Front Strut Bushings? S60

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 13 Jul 2011, 15:11

My new-to-me '01 S60 w/ 106k clunks/knocks/rattles from the front end loudly from both sides over pavement breaks or any "edge" I run over. I have the 17" wheels which absorb shocks poorly, but I run them at "only" 30 pounds or so.

Virtually ALL of the front end parts have been replaced within the past 30k miles or so, including the inner and outer tie rods, struts, strut bushings, and all control arms.

I recently replaced the hub bearings and half-shafts, and didn't note or feel any play, or bad bushings in the assembly or the control arms. The ball joints seemed tight with no play.

Not sure what else can cause this on this car.

Naturally, I didn't disassemble the struts to see if the bushings actually HAD bee replaced, but I have an independent Volvo specialist invoice showing replacement of both sides ($264 labor/$75 parts) .

The vehicle handles fine, with no wander at all, and the steering is tight and precise.

How frequently do the strut bushings typically last before the start knocking on even minor bumps, or is there something else likely going on here?

What's the usual life of the ball joints (that's one thing that has not been replaced, but they seemed tight when I did the axles and hub bearings).

Thanks-
Bob

gphmdyw · Post by **gphmdyw** » 13 Jul 2011, 17:37

Hi Bob,

I'm a "new owner" too - of a 2002 S60. I'm trying to learn about my car too and found this site today whendoing some typical Googling. It might help. Note: when i tried to enter your car's year, the site didn't want to work, so you might have to maneuver around the site a bit.

One other (perhaps obvious) mention: I called Volvo's Northeastern USA hdqtrs and registered myself as the current owner of the car now, and asked about extended warrantys (there was one for the fuel pump) and recalls (there were none.) I felt it was good for them to have my address for anything that comes up, too.

Good luck.

gphmdyw · Post by **gphmdyw** » 13 Jul 2011, 17:40

Dang...forgot the link. Here you go:

http://repairpal.com/volvo-s60-2002/problems

Infuriated_Sloth · Post by **Infuriated_Sloth** » 16 Jul 2011, 11:30

My 2001 S60 does the exact same thing, although only on the passenger side. I haven't had a chance to really check it out, but based upon preliminary research, it sounds as if the front upper spring seats could be the culprit.

Have you considered: http://www.ipdusa.com/products/4712/306 ... pring-seat

I'm curious to see if other members have any experience with these.

Post by **JRL** » 16 Jul 2011, 12:19

They're fine, as are OEM Volco XC90 spring seats
You can't go wrong with either one of these

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 16 Jul 2011, 18:03

Wow. I didn't realize they go in 30k miles, which is how old mine are.

Two etms in 106k, two transmissions in 106k, 3 sets of motor mounts in 106k, frt axles and hub bearings shot in 100k.

There are definitely not your fathers 240 series Volvos!

Post by **JRL** » 17 Jul 2011, 05:49

Where do you live?
What kinds of roads are you driving on?
Do you make a habit of hitting potholes?
Smacking into one good pothole can break any one of those parts, just like that!

BobbyC · Post by **BobbyC** » 17 Jul 2011, 08:46

JRL wrote:Where do you live?
What kinds of roads are you driving on?
Do you make a habit of hitting potholes?
Smacking into one good pothole can break any one of those parts, just like that!

I live near Dallas, drive conservatively, and actively drive to miss any bumps or debris in the road. I am a retired airline pilot who is fastidious about how my vehicles are driven and maintained, and have owned 6 previous Volvos ('66 P-1800 through '98 965 before the S60), all of which were absolutely great. This S60 car was owned previously by my nephew, who while less anal than I, did care for the car well (evidence the repair receipts).

My uncle has a '98 Accord with 100k, lives in Philly, which is FULL of huge pot holes, of which he seems to seek and hit every one like a laser guided missile, and his car is STILL rattle-free and incredibly tight (despite the fact it looks like crap because it's been left parked on the street every day of its life). And as firm as it is (on its original struts), it's less so than my T5 with 17" wheels.

I think $20,000 in repair receipt since going out of warranty on this '01 S60 is close to testing my patience.

Maybe I am reaching the point in life I just want something that works without constant attention.

But then maybe at this point I am just venting.

Post by **JRL** » 17 Jul 2011, 09:06

Well
You DO have an 01, not the most reliable cars on the planet.. (to say the least)!