2005 S60 AWD: Rear stay question

MarcM · Post by **MarcM** » 16 Feb 2016, 08:31

So after 27 yrs of New Hampshire weather, I did a 180 into the center median into a ditch. No body damage, no visible damage... went on my way. The car was like driving a skid car. The steering wheel is slightly to the right, but the back end wants to come around constantly. Went up an exit towards my destination, but turned around. Even on wet tar the car switches side to side. Thinking I broke something in the rear. Noticed the rear stay on the right looks bent and twisted. I believe they're supposed to be straight?
Can't get under there until it melts a bit to get it on ramps.

Post by **JRL** » 16 Feb 2016, 10:10

Cheap part, buy a new one.
Check out the rest of the rear suspension and get it aligned as you're now WAAAY out of alignment.
Do this sooner rather than later ...like now.

Post by **vtl** » 16 Feb 2016, 10:13

It is bent, it is easy to replace. You need alignment afterwards.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... p2rcaktp12

I would use this awesome opportunity to replace OE stays with IPD ones, which make rear toe alignment as precise and as easy as in front.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/10249/12 ... r-toe-rods

MarcM · Post by **MarcM** » 16 Feb 2016, 10:18

Already priced a stay kit from FCP while getting a ride from where I parked the car for the tow ride. Car flat bedded to house. Got an ugly rental car. NO desire to drive the crazy car.

I had previous suspicion of control arm bushings (noticed they are a common issue) as it had a pull to the left yesterday after being put back on the road from the radiator/condenser debacle. Going to check all 4 suspension areas (would mostly be on the right anyway). FCP & IPD probably already noticed I forget stuff and make second orders all the time. I suffer from CRS nowadays. Don't want to order those, then realize I need front control arm bushings or something else.

Like an idiot, I got the $1k deductible... so it's on me for the repair and parts.

MarcM · Post by **MarcM** » 16 Feb 2016, 10:20

vtl wrote:It is bent, it is easy to replace. You need alignment afterwards.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... p2rcaktp12

I would use this awesome opportunity to replace OE stays with IPD ones, which make rear toe alignment as precise and as easy as in front.

http://www.ipdusa.com/products/10249/12 ... r-toe-rods

Saw the 12pc kit for $142-ish (from memory). Looked at the IPD ones, but the product name of "Adjustable Rear Toe Rods" vs Volvo's "Rear Stays" had me doubting they were correct... other than the picture saying they'd replace the stays... but that little bit of doubt and a thin(ner) wallet now from the 2 tows out of pocket. GEICO going to reimburse thankfully.

Post by **vtl** » 16 Feb 2016, 11:05

Rear stay has an eccentric bolt for toe alignment. It is PIA to do proper alignment with these bolts due to inprecise movement and ton of play in bushing. The IPD part is correct, it replaces that stay.

MarcM · Post by **MarcM** » 16 Feb 2016, 11:13

vtl wrote:Rear stay has an eccentric bolt for toe alignment. It is PIA to do proper alignment with these bolts due to inprecise movement and ton of play in bushing. The IPD part is correct, it replaces that stay.

$142 for stock (on sale @ FCP) or $175 for a substantial upgrade from IPD... hmmm... $33 difference. No brainer... I'll go with stock. KIDDING!

Post by **vtl** » 16 Feb 2016, 11:24

I need couple pairs too. Even with turn plates I'm barely able to get rear toe in the allowed range.

MarcM · Post by **MarcM** » 19 Feb 2016, 16:41

So the pic I posted the other day from the rear (that's all I could see at the time) is minor. This is what happens when a moron of a tow guy gets stupid. I didn't know there was supposed to be a tow ring, and didn't know that's how the car is tugged/moved. Didn't come with the car (was asked by both tow guys). 2nd tow guy that brought it to the house from 19mi away is a guy we used to move a (then mint condition) 1966 Olds 442 Convertible and most certainly, unequivocally knows what he's doing (he even looks like Santa Claus!). This is what the first guy did to get me out of the gully, I have another pic of that dent from the backside showing the fresh scrapes from the hook:

: HorrendouslyBentRearStay.jpg (522.96 KiB) Viewed 3836 times

Adjuster coming tomorrow. Sucks my deductible is higher than the repair costs.

MarcM · Post by **MarcM** » 20 Feb 2016, 08:11

Asked the tow company for the $42 replacement cost (FCP sale) for the stay. They quickly agreed having sent the pics. Throwing that $ against the IPD upgrade.
If people have the time, can they measure their right stay in the next few days (preferably in centimeters/millimeters), from bolt center to bolt center? Want to make an average to get me up and able to drive safely to the alignment shop when the parts come in. CM/MM is more accurate in this case, although I'm an Imperial measurement "fanboy". That stay is so bent, I can't get an accurate measurement as the center to center has most definitely changed. Not worried about tire wear to get there. Need new ones anyway, they're towards the end of legality.