P2 control arms - Meyle or Lemforder?

[erikv11]

Need to replace control arms on the green XC70. Can anyone recommend one manufacturer over the other on this part, Meyle or Lemforder?

I’ve always used Lemforder (OE) but maybe there were some doubts on the forum recently about their quality/longevity?

The Meyles cost $50 more each arm, currently down to $35 more each due to sale at FCP. Maybe I’ll go with Meyle this time so I can compare them with the Lemforders I recently installed on the black XC70.

[jonesg]

They rip because the installer doesn't preload the arm to normal ride height before cinching down the bolts at the frame end.
I used a second jack and raised the knuckle to normal ride height, I had marked it before jacking the wheels off the ground.
Paid around $175, 5 years ago, don't know which mfger.

[MoVolvos]

Need to replace control arms on the green XC70. Can anyone recommend one manufacturer over the other on this part, Meyle or Lemforder?

I’ve always used Lemforder (OE) but maybe there were some doubts on the forum recently about their quality/longevity?

The Meyles cost $50 more each arm, currently down to $35 more each due to sale at FCP. Maybe I’ll go with Meyle this time so I can compare them with the Lemforders I recently installed on the black XC70.

.
Have you considered re-bushing the control arms? I purchased a set of front poly and the heavier duty Volvo XC90 back ones but never installed them on my 03 S80 T6. Perhaps they will go on my Project 07 S60 2.5T.
.
Front Poly
https://eeuroparts.com/product/professi ... 61435971PU
.
XC90
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 2w#fitment
.
XC90 Poly
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... x-pff88600
.

[cuhfs]

I've used both brands. No issues.

[erikv11]

They rip because the installer doesn't preload the arm to normal ride height before cinching down the bolts at the frame end.
I used a second jack and raised the knuckle to normal ride height, I had marked it before jacking the wheels off the ground.
Paid around $175, 5 years ago, don't know which mfger.

FYI - preload is not an issue for control arms on P2 cars like it is on P80 cars. On a P2 the control arm bushings have a different design and can only mount at one fixed (and correct) angle. So no need to preload on a P2, jacking up the arm before tightening has zero effect here.

[dikidera]

They rip because the installer doesn't preload the arm to normal ride height before cinching down the bolts at the frame end.
I used a second jack and raised the knuckle to normal ride height, I had marked it before jacking the wheels off the ground.
Paid around $175, 5 years ago, don't know which mfger.

FYI - preload is not an issue for control arms on P2 cars like it is on P80 cars. On a P2 the control arm bushings have a different design and can only mount at one fixed (and correct) angle. So no need to preload on a P2, jacking up the arm before tightening has zero effect here.

If this is true, could I potentially replace the P2 control arm on a non-level surface where the weight of the car is not distributed evenly?

[erikv11]

Sure, you could. Or jack up one side replace it, then drop the car back down and go do the other side. When you tighten the control arm to the subframe it is hanging free and has no weight on it at the spindle end.

But be careful/safe about raising up the car on a non level surface!

[dikidera]

Oh yeah I definitely had it slide once and barely held it from falling, but in my defense I am not using the right jack. Luckily I had a lot of blocks of wood and the tyre underneath so damage would've been minimal.