About 5 weeks ago, our S80 has begun making a banging noise for lack of a better description. When ever we go over bumps, there sounds like a metal on metal clank or bang. As speeds on the freeway, it is not noticible that much, but that may be due to road noise. I have read something on trut seats going bad. With my VERY limited motorhead knoweledge, Id almost say the lower engine mount was worn, and the engive was rocking back and forth. I'm sure that would kick a code if so. Tech and others, what thoughts do you'll have on what it could be. Upper torque bushing was replaced a few weeks ago, nothing I can do to the engine compartment while the car is parked makes that same sound. Before I let the dealership find more than whats broke, I'd like to see what every one has to say. Thanks to all. Richard.

 

I would saw spring seat or sway barlinks.

 

around what kind of money should I be looking at to get either fixed?

 

Im not exactly sure. I usually only work in the shop and don't hear much about the pricing.
You can check the strut cap your self. Open the hood and try turning the strut nut it is a 13/16. If it turns the strut cap is bad. If it feels rubbery it is good.
Call a local place and get an estimate.

 

Of course you mean the bigger one, not the smaller three, right? The shop said it could be the control bushing or something like that. They replaced those in March, should they be bad already? You know how they love to charge for things not broken.

 

Yes the big one.
They shouldn't be bad already.

 

A motor mount would not cause a CEL. Control arm bushings should last longer than that, much longer. Strut seats or sway bar links are the more likely culprit. The right side motor mount is the most likely to break but it is uncommon on these cars, do you have an oil leak that could cause damage to the mount? You can check itby visual inspection,with the car in the air, through theright front wheel well. Its located directly above the subframe.

 

Well true to form every time I've taken the car in for Vovlo to fix it, its been over $500. Quote for replacing both strut seat is 551.00. Which inludes the additional alignment. I am farily mech inclined. How hard is it to DIY, or is it worth forkin over the cash for? I hate paying for something I could tackle with a 6 pack and an empty Saturday.

 

the spring on the strut have high force if DIY without mechanic background can be dangerous.. if u have spring compressor and know how to use it.. it is not that bad..

 

If you dont understand the basic safety about a spring under tension, worse case, you die. Otherwise an easy job for a DIY. I recommend removing the ABS sensor in the spindle to avoid damage to its wiring. If you do DIY it look for visual cracking on the mount it should be easy to spot. Check you links with the car unloaded first.