Basic testing of sub-frame bushings? ('04 XC70)

Post by **BlackBart** » 05 May 2023, 14:39

Can I get underneath with a floor jack and push up on corners of the sub-frame and see movement or play? Is some play normal? How can I determine if there's a clunk there and not in the strut?

I have new bushings and bolts, I'm just chasing a clunk and wondering whether I should move that job up the schedule before a trip.

Thanks -

Post by **Blacklab467** » 05 May 2023, 19:04

You won't be able to see very much until you remove the bolts and lower the subframe, then you can stick a long screwdriver or punch in and see how soft the bushing is. How many miles on the car? Mine were pretty worn out at 160000 (270000kms). If you have the parts its a pretty basic job that shouldn't take more than 3-4 hours with no special tools. You'll have to change the bolts also, I wouldn't risk reusing them. I forget what the torque is on them but its huge, plus 120 degrees if I remember correctly. I've posted a link to my thread on changing them.
viewtopic.php?p=568505#p568505

Post by **Krons** » 05 May 2023, 19:52

I’d replace them just to rule them out. I’m getting a vibration at idle on my 08 S60 that I suspect are subframe my bushings.

I think lower control arms and sway bar bushings are easier to check with a pry at, harder to tell on subframe bushings.

Post by **BlackBart** » 06 May 2023, 11:07

Well it seems I’ve purchased new Volvo bolts but no bushings, so that job is out before Wednesday. I have a box of inserts I bought long ago before MVS taught me to just go ahead and change the bushings.

Betty has about 145,000 miles.

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 May 2023, 20:52

Well, it seems I didn't check ALL the boxes in the garage. There they are, yet another bag of Volvo bolts, Volvo subframe bushings, and a pair of sway bar end links all ready to go on. Too late, gotta work, leave in 3 days. Everything else underneath looks pretty solid. Sway bar bushings maybe a bit tired, but I have new Ipd sway bars to go on.

Angle gear is pretty oily so I cleaned it off and was about to at least top it off. Cracked a 13mm socket, then pounded on the end of a 13mm box end wrench....it's not moving. If it's leaking, there is still oil in it... Another task for when I'm back and the car is farther off the ground.

There's a lot of plastic under there that can bounce and clunk, but not something you'd feel in the floor. The two forward subframe bushing look quite close to the chassis sheet metal - that could be the noise.

Thanks for all advice -
BB

Post by **vtl** » 07 May 2023, 21:08

Throw in a couple of o-rings 8638585. They are intended for early years S80, which had a clunk in subframe, but I bet occasional clunks in my V70 was the same problem. I've added these o-rings and the clunk never returned. Also put these o-rings in my XC70, just in case. And, yeah, it has a new subframe bushings.

Post by **BlackBart** » 07 May 2023, 21:12

Oh interesting, I will try that, thanks!

Post by **Krons** » 08 May 2023, 07:24

vtl wrote: ↑07 May 2023, 21:08 Throw in a couple of o-rings 8638585. They are intended for early years S80, which had a clunk in subframe, but I bet occasional clunks in my V70 was the same problem. I've added these o-rings and the clunk never returned. Also put these o-rings in my XC70, just in case. And, yeah, it has a new subframe bushings.

I’m about to do subframe bushings, does the oring go between the frame and subframe or between the washer and the bushing on the bottom under the subframe? Thanks!

Post by **vtl** » 08 May 2023, 07:26

Between frame and subframe, around bushing.

Post by **vtl** » 08 May 2023, 08:12

Here's the picture:

: 1.jpg (65.79 KiB) Viewed 772 times