2006 XC90 T6 AWD Control Arm Bushes Topic is solved

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 12 Jul 2015, 01:26

Hi

Does anyone have experience of changing the front control arm bushes? I know new arms including bushes are available but the bushes only are 1/4 the price. Is a press required or can they be removed and installed using a homemade tool with threaded rod for example?

Matt

Post by **SuperHerman** » 13 Jul 2015, 10:56

I did mine with a press, but it may have been on an S80. Same process though. It may be possible with a threaded rod or rented tool, but it took considerable force with my 20 ton press.

Just follow the bushing alignment requirements as if I recall at least one does not go straight in - as it has an offset.

Overall not a bad process - just takes a bit of time. As I like using my press - it was worth it to me. Also buy quality bushings and/or complete control arms as the cheap ones fail quickly.

One last item - I reused a couple of the bolts as the frame was in the way, making removal very difficult without taking more apart.

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 14 Jul 2015, 00:03

Yeah I left the bolts i couldn't replace when I did mine. I used complete meyle arms and ball joints though cause I don't have a press and didn't want to risk having the truck on jack stands for days it I had trouble with them.

matt_linegar · Post by **matt_linegar** » 15 Aug 2015, 04:07

In the end I bought complete control arms, aftermarket version by Optimal. Quality was excellent and appeared equal to original Volvo parts. I also replaced sway bar links for good measure.

Wow! What a difference, no more creaking, no more clicking, no more rattling, no more vague steering... Well worth $700 and a few bruises.

Ou2mame · Post by **Ou2mame** » 18 Aug 2015, 11:26

I did the meyle HD arms ball joints and sway bar links. They were made in Germany and Austria and it cost like 250 for everything off ebay no less lol. I'll see how long they last but it wasn't too bad of a job.