96 850 rear wheel toe adjuster block Topic is solved

Post by **scot850** » 28 Aug 2023, 11:40

The never ending project of my friends 96 850 continues. After replacing the out tie-rods he took the car for alignment to find the RR would not adjust. My Volvo mechanic friend reminded me of the adjuster block and bush that you use for the alignment which can seize (or on my 00 V70 NA it actually corroded and broke!). On that occasion the dealer was doing the alignment so they swapped it out.

My mechanic friend says that often the bolts seize and replacing those is all that is needed. As the OE part is NLA for the LHR, the cost of the new bolts from Volvo is close to buying a whole Meyle block and bolts, so we are doing that, even if the old block is good.

On that occasion the dealer was doing the alignment so they swapped it out.

Looks like I will have to tackle this as my buddy has started a new job so will not be available for a few weeks.

I have a hoist, so is there anything in particular difficult on this job? I know there are only 3 bolts, so other than those probably being seized, is there any helpful advice on tackling this job to make it go easier??

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2023, 11:46

Heat is your friend. At least MAPP and oxyMAPP even better

Post by **scot850** » 28 Aug 2023, 15:02

I have MAPP and Propane, but not OxyMapp. Good to know, thanks!

Do I need to support the wheel and suspension on the axle I am working on in any way?

Neil.

Post by **abscate** » 28 Aug 2023, 18:43

Wheel has to hang to unload the torsion bar , I think I had to jockey it around to get that link back on. That’s a long ago memory , like 10 years , so that data has been corrupted by Anniversary present mapping

Post by **scot850** » 28 Aug 2023, 19:49

Worst case I have a Volvo mechanic on speed dial....!

Neil.

Post by **scot850** » 09 Sep 2023, 16:04

Well the owner dropped their 850 off yesterday evening and it was straight up on the hoist to re-soak the alignment bolts and the anti-sway-bar bolts too in case that had to come off as well.

Mechanic buddy turned up this morning and set up shop. Loosened the adjuster blots (making the point I had already seen, the alignment shop had never touched them). Turned the top of the bolts as well to see if they were seized and they turned easily. Undid the bolts and punched the bolts out. Bolts were still mostly black oxidized surface of new Volvo bolts. Cleaned the threads and heads of the bolts and greased and refitted. Did the same on other side as well. They were slightly seized but un-touched by the alignment shop as well. Same process and now both sides move like new. No new parts were needed at all! Didn't even need to remove the crusty anti-sway bar and bolts. Car is good to go back to the alignment shop.

The rub is, GermanParts, who had been put on my good supplier list is now on the maybe list. Their return policy is return shipping to their main warehouse and 20% re-stocking fee! That is almost the full price of the part. The owner has decided to donate the part to the 'pay-it-forward' part of my 'stash'. Very kind as he is not made of money being an intern.

Neil.