Suspension pop

[zanzabar]

My first thought on that kind of noise (which mine does periodically in reverse) is a worn CV joint. The remedy to which is to replace the worn axle (such as the one in the picture).

[C@lvin]

I never had to replace a CV joint, but have read that the sound a worn CV joint makes is more of a repetative clicking when turning at low speeds (or when excelerating if it's an inner CV joint). The popping that I am hearing on my S70 is only occasionally but very loud and not what I would describe as a click. Did you experience your worn CV joint as a single or double click (pop?) or was it one click/pop per wheel revolution?

[jblackburn]

My mistake - it's on the control arm. I saw your message right as I got home, so here's a picture!

1007101649a.jpg

CV joints will make lots of repetitive clunks, groaning, and other unhappy noises. Nonetheless, its worth it to have a look at the CV joint boots (outer ones in this case) - both of mine needed to be replaced around 120K when I bought the car (but I got it for cheaper because of that! ).

[C@lvin]

Thanks Justin.

My boots are good. I check them at each oil change.

But why does that piece of plastic on the control arm need grease?

[wooded]

Funny, i have the same symptom as calvin. a funny metal pop sound at limit of turn and more consistent when backing. but a number of pops for sure. I replaced tie rods in and out both sides, lower control arm both sides, drive shaft passenger only, ball joints, motor mounts, upper motor mount, sway bar links and bushings and a couple of other things just for the fun of it. no excessive fluid from steering boss,nothing rubbing or loose, tranny is tight, struts are tight.
it sounds bad and getting worse. loud enough to hear 20 feet away. 1 mechanic said it might be the steering boss because it was a bad design, another said i had play in my lower control arm bushing, which was a myele. he said they had trouble with their quality. if any one has any ideas, please tell.

[jblackburn]

It will creak when it makes contact with the other part not in my picture to limit the car from turning any more.

Have a look here:
http://volvospeed.com/steerstops.php

[zanzabar]

I never had to replace a CV joint, but have read that the sound a worn CV joint makes is more of a repetative clicking when turning at low speeds (or when excelerating if it's an inner CV joint). The popping that I am hearing on my S70 is only occasionally but very loud and not what I would describe as a click. Did you experience your worn CV joint as a single or double click (pop?) or was it one click/pop per wheel revolution?

No, you're right. A CV would make a repetitive clicking sound, not a single pop. I'm brainfarting. The popping noise on the OP and my cars is still a mystery to me. I'll go take a look at the plastic tab on the control arm as soon as I get a chance.

[C@lvin]

Thanks Justin. A picture is worth a thousand...well you know. I have NEVER greased those. I will do so this weekend and see if it makes any difference.

Zanzabar, let me know if you figure it out. I will do likewise.

[IVIUSTANG]

So I took unbolted my control arm from the steering knuckle and found the ball joint to be in great condition as previously noted, but now confirmed. However I did knick the boot and now it is a slice in it. I covered it in thick grease for now. Anyone know where I can get just a new boot for the balljoint?

Also, if your going to remove your control arm DO remove your sway bar endlink first! It likes to snap the bottom of the strut assembly either way forward or way back with decent force, dangerous and can not be good on the mount!

- Jesse

[IVIUSTANG]

I fixed it!!! The sound was 100% my fault, as it turns out when I had my struts out to replace the spring seats, I didn't use thread lock on the two bolts that mount the strut to the rest of the lower suspension; as a result I would get a tiny shift every time it was loaded funny. 100% now that I torqued those.

- Jesse