Ball joint/control arm survey

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 09 Nov 2009, 09:23

The volvo control arms have replaceable bushings and ball joints. It's a win win situation and they last alot longer than the cheap aftermarket variations. I have tried the cheap, actuall have scantech arms on my 850 right now, but this is the second set and when the ball joints let go im buying stock volvo arms so I can just replace the ball joints as they go, haven wore out a bushing yet.

curtis

Post by **renns** » 09 Nov 2009, 09:32

Japedo wrote:The volvo control arms have replaceable bushings and ball joints. It's a win win situation and they last alot longer than the cheap aftermarket variations. I have tried the cheap, actuall have scantech arms on my 850 right now, but this is the second set and when the ball joints let go im buying stock volvo arms so I can just replace the ball joints as they go, haven wore out a bushing yet.

curtis

I know the earlier 850's had a replaceable ball joint, mounted via a line of three bolts. Later models have the ball joint pressed into the casting. Is that latter version easily replaceable as well? Do you know where to buy the joint only?

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 09 Nov 2009, 09:37

I believe u can order the ball join through fcp, or napa or volvo. U are right about the 3 bolt attachment of the balljoint. It's a good setup, my 01 xc is the same.
I have no idea about the later version, only delt with the 94 850.
Maybe if u do have to replace your arms go with the earlier "relaceabke ball joint" version if it's possible.

curtis

Post by **schigara** » 09 Nov 2009, 09:48

I just replaced both A-arms with the $38 ones from FCP. Considering it only takes less than 30 minutes per arm to change, I don't care if they only last 1-2 years.

Also, I'd like to hear from the group that has bought the cheaper version that their a-arms are still going strong after 2-5 years? You always hear about the failures but rarely do people comment when nothing goes bad.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 09 Nov 2009, 10:04

I thought that on later models of 850 it was impossible or at least impractical to replace just the ball joint...

Japedo · Post by **Japedo** » 09 Nov 2009, 10:48

I doubt u will hear great success stories in regard to scantech control arms. They might last more than a year if u don't drive your car. BUt from what I have found and others will likely agree they last about 14mnths, "2 mnths past their warranty" or aprox 25thousand kms. Mind u I do drive alot of rough backrds with my cars. A city car or mostly highway car might do a bit better.
curtis

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 09 Nov 2009, 11:12

schigara wrote:I just replaced both A-arms with the $38 ones from FCP. Considering it only takes less than 30 minutes per arm to change, I don't care if they only last 1-2 years.

Also, I'd like to hear from the group that has bought the cheaper version that their a-arms are still going strong after 2-5 years? You always hear about the failures but rarely do people comment when nothing goes bad.

I just got mine last week and installing them this week. My thoughts were exactly the same. If I get one year out of them, it will find me in a better financial state in one year and maybe then I can buy OEM. We need a Volvo Parts Czar

No we don't!

monty · Post by **monty** » 11 Nov 2009, 16:16

funny you should mention ball joints! I was under my '00 v70xc today to set toe-in and happened to look at the ball joint/control arm I changed 2 years ago with probably only 10,000 miles on - the rubber boot over the ball joint is totally disintegrated!!! I'll check my receipts to see what I bought, but I do usually shop by price

, but completely gone in two years ??? 40 years of home wrenching that's a new one on me!!!

kiss4afrog · Post by **kiss4afrog** » 17 Jan 2012, 22:33

I know the earlier 850's had a replaceable ball joint, mounted via a line of three bolts. Later models have the ball joint pressed into the casting. Is that latter version easily replaceable as well? Do you know where to buy the joint only?[/quote]

Most parts stores should be able to source the ball joint with the bolts separately. I know Oreilly and Autozone both carry ones for mine.

The ones with the pressed in ball joint, the ball joint is not replaceable seperately that I know of. In the case of the pressed in ones you have to replace the whole arm.

Post by **Matty Moo** » 17 Jan 2012, 23:13

I have the URO's from FCP. The passenger side is still tight after 50k.

I wiped the drivers side out on a pothole that also bent the wheel and blew out the strut. I can't fault the control arm on that one.

Ball joint/control arm survey

Re: Ball joint/control arm survey