2002 V70-XC lower control arm bushings

MikeChick · Post by **MikeChick** » 21 May 2008, 15:31

I need to put new bushings (left and right, front and rear) on my 2002 V70-XC. Parts are about $100. Dealer said 2-3 hrs (total). Is this a big job? Will I need any special tools? I'm no stranger to working on my cars, just want to know if I should dive in or leave it to the stealer, er, I mean dealer.

Mike

jschick · Post by **jschick** » 22 May 2008, 07:57

I will be doing this on my 01 V70, you will need a press to do this job. if you have access to a press it is a fairly simple job. to remove the bushings I recomend cutting them out so you don't damage the arm, Use a hack saw to cut the metal ring, if yours are like mine the rubber bushing is totaly shot and the center of the bushing can be removed without to much effort, if it is still attached then cut the rubber bushing so it will come out, then place your saw blade thru the bushing and attach the blade to the saw handle, now very carfully cut a slit in the metal part of the bushing. be carefull not to cut clear thru the metal and into the aluminum arm. once the bushing is split it will fall right out or will come out with little to no effort.
to replace the bushing keep them in the freezer for 24hrs before you start, I then put the arm in the oven at 200 degrees for about 15 minutes, quickly pull the arm out and place in press, remove the bushing and press it, it should go in with little effort on the press.
the reason I heat and freeze is just to minimize the risk of damage to the arm and bushing.(shrink the bushing and expand the hole in the arm) with the right temps the bushing will go in with no press, but, I would not try this if a press is not availible! just in case!

MikeChick · Post by **MikeChick** » 23 May 2008, 09:02

Thanks for the response. Is the entire arm easy to get off? I took a peek last night and it looks like it should be. If getting the arm assy off is no big deal, the rest looks very doable.

MikeChick · Post by **MikeChick** » 23 May 2008, 11:50

Here's another approach? The arms (with bushings) can be had for $125 each.

http://tinyurl.com/3eegzn

No cutting, no pressing. This approach would seem to lend itself to limited down time as well.

Am I missing something?

Mike

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 23 May 2008, 15:43

This is the approach that most owners take as well as the dealer. No Volvo dealer these days (unless very very rare) will repair anything...they're all about finding the offending part and replacing it in its entirety.

MikeChick · Post by **MikeChick** » 24 May 2008, 05:41

Thanks guys, I'll order the arm assy(s) and go from there.

Mike