Control Arm Advice

tblindt · Post by **tblindt** » 11 Jan 2012, 09:49

This is for an 03 v70 wagon.
Correct me if wrong, the best is to buy OEM control arms with bushings, and that does not include the lower ball joint. It would make sense to buy new ball joints as well right? Probably about to go bad as well, but can't see it.

The arms are $150.00 each and the ball joints are $44 each. So $200 a side. The dealership wants $671.00 to put in new bushings on the arms and I guess that doesn't included the ball joint.

Any tips, tricks or required tools that help before I dive into this would be great.

Post by **JDS60R** » 11 Jan 2012, 10:00

Depends on what is worn out. If your bushings are shot I would replace the control arm with a new ball joint as it will have to be aligned anyway. Better to have it all be new.

Post by **JRL** » 11 Jan 2012, 16:35

and use VOLVO parts, not aftermarket

Post by **chrism** » 11 Jan 2012, 20:45

I just installed new control arms on my 03 V70 with 165,000 miles. I used Volvo OEM arms at the advice of my local Volvo indy mechanic that said he had bad experiences with some of the after markets. The ball joints still felt good and solid so I left them alone, thinking I could replace later if needed. I don't spend a lot of dough on alignments anyway. My alignments consist of my son and I measuring the toe-in with a tape measure and adjusting whichever tie rod(s) give me a centered steering wheel when driving down the road. OK, go ahead and flame me for my crude methods.

Post by **JRL** » 12 Jan 2012, 06:38

These take a 4 wheel alignment.
Did you forget about the front camber and the rear toe adjustment?
I would suggest you take it to a proper alignment shop, I'm sure your car is WAY out of spec.

Post by **chrism** » 12 Jan 2012, 15:23

As far as rear end toe, you're probably right, especially at 165,000 miles. But I was just talking about the front end. And as far as front end camber adjustment, I'll bet most alignment shops turn a blind eye to it unless it is WAY out, because it takes more effort to adjust than the toe-in. So they can't can't grab your money and run as fast if they start taking the time to address it.

Sorry, but I know there is are a bunch of fast buck Charley's out there.