Well I just got done with installing ball joints on my wifes 2002 s80 t6, with 156k on it.


For all of you thinking of doing this job, I would plan 2-3 hrs a side, and take your time.


I started out removing the tie rod, the brake caliper, the abs sensor. I loosed the strut bolts(2) and loosened the ball joint bolt. oh and also, zip tie the caliper on the strut spring out of your way.


I removed the bolt for the end of the axle and then removed the bolts for the strut, holding the axle in place as not to let it come out from the trans end.


Now I went ahead and and took the nut off the ball joint and removed assembly with the bearing and caliper, as u do that, hold the axle and I used 3-4 zip ties to make sure the axle doesn't come out.


Now you have the whole assembly to work on a bench to remove the 2 bolts and the ball joint, a lot easier this way then working under the car.


I used a chisel and punch to remove the old one, and just the punch to put the new one in, just make sure the 2 holes are lined up so u don't have to take it out again.


After that, u can just assemble as u took it off.
Good luck, oh and u need no special tools.

 

That's a lot more work than necessary. You can do them on the car. 10 minute job with an air chisel or the correct special tools. And then you don't need an alignment like you do if you pull the spindle.

 

you are probably right, I did do the right side like that, just doing the ball joint nothing else, and got into a lot of trouble, the axle came out busted bolt for the ball joint. doing it as a shady tree mechanic and on your back, I felt taking the hub assembly off was a whole lot easier.


and as for the alignment, that is not needed. that car has not camber issues or toe in issues, Volvo does a great job on the way everything goes together, tight and self aligning holes for the tie rod and ball joint.


people said the same thing when I did the struts.... no need to spend the extra money/

 

Camber is adjustable so any time you disconnect the strut from the knuckle, it should be aligned.