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Front end damage: is knuckle likely to be bent?

Help, Advice, Owners' Discussion and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's stylish, distinctive P2 platform cars sold as model years 2001-2007 (North American market year designations).

2001 - 2007 V70
2001 - 2004 V70 XC (Cross Country)
2004 - 2007 XC70 (Cross Country)
2001 - 2009 S60
2003 - 2007 S60 R
2004 - 2007 V70 R

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oragex
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Re: Front end damage: is knuckle likely to be bent?

Post by oragex »

Depending on how hard it it, I would prefer to replace the control arm on that side. Even if it doesn't look bent, these alloys crack and snap without much deformation, contrary to steel. It's not always possible to determine if it weakened at some place or if there's a micro fracture starting. If it breaks while driving, that would be pretty scary

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ogatrulle
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Post by ogatrulle »

The exciting conclusion of this story, like a modern Hollywood tale, leaves room for a sequel.

The subframe where the LCA attaches on my 06 V70 FWD is a bit different than amblerman's photo. In any case, I did not detect any deformation around the LCA attachment points, thank goodness.

I got a salvage knuckle via ebay, new strut, hub, ball joint, and LCA. Having cheated death several times with the parts store loaner widow maker spring compressors, I decided it was also an opportunity to get a new tool, an Eastwood strut spring compressor, with which I am well pleased.

Once I got everything apart, I discovered that the impact had also broken about an inch-wide piece off the inboard brake rotor (apparently hit the LCA - tore a hole in the brake shield). Pads were still good but I had to await a replacement rotor before getting everything reassembled.

It went to my alignment guy today. Front set up nicely, but he reported that the left rear had +1.0 camber (bottom pushed in). So it seems the rear also hit the curb and bent something. For now I'll keep an eye on outer edge tire wear.

There don't seem to be any rear camber adjustments. I see there are camber bushings for the AWD/R but those are no use to me. Toe adjustment in the trailing arm has full range of adjustment still, so I'm left contemplating which of the LCA, UCA, or forward arm should be replaced. (or knuckle, or hub...) I have zero experience with volvo rear suspensions, but I gather the upper control arm is a right b*stard to R/R.

The forward arm and LCA look like weaker parts (to me), so I might talk myself into replacing those when I do rear shocks just to see what happens.

Any advice here as to which parts in this scenario are more likely to bend as well as removal/installation tips would be welcome!

Thanks!
2006 v70 2.5T; 2008 xc90 3.2

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oragex
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Post by oragex »

For the rear, there is that long transverse bar from the spring seat going up near the middle of the car, try comparing the two see if one appears not perfectly straight

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