Driver side ball joint needs replacing - what to buy?

97Volvo850GLT · Post by **97Volvo850GLT** » 05 Oct 2005, 19:34

I had my car checked out at the dealer today and they said a shake I have at 70km/h and higher is caused by a bad driver side ball joint. Fair enough, the car has 208,000km and the passenger side was replaced last year.

FCP has 2 versions/brands:

Left Side Control Arm with Ball Joint fits all 850 Models includes control arm bushings pressed in - Hamburg Technic

Left Side Control Arm with Ball Joint fits all 850 Models includes control arm bushings pressed in - TRW

Which should I get?

Cossack · Post by **Cossack** » 06 Oct 2005, 09:45

These 2 parts are the same, just a different manufacturer. I installed a Hamburg on mine earlier this year and I have been very satisfied with it. Unless you have a preference for TRW, get the Hamburg, save yourself the 20$ and put it toward shipping and duty to Canada! (I feel your pain!)

As an alternative, try http://www.eeuroparts.com. they have a Scan Tech alternative for 64$ and they ship to Canada. Also, check Ebay. FCPGroton has a lot of parts on there, a lot of times a little chaper than their store.

good luck!!

mogli · Post by **mogli** » 08 Oct 2005, 17:41

The TRW is the equivalent of the OEM part while Scantech/Hamburg is not. The control arm is the piece of steel that keeps the wheel on the car - if you've got the twenty bucks, spend it here.

97Volvo850GLT · Post by **97Volvo850GLT** » 11 Oct 2005, 08:24

Thanks guys! I ordered a pair of the Hamburg control arms on Friday from FCP. They recommended the HT versus the TRW indicating that the HT actually looks and feels more solid and durable than the TRW. Hopefully it's here before the weekend because my front wheel feels like it's really shaking.