replacing control arms

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 10 Jun 2017, 10:07

(2001 V70 T5) My front control arm bushings are shot, especially the one at the front of the CA, so I'm preparing to replace them. I found replacements at all sorts of price levels. and materials, like aluminum and what looks to be steel. And comments about bushing rubber quality too. What I dislike is viewing CA pix, seeing them listed at different prices by different vendors, yet the sellers use the same photo.

Advice?

Thanks

Post by **jonesg** » 11 Jun 2017, 15:30

You didn't ask a question.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 11 Jun 2017, 15:41

I asked for some advice on the point of vendors using the same photo of a CA. Which would lead a person to believe that they were selling the same CA, but at different prices. So, if a vendor has one for, say, $50.00 and another vendor, especially one that is a "name" part maker, is selling it for twice that, how can a person say if it is better quality or not? I understand the reasons for OEM, of course, but my budget can't handle OEM prices at the moment.

Post by **oragex** » 11 Jun 2017, 16:07

google up "volvo good control arm forum" plenty of discussions

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 11 Jun 2017, 16:14

thanks. I tried a few google word combos but got more ads than info. Maybe this will get better links..

Post by **jonesg** » 11 Jun 2017, 17:03

Sometimes they include balljoint, sometimes not.
Get the best you can afford, it won't good enuf for the purists but its your money.
I just installed the ones my part guy got me, don't know the mfger or care but I paid $175 plus $55 for a moog ball joint.
So not exactly cheapo but probably not OEM either.
WHichever one you get, its a beech of a job getting them installed again.
I'm gonna try spring compressors on the next one I do.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 11 Jun 2017, 19:14

Much thanks.. Most I've seen have no ball joint. And my ball joints test OK, using the shake the tire, and pry bar tests. They seem pretty tight..

Is it safe to reuse the bolts if I use locktite?

Post by **jonesg** » 12 Jun 2017, 02:23

THe balljoint I removed was good so I'll be using it on the other side.
I re-used bolts, getting the originals out is impossible without raising the motor.
I didn't use loctite but if the originals were not stretch bolts...they are now.
Getting at the bolt heads inside the frame required a closed end offset wrench and I think I raised the engine an inch.
THe only bolts I tossed were on the water pump.

azureblue · Post by **azureblue** » 12 Jun 2017, 07:02

Thanks. I think I'll find a kit that has bolts with it. Better safe than sorry. .I went to the parts yard and practiced on a car there. Getting the bolts out wasn't impossible, but it took some strength with a breaker bar to get them loose...

Post by **jonesg** » 12 Jun 2017, 16:41

Two bolts go in parralel to the ground are easy, the other two go vertical and they require engine be raised to clear for removal.
I think they butt against the oil pan or tranny.