1993 850 Front Wheel Noise - Sway Bar Link?

jptorny · Post by **jptorny** » 28 May 2014, 11:55

I noticed a metallic rattle coming from the front driver's side wheel - the noise occurs when I go over any bump at all speeds. Initially, I thought it was a loose mud flap and wasn't too concerned. Investigating further, I found that if I tap on the tire with a fist (kind of a weak punch) when the car is stopped, I get the same noise. Also, the noise occurs on both the driver's and passenger's side There doesn't seem to be any play in the wheels, nor is there any obvious loose part on the wheel or brake assembly that's the culprit.

Could this be a sign that my swaybar end links are shot and due for replacement? Any other possibilities?

Post by **precopster** » 28 May 2014, 15:21

Sway bar links can be loose. Try to retighten them.

jptorny · Post by **jptorny** » 28 May 2014, 15:23

Matt - thanks. I'll get this thing up on some jackstands and hope that's all the issue is.

Post by **abscate** » 28 May 2014, 17:10

Recently written up by moi onmy 1999 here

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 63#p326663

Post by **dosbricks** » 28 May 2014, 19:11

I just fixed a clicking noise in the front of our S70 with these Meyle heavy duty links.
http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-s ... -v70-850-1
They are much beefier than OE and have flats between the boot and shank instead of the torx end. Supposed to be engineered better than OE.

jptorny · Post by **jptorny** » 29 May 2014, 22:31

Think I solved this one: I believe my 850 has the aluminum control arms, which have small steel clip that protects the arm from the steering stop (see pic). These clips can become loose, and if loose, rattle like heck! This weekend, I'll pop it off, bend the clip to make it a little tighter, and re-install. Thanks to all for the ideas!

Post by **matthew1** » 29 May 2014, 23:08

Also, brake dust shields. One of mine had me thinking the hub was going out until days later when I put my hand through the spokes and bent it back into position.

Post by **Ben850** » 30 May 2014, 06:14

Also, on my '93, the caliper mounting brackets had become worn and left play.
Does the noise still occur when the brakes are applied?

How good are your control arm bushings?
They have to be press fitted on the '93 aluminum arms. You could buy the later arms that do not allow for the easy ball joint change, but I like the aluminum arms on the '93.

Oh, and I don't even have those bump stop clips anymore.

loub · Post by **loub** » 30 May 2014, 13:07

The Meyle sway bar price is fantastic! I feel like a total idiot, yesterday I bought one Moog link for $52.99 at Advance! I needed it right away.Kind of LOL.

Post by **Ben850** » 30 May 2014, 22:32

loub wrote:The Meyle sway bar price is fantastic! I feel like a total idiot, yesterday I bought one Moog link for $52.99 at Advance! I needed it right away.Kind of LOL.

If you go with the newer ones, it is easier, and less expensive.

If you want to get rid of the older ones, PM me.

I know I might like to rebuild a set for my wagon. I am presently using OEM Volvo control arms from the scrap yard that were in great shape.

I was able to take the wagon from a parts car, to a driver in two months with scrap parts. It's much different now.

My '93 GLT was the Guinea Pig that had introduced me to this Swedish engineering anomaly.
This web site had everything to do with making it happen.

They are both nice at this point, and I am having fun. That counts, right?

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 35&t=56550

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... 35&t=47157

I will buy your old aluminum control arms if you chose to use others. I do see '93s at the yards once in a while, but it is easier if someone else takes has taken them off already. Eh?

Good luck either way.

EDIT: I do still have those bump stops. I found a photo.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... =14064&t=1