1996 850R Creaking Front Suspension

analogmike · Post by **analogmike** » 27 Jan 2015, 09:14

Hi all, this is my first post to the forums. I've been getting great advice and help from reading the existing posts over the past year but I wasn't able to find an exact match to my current problem. The front driver's side has a creaking noise that only happens when the front wheel goes into a dip and the front suspension extends. I can't replicate the noise by pushing down on the front of the car. Until the last week or so this sound was very rare so I just ignored it. It's happening every time I drive the car now. Thanks in advance for the help.

Post by **erikv11** » 27 Jan 2015, 11:39

This sounds like a failed spring seat. Put a wrench on the top not, can you spin the nut? You should meet resistance (don't yank on it real hard, you don't want to break the spring seat if it is still intact). If you don't then the spring seat is bad and must be replaced.

Another good thing to check is the sway bar end link, are the fasteners tight on both ends of it? But if you haven't been in there lately working on it, that is less likely. The link could be failed, too, give it a look.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jan 2015, 11:50

+1 to what Erik said, and add the sway-bar bushes failing. Volvo sway-bars have bushes that are bonded to the bar, and once they become detached they cause a clunking or groaning.

Neil.

analogmike · Post by **analogmike** » 27 Jan 2015, 14:39

Thanks for the replies. I'll check it out in the next few days when I get a chance.

Post by **scot850** » 27 Jan 2015, 20:38

Should also have added check the control arms, and in particular the boots and condition of the ball-joint as these will also clunk/groan when they wear.

Neil.