Front End steering/Axel order of work

[sonicblaze]

2011 c70

While I've done tie rods and control arms before, they were on separate cars and no real plan except "do it".

I have parts on the way to replace the CV axles (cracked boots and plenty of contamination), and while I'm ripping it apart I'm doing inner and outer tie rods, control arms, and sway bar links.

Question is: anyone have an "order of operation" that's best? Like remove CV axels, then do control rods, then sway links, then reinstall cc axels? Or whatever order makes things easier to benefit of the other items being removed and out of the way?

Thanks!

[Vova585]

All depends on the tools you have and your set up. It is best to do it all on the lift, second best with both front wheels above ground, worst- with only 1 wheel elevated(mostly pertinent to sway bar link), but one of the safest option for DIY without much equipment(3 wheels on the ground vs 2).
I would say disassemble it the way you like. You are replacing everything anyway. If you are doing axles, make sure that they are OEM, used OEM, GKN or hope you will get lucky with aftermarket and there will be no vibration. Consider replacing axle seal at this time, save yourself headache tomorrow. For me it would be : axle seal, control arm(i am assuming you are buying from fcp euro and they are already fitted with balljoints) , axle, fit axle into knuckle, stabilizer bar link. Put the car on 4 wheels and torque all bolts to factory spec.

[sonicblaze]

While no lift, I have some good jack-stands for the full front-end to give me plenty of working room with both front tires off the ground; now to remember to loosen lugnuts before lifting like I always forget to do.

Thank you for the recommendation on doing the axle seals too, just ordered them; definitely makes sense with the CV already pulled to spend the extra few minutes.

And yes, luckily I picked up the control arms with preinstalled ball joint. Definitely a fan of pre-assembled-ready-for-install =)

[scot850]

Only thing I'd add. Assuming the seals you have ordered are the ones for the transmission end of the axles, there is alsoa dust shield/seal that fits on the outer axle end to keep crap out the back of the wheel bearing. These usually fall apart. I have seen many cars without them, but it is worth having fitted to prolong the wheel bearing life. The front bearings on P1 cars are pressed in so you need a press to remove them if you have to ever do them. Seal is #7 in link below.

https://www.volvocarstorontoparts.ca/a/ ... 74243.html

Added the steering parts drawing in case it helps visualize what you are working on:

https://www.volvocarstorontoparts.ca/a/ ... 77243.html

Neil.