98 S70 GLT Ball Joints

TheSwede · Post by **TheSwede** » 25 Apr 2007, 09:59

I'm getting ready to replace the ball joints on my 98 S70 GLT with 114,000 Flat Florida miles. I'm noticing a lot of sway on the highway. While I'm under there, is there anything else I should change now while I have the ball joints off? I plan on redoing most of the suspension, but can only afford a couple things at a time. I want to knock out anything else that I'd have to pull the ball joints off to do anyway. Thanks for any info or tips.

Post by **pfeener** » 25 Apr 2007, 15:07

Sway bar end links, come to mind, but there's really nothing that you'll be taking off that is easier to replace then rather than later. It's an easy job. I would also recommend the genuine Volvo control arms. A lot of us have gotten burned by the aftermarket control arms.

TheSwede · Post by **TheSwede** » 25 Apr 2007, 15:14

Thanks for the tip, sounds easy enough. I assume FCP Groton would be the best source?

Post by **JRL** » 25 Apr 2007, 17:11

TheSwede wrote:I'm getting ready to replace the ball joints on my 98 S70 GLT with 114,000 Flat Florida miles. I'm noticing a lot of sway on the highway. While I'm under there, is there anything else I should change now while I have the ball joints off? I plan on redoing most of the suspension, but can only afford a couple things at a time. I want to knock out anything else that I'd have to pull the ball joints off to do anyway. Thanks for any info or tips.

You sure you need ball joints?
A "sway" would not be a symptom unless you're trying to describe something else.
They should not have worn out on smooth FL roads

TheSwede · Post by **TheSwede** » 04 May 2007, 07:52

JRL wrote:
TheSwede wrote:I'm getting ready to replace the ball joints on my 98 S70 GLT with 114,000 Flat Florida miles. I'm noticing a lot of sway on the highway. While I'm under there, is there anything else I should change now while I have the ball joints off? I plan on redoing most of the suspension, but can only afford a couple things at a time. I want to knock out anything else that I'd have to pull the ball joints off to do anyway. Thanks for any info or tips.
You sure you need ball joints?
A "sway" would not be a symptom unless you're trying to describe something else.
They should not have worn out on smooth FL roads

I guess, I'm not sure. What else would cause my car to sway at highway speeds? It gets pretty bad and is greatly affected by wind and uneven roads.

Post by **JRL** » 04 May 2007, 17:11

TheSwede wrote:
JRL wrote:
TheSwede wrote:

I guess, I'm not sure. What else would cause my car to sway at highway speeds? It gets pretty bad and is greatly affected by wind and uneven roads.

When you say "sway" do you mean it wanders when you hold the wheel straight?
It could be ball joints (or the control arm bushings), but you would get the same sensation if you have bad inner tie rods.
I would have the tie rods checked before tearing apart the control arms
You also could have a bad steering rack which ALSO could give you the same feeling.
Both of these are more common than a control arm in FL with their smooth roads

TheSwede · Post by **TheSwede** » 05 May 2007, 06:36

Yes, the car wanders when I hold the steering wheel straight. I was hoping you wouldn't mention the steering rack thing...that doesn't sound fun. I got under the car yesterday and poked and pried all my suspension components. All I really found out is that I don't know what I'm doing. I'll probably take it to a suspension shop and pay for a diagnosis and then do the work myself. What could possibly go wrong? LOL

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 May 2007, 11:02

Take it to the local Goodyear or NTB shop and order up an alignment. At that point they will rattle off all the the $600.00 (on top of the alignment) things that are wrong with it.

You then tell them to drop dead and drive home. No Charge!

About half of what they tell you is bad will be bad but at least it helps in the diagnosis.

I always question their diagnosis and make them show me while the car is on the rack.

...Lee

Post by **JRL** » 05 May 2007, 11:19

Ozark Lee wrote:Take it to the local Goodyear or NTB shop and order up an alignment. At that point they will rattle off all the the $600.00 (on top of the alignment) things that are wrong with it.

You then tell them to drop dead and drive home. No Charge!

About half of what they tell you is bad will be bad but at least it helps in the diagnosis.

I always question their diagnosis and make them show me while the car is on the rack.

...Lee

Well, if it DOES need a rack or all the tie rods, it IS more than $600
But that's a cheap way to diagnose and for all you know your toe could be severely out... which would make it wander...

TheSwede · Post by **TheSwede** » 05 May 2007, 14:50

Excellent ideas. It looks like i'm off to goodyear this week. I'll post what they tell me. Thanks again.