1999 S80 2.9 Front End Clunking Noise - Subframe O Ring Fix

ohmfab · Post by **ohmfab** » 24 Jul 2008, 09:36

Your local guy should be able to handle it. I have noticed that the struts for these cars aren't too expensive. I have seen quite a few OEM sets go on ebay for under $200. FCPGroton, http://www.fcpgroton.com sells a lot of parts for the car, including the spring seats. Also check http://www.swedishpartswholesale.com/

My car has 170k on it and I think the struts might have been changed once by the previous owner. I bought the car with 100k miles and the shocks are still in surprisingly great shape.

Omer

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 24 Jul 2008, 16:33

FCPGroton is fine but avoid their ScanTech products on your suspension. You'll be disappointed. For spring seats, I believe the best thing going right now is the new IPD brand: www.ipdusa.com

wolfspiritky · Post by **wolfspiritky** » 06 Jan 2009, 14:00

I recently did this repair to my 2000 S80. Took about an hour WITHOUT air tools. Got the O-rings from dealer (Volvo of Louisville) $7.95 for both out the door!!

Cheap easy fix!!!

I did find the lower control arm bushing fairly worn about a week before this repair. THAT was much more fun!!! If you plan to replace yours (LCA bushings) keep in mind, they have to be pressed out and in. Luckily I have a local machine shop who I trust completely and have been doing business with since I was 16. They charged $40 for the job!
Ordered the bushings from FCPGroton $80 with 2 day shipping.

$120 total cost!! Most likely 1/3 of the shop price. This takes time, there is a good deal involved and a lot of critical parts (Suspension, brakes) are unbolted!!

You save a lot of money by doing it yourself BUT, remember you are taking the lives of all you love into your own hands. One loose bolt could mean disaster!! Make sure you have plenty of time and for no reason get into any kind of a rush!!!
ALWAYS DOUBLE AND TRIPLE CHECK ALL BOLTS AND CONNECTIONS FOR PROPER TORQUE!!!

Cyberwilbur · Post by **Cyberwilbur** » 11 Jan 2009, 17:46

Summary:

Sorry that I forgot to post this earlier. However, I was not lucky enough to get away with just replacing the subframe bushings (O-Rings). The clunking noise was still there after replacement! Therefore, I replaced both left & right Strut assy's, upper spring seats and strut mounts at the same time (Car has 80,000 miles on it). The main culprit was one of the Spring Seats! The encapsulated metal sleeve that the Strut shaft goes through was broken away from the rubber seat. All is well now with a new front end.

Thank you all for your assistance.

cmatwie99 · Post by **cmatwie99** » 21 Jan 2010, 10:40

Hi guys,

I have experienced this exact same problem in my 01 s60t5. Tried everything and replaced almost everything and yet the clunking noise was still there. I had a bud over one night who knows a lot about cars and i told him what i replaced. He told me to install new shocks and voila, problem fixed. Even the mechanics at volvo couldn't figure this one out. I hope that helps!

didmkrmra · Post by **didmkrmra** » 06 Mar 2010, 15:16

I have a clunking noise when I start and stop. I actually have several front end noises when I drive and I am replacing some parts this weekend. Control arm front bushings, sway bar end-links, and I bought the parts to do this fix, but my chassis number is 213870. The pdf file says that the affected chassis numbers are 000580-137346. Does that mean that the O-rings won't fit, or that this fix is not what I need? Did Volvo resolve the potential "clunking" between the chassis and subframe in the later chassis? I am new to Volvo, so I have a lot to learn. 2001 S80 bought in January. 102,000 mi. LHD US. Thanks in advance for any help.

Magnum PI · Post by **Magnum PI** » 11 Mar 2010, 19:48

I have the clunking noise too and the alignment shop said the bushings are worn on our 2000 S80, even though it only has 60,000 miles.

semperfivolvo · Post by **semperfivolvo** » 11 Mar 2010, 23:06

Wow Thanks ! I was going to bring my 01 S80 to the shop for this cuz I got the same noise at bumps and turn from the drivers front

dtropnevad05 · Post by **dtropnevad05** » 30 Nov 2010, 20:27

Anyone have a write up on replacing the strut springs? Is it a DIY job, I have spring clamps or can you replace them without removing the struts? I'm thinking if I have to pull the struts I might as well replace them at the same time. DD car now has 60K (man that girl can drive

) and she has the clunking noise, I don't feel anything in the floorboards and it there at all speeds. I should say she hit a curb and took out the left front hub, I replaced it with the help of the great write up I found here!!!! Now I just have to find the clunking noise. Is there a way to check the sub frame when it's in the air, like prying up on it to see if there is movement? Hate to just through parts at it and hope I find it. Dealer said he forgot to check the noise when it was in for the fuel pump recall so I'm on my own.

Don