98 S70 When should you replace your stabilizer bar?

[misha]

Hmmmm...and why would you want to buy the whole thing if you can buy just bushings?

[theWIFES_S70]

Just to recap:

Volvo OEM Stabilizer Bar

Approx $139 at http://www.tascaparts.com/volvo/s70/917 ... ilizer-bar
***VULKANIZED rubber!

IPD Super Duper Stabilizer Bar

Approx $429 at https://www.ipdusa.com/products/4873/10 ... kit-850-70
***Comes with bushings that need to be lubed ever 25k or so and a rear stabilizer bar.

Non-specific Energy Suspension Sway Bar Bushing Set Black Thanks for the link tryingbe

Approx $14 at http://www.frsport.com/Sway-Bar-Bushing ... hgodld8HWw
or at http://www.energysuspensionparts.com/9.5124

Volvo-specific 850 Front Anti Roll Bar Bush Repair Kit Thanks for the link Misha

Approx 40 Euro at http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/ind ... 46_538_561
***Need to identify if your car has a 20mm or 21mm stabilizer bar

Energy Suspension Sway Bar Bracket Bushing

Approx $20 at your local Autozone http://www.autozone.com/suspension-stee ... 56172_0_0/
***Has a zerk fitting...
EDIT: These will not fit our cars.

[cn90]

On the issue of dropping the subframe, I don't think people have to do that if one uses aftermarket.
1. Use a dremel to cut off the top of the U-shape bracket.
2. Undo the bolts, then slide the old bracket out.
3. Insert new bushing and bracket via open end of the stabilizer bar (undo the endlinks first).

[MadeInJapan]

There are other sway bar kits besides IPD's although it will require you to do some searching. Many an owner also part-out these bars when they've totaled their cars so it's good to do some checking on sites like Volvospeed.com good luck! I do agree with taking out the OEM bar and upgrading to a larger/better one if you're going to deal with the sway bar anyway. Btw, don't forget the rear bar too...it makes a huge difference to swap that one out too!

[erikv11]

Hmmmm...and why would you want to buy the whole thing if you can buy just bushings?

Because the vlucanized, factory sway bar bushings last about 20 years. At $140, the cost difference of a new bar is not that great. Or just put in a used one, that will be like $30 and last a good long time. I've not yet had a car with failed sway bar bushings.

On the issue of dropping the subframe, I don't think people have to do that if one uses aftermarket.
1. Use a dremel to cut off the top of the U-shape bracket.
2. Undo the bolts, then slide the old bracket out.
3. Insert new bushing and bracket via open end of the stabilizer bar (undo the endlinks first).

It's potentially a good idea (will the brackets and bushings really fit over the ends of the sway bar? maybe!) but you're forgetting the key point stated by several here including yourself: the factory bushings are vulcanized to the bar. So in order to get the original ones off you must drop the subframe, pull the bar, and hack them off somehow. Then you are ready to go aftermarket on the bushings.

[misha]

...I've not yet had a car with failed sway bar bushings....

Shhh.....knock on wood!

[erikv11]

I know, I am doomed. A bunch of wheel bearings are due to start screeching on me, too!

[misha]

[tryingbe]

Energy Suspension Sway Bar Bracket Bushing

Approx $20 at your local Autozone http://www.autozone.com/suspension-stee ... 56172_0_0/
***Has a zerk fitting...

These won't fit, the zerk fitting is in the way.

[theWIFES_S70]

You all are so lucky you have access to U-pulls. There's nothing like that in Queens. Whenever I see Robert going to his neighborhood UPull, I get so jealous! We used to have good junk yards here across the street from Shea Stadium ( i.e. the old Willets Point Junkyards across the street from Shea Stadium). But ever since NYC decided to rezone that land and prepare those junk yards for luxury condos, the pickings have been slim. Most items at junk yards cost the same as what you'd get at Pepboys or Autozone. They act like they're doing you favors...

I think I'm going to wait until my wife complains about the clunks. If she needs it done, I'll go the OEM route (it's her car...) and I'll put in OEM XC90 subframe bushings.

P.S. I'm so bullheaded. The Proparts bushings I installed are absolute crap. I'm guessing they'll last -5k miles.

I feel like sending them to FCP for replacement so I can film them being blown up by an M80 or something....