month old brand new tires I put on are completely worn out now, but only on the outside edge. Are the bearing plates for the struts left or right sided? Not sure what is causing the problems.

 

tie rods? those are part of the steering.

 

It is either the inner or outer tie rods. If you have play from side to side it is most likely tie rods.

 

Most bearings are press fitted on the 8's, Kiwi. Though some have a housing you can replace as a unit but I can't recall with out looking at the workshop manual what years have what. Mine ('97) are defo press fitted and am also contemplating getting the front O/S one done after that vibration of the failed differential thing that happened a while back as I'm getting a classic wheel bearing constant drone from that sid

 

the outer tie rods can be moved by hand fairly easy, i would have to get a look for the inner ones as im not to familiar with there location. looks like the aftermarket tie rods are pretty inexpensive as well. I have been through 2 sets of front tires, the second i put on after getting all the suspension parts done and an alinement. the shop didnt say anything that the tie rods where worn out. but at this point there isnt to much left to replace

 

The outer tie rods screw to the inner tie rods.

 

Sway bar links

Had the same noise and thought it was a bad aftermarket tie rod drivers side (actually the aftermarket one was not in good shape after 1.5 years). Replaced that, backed out the driveway, and clunk ...

Found that even though I thought the sway bar link was not the problem, it was.

Sure have found out the hard way that buying FCP aftermarket front end suspension parts is costing me money. Got genuine Volvo replacement parts from now on.

Replaced both side just to be sure.

 

i also have a "clunking" sound in the region of the front drivers side after replacing my suspension. Used FCP stuff. Probably the same problem. the noise is worse on cold days. should i be concerned or do i just have noisy parts?