Loose front end... 2002 V70 XC. 215,000 miles.

appleguru · Post by **appleguru** » 23 Jan 2017, 10:16

2002 V70 XC. 215,000 miles.

I had control arms, inner and outer tie rods all replaced about 11months ago.

Car just failed inspection due to a "loose left front end".

Grabbing the wheel, there is a *very slight* amount of play on the front left, when pushing left to right (none noticeable top to bottom). Right front seems fine.

Inspection shop plus another shop said "inner tie rod needs to be replaced". Brought it back to the (3rd) shop that did the front end work last year.. they pulled the wheel off and were somehow able to isolate the tie rods... they said, tie rods look good, play looks to be coming from the steering rack (!).

Rack is a big job, so want to make sure I'm doing the right work here... any advice? I would expect if it was the rack that I would have the same play on both sides, not just the left... but maybe not?

Post by **oragex** » 23 Jan 2017, 10:33

I'd be careful when garages jump to the 'steering rack' issue. Talking from own experience.

Do you know what brand were the parts used 1y ago? It is well known that several aftermarket suspension components barely last 1 yr

Other than that, I would look into the ball joints perhaps.

appleguru · Post by **appleguru** » 23 Jan 2017, 10:43

Are the ball joints not part of the control arm on this car? Those were done last year also (and had lasted ~14 years before then).

appleguru · Post by **appleguru** » 23 Jan 2017, 10:53

RE make, I believe the new tie rods were Meyle parts, but I can double check with the shop.

And I mis-spoke, front end work was done a little over two years ago now, November 2014. So I guess it is possible it is in fact the tie rod again... what's a good brand?

Darksim · Post by **Darksim** » 23 Jan 2017, 12:38

I put in a Unity (cheap) shock assembly in mine about a year ago and it crapped out on me. last time i get cheap shocks.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 Jan 2017, 21:02

what brands were used for these front ends? There is also a chance at these miles for the subframe to be loose. There are poly inserts for the sibrframe bushings that work great for tightening that up and they are not expensive.

appleguru · Post by **appleguru** » 25 Jan 2017, 08:13

Shop said they usually use Lemforder.

Tell me more about these subframe bushing inserts... got a link?

appleguru · Post by **appleguru** » 25 Jan 2017, 20:48

@MadeInJapan is this what you're referring to?

https://www.ipdusa.com/products/8969/12 ... insert-kit

Post by **vtl** » 26 Jan 2017, 05:45

MadeInJapan wrote:There is also a chance at these miles for the subframe to be loose. There are poly inserts for the sibrframe bushings that work great for tightening that up and they are not expensive.

Yeah... The only thing transfers even more vibration to the cabin - the upper engine mount. Say goodbye to comfort.

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 26 Jan 2017, 06:21

vtl,
Are you saying the front subframe inserts increase vibration to cabin? Can you clarify?