Replace ball joints with control arms? ('04 XC)

Post by **BlackBart** » 30 Aug 2019, 12:03

Morning Gents and Ladies -

Is it mandatory / advisable / a good idea to replace the ball joints when replacing front control arms on the XC? I have some clunks in the control arms, and I see some rubber failure looking underneath. I've been waiting for a sale to get the heavy duty ipd arms.

The ones on the car are fairly new - I have the PO receipts. Must have been cheap aftermarket as they have failed very early. So that means the ball joints aren't very old either.

Here are the cool new ipd ball joints in stainless with better boots...
https://www.ipdusa.com/products/16567/1 ... 641-274548

What's the group's advice?

Thank you -

Archer · Post by **Archer** » 31 Aug 2019, 03:12

Yes, might as well while in there, tie rods and endlinks, too. I would go with Lemforder control arms, ball joints and tie rods. Meyle HD endlinks (sway bar links) are a good economical choice. FCP of course.

Post by **oragex** » 31 Aug 2019, 11:02

For the ball joints get the Lemforder ones. They make the genuine ones for Volvo

Post by **Antoine240bk** » 31 Aug 2019, 12:35

Yes you might if you don't want to come back later. I did the whole front end at the same time with OEM parts, lemforder for the end links. OEM for the Inner & Outer tie rods. these ipd ball joints looks good too!
A fitting tool with two M8x120mm screw to sit the ball joints, is very handy.
Use a impact gun if it is too rusty, i broke a screw in the left knuckle, hopefully i had a extractor...

Post by **BlackBart** » 31 Aug 2019, 13:01

No real rust, it's surprisingly clean.

Thanks for the advice - do it once, do it right........

Post by **cn90** » 01 Sep 2019, 12:52

Most people would say:

- Ball joints: Lemforder as mentioned.

- Control arm, get the arm with bushings already in there to avoid pressing in bushings (you need a heavy-duty press to push the new bushing in if you buy control arm w/o bushings!). Just buy the Volvo control arms which already has the bushings installed. It is a bit more expensive but they should last some 100K miles.

Post by **BlackBart** » 02 Sep 2019, 11:47

The info I've read is that the Volvo control arm bushings are recycled rubber, and it's not sticking to the metal the way it should. I'm not sure which off-brand, but the PO's control arms lasted less than 20,000 mi. The ipd heavy duty arms have new rubber and are supposed to last.

FCP has the Lemforder arms but don't say anything about rubber materials. Their big sale is $5 off each, whee. I do have plenty of Lemforder parts in other cars, so I agree they're top quality.

Post by **cn90** » 02 Sep 2019, 12:26

I don't know if Volvo has changed the bushing formulation, but the control arms in my 2005 XC90 2.5T with 120K are still original.

They (control arms as a whole) need to be replaced soon, but the bushings in Volvo Genuine control arm have been very good.

Post by **oragex** » 02 Sep 2019, 13:35

I'm running now on genuine replacement bushings - pressed in myself. The rubber is very stiff and has like sort of 'glitter' to it. Will update in case I have problems in the long term.

Post by **vtl** » 02 Sep 2019, 20:21

I think it is commanded by EU's ecomafia to use a portion of recycled rubbish in replacement parts. I had both Lemforder and Volvo bushings pressed in myself, both last for long time. Volvo ones are 75k miles old now, and they are still good. Not new, but good. I take my wagon into interesting places, too.