clunking sound over bumps?

mko · Post by **mko** » 26 Oct 2004, 15:25

I drove a 93 850 yesterday... when going over bumps, there's a noticable clunk clunk coming from the front suspension area (& perhaps the rear ... I can't be sure... but it was probably just from the front). I couldn't pinpoint the noise, and the suspension doesn't feel at all loose.

I tested it by doing tight circles w/ the wheel fully turned one direction & then the other - no problems there... only this clunking/rattle over rough roads.

The steering feels a bit loose, but tollerable - any thoughts? This is pretty much my only hangup before buying the car.

The salesman told me that it could be the rubber(?) bushings around the tie-rods, but I don't know...

any help would be greatly appreciated.
93 850 - 141K

mko · Post by **mko** » 26 Oct 2004, 15:28

He had it checked out by his mechanic & supposedly it's a bad ball joint... and is quoting $250 for the repair... this sounds about right doesn't it?

I assume there is a ball joint on either side - correct? If both are bad, is that $500?

thanks.

- mko

mko · Post by **mko** » 26 Oct 2004, 15:44

some more info:

the car was donated to a charity that is in the business of fixing up & selling donated vehicles. In this case, it was a car whose timing belt appears to have broken... they did a good amount of engine work and is now reselling the car.

some sticking points.
1. Noise from the struts - if it's only $250, why not fix it.
2. car is listed as a 94 w/ 130K... it's a 93 w/ 141K
3. no records except from the work that was done after donation.

i don't know if i should just walk away or try to work w/ him... basically we're talking $4100 out the door (tax, etc) might be a bit high.

Post by **matthew1** » 26 Oct 2004, 16:08

The car's not worth it. Walk away.

mko · Post by **mko** » 26 Oct 2004, 16:22

matthew1 wrote:The car's not worth it. Walk away.

thanks - that's what I think I needed.

mko · Post by **mko** » 03 Nov 2004, 12:39

thanks for the advice!

I found & purchaced a 93 850 w/ 88K in far better condition for the same price!

Post by **matthew1** » 03 Nov 2004, 14:32

Good. Now make sure the timing belt has been changed, same for transmission fluid, air filter and spark plugs.

Get to work!

mko · Post by **mko** » 03 Nov 2004, 16:24

matthew1 wrote:Good. Now make sure the timing belt has been changed, same for transmission fluid, air filter and spark plugs.

Get to work!

right o.

timing belt was changed @ 65K... I'll check the rest.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 03 Nov 2004, 19:14

Also get a Chilton or Haynes service manual. It has some good information on what needs to happen service wise and how to do the procedures. Volvos have a rep for running many miles, IF they are properly maintained. Many of the things the dealer or INDY shop charges big bucks for can be accomplished at home with basic tools.

Congratulations on your car.

mko · Post by **mko** » 05 Nov 2004, 09:25

Tsquared wrote:Also get a Chilton or Haynes service manual. It has some good information on what needs to happen service wise and how to do the procedures. Volvos have a rep for running many miles, IF they are properly maintained. Many of the things the dealer or INDY shop charges big bucks for can be accomplished at home with basic tools.

Congratulations on your car.

will do - thanks for the advice - I'm looking forward to learning more about car repair... thanks!