Busted control arm, needs new CV Half Shaft too… worth the work?

Tonyx · Post by **Tonyx** » 30 Jan 2018, 13:16

The control arms are mainly different by the quality of bushing used. The front front bushing was made by Lemforder as OEM and I don't believe Beck/Arnley uses Lemforder bushing. I replaced my control arms/bushing x3. Lemforder bushing is strongly recommended.

Checking the condition of tie rods is easy. Replacing them is easy too. Recommended if you find any sign of looseness.

moonweasel · Post by **moonweasel** » 30 Jan 2018, 13:25

Alright, thanks for the explanation — Lemforder it is.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 30 Jan 2018, 20:39

If I recall correctly the S60 has aluminum control arms. I bought some aftermarket arms from FCP Euro and they lasted only a few thousand miles. I would go with OEM. Changing the arms is not difficult. At the same time since so much is disconnected already I would do the brakes, ball joints and tie rods. I would recommend OEM or a major brand. So you save $100 going cheap - in the long run what you had on there lasted 100k - not worth going cheap in my mind. I think TRW made the arms if I recall the stamps not Beck/Arnley, but many parts are rebadged so it is possible. Having had to pay for labor on my S60 replacement arms, as I needed the car right away, my savings buying junk arms costed me more.

I don't know how one breaks an A-Arm on an S60. It must have been telling you while driving that a major issue was there - maybe your ball joint or tie rod failed - but even this would have been showing signs for a long while.

I don't know why your CV would be bad - a visual inspection should tell you if it can be cleaned and resealed. Otherwise best to buy a used one, check the condition of the boots - change out if required.

Overall all the items you have to repair are not too difficult to fix. I suspect the shop you brought the car to is double billing you as much of the work is repetitive - you are paying for each service as if it was the only service. Huge overlap especially on the bad CV side.

Post by **oragex** » 31 Jan 2018, 07:01

SuperHerman wrote: ↑30 Jan 2018, 20:39I don't know how one breaks an A-Arm on an S60. It must have been telling you while driving that a major issue was there - maybe your ball joint or tie rod failed - but even this would have been showing signs for a long while.

On the Volvo arms that come from the factory, the center rod on the rear bushing will split from the rubber but inside, without the rubber to crack at the surface until the last moment. Then the rod can split free quite all of a sudden.
Aftermarket bushings rather start failing with cracks at the surface of the rubber.

Post by **June** » 31 Jan 2018, 08:33

One thing to consider with the control arm is the aluminum original is made to break away in partial front collision. It is part of the safety designed to protect your feet. To put a part not designed to break away could one day cost you potential injury. Something to consider. +1 for OEM on this part.

Twice a Volvo has saved me death or serious injury, wrecks happen and you want the car to perform as designed. Here is a photo of the passenger side wheel of my 2002 S80 I totalled. Notice both the rim and control arm broke away. I fell asleep driving 3:30 AM and woke up hitting a light pole, jumping the edge of the interstate, taking out two oak trees, and finally rolling side over side out in a field. June

Post by **abscate** » 31 Jan 2018, 10:15

Did that buff out ok??

Post by **oragex** » 01 Feb 2018, 06:41

abscate wrote: ↑31 Jan 2018, 10:15 Did that buff out ok??

You can see how solid that fender is. Not only Volvo put a ton of paint on these, but the metal sheet is like on trucks. It barely dent.

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 01 Feb 2018, 07:22

Beck & Arnley is said to have been relabeled over-production of OE parts but the overwhelming consensus now is that they sell an unpredictable hodgepodge of parts from all over the globe.
FCP is a good, honorable firm as is eEuroparts as is IPD as is AutohausAZ.
Yes, it is a good idea to do associated parts at this time. You'll only have to pay for one alignment.
Also, PM sent regarding the control arms I have for your car.

moonweasel · Post by **moonweasel** » 02 Feb 2018, 10:36

Lemforder control arms and ball joints are on their way. Found a shop locally who said they'd install those and the CV assembly for ~$450, which seems reasonable.

Can anyone tell me if this looks like it's in good enough condition or not?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-S60-V70- ... 2483583729

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 02 Feb 2018, 10:49

It's impossible to say by looking at a small photo.
If it doesn't pan out look to the sources I listed above. G&K

Busted control arm, needs new CV Half Shaft too… worth the work?

Re: Busted control arm, needs new CV Half Shaft too… worth the work?