Front End Creak/Squeak

Tinwood · Post by **Tinwood** » 01 Feb 2019, 11:26

I am starting to notice a creak/squeak/groan in the right front of the car ('96 850 GLT). Always when travelling over a rough surface. It has the sound of a rubber bushing or something similar. Could this possibly be a sway bar bushing or a control arm bushing? Maybe something related to the strut? How do I diagnose?

Klausc · Post by **Klausc** » 01 Feb 2019, 11:54

Probably a strut mount spring seat, quite common. Take a large wrench or pliers and try to turn the large nut at the top of the strut (in the engine bay) clockwise. If it resists turning or moves back to its original position, then it is in good shape. If it turns easily, then the spring seat needs to be replaced - use a heavy duty spring seat or one for an XC90.

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 01 Feb 2019, 13:32

As above. Arb bushes being worn can also produces knocks when going over undulating surfaces.

Post by **erikv11** » 01 Feb 2019, 17:03

When replacing the spring seat, the key is the manufacturer, not how the part is described. The XC90 spring seat and the 850 spring seat are the exact same part number from Volvo, neither is more or less heavy duty than the other. Buy the part from Volvo is still my recommendation.

Tinwood · Post by **Tinwood** » 02 Feb 2019, 11:31

Thanks all. Will wait until it is warmer than the current -35 wind chill to inspect.

Post by **misha** » 02 Feb 2019, 12:15

Control arm bushings can also make those strange noises when they become dry.
A bath of wd-40 usually quiets them.