96 850T Delta Link and Trailing Arm Bushing Replacement Saga

Post by **RussB** » 26 Jul 2014, 15:34

I purchased the Volvo 9995497 tool, read several tutorials here and had at it. I'm sad to report that the link would NOT budge, and the tool sustained some damage in the process. The pin began to slip out of the hole and the threaded shaft bent slightly. I was using an electric impact driver and put some serious torque on the the tool

I can repair the tool, I'm a tool & die maker. I will need to use heat to get the old link out. Reckon I'll buy some MAP gas and give it another shot in round 2

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 26 Jul 2014, 16:22

You don't really need MAP gas. Plain old propane will melt the plastic.

...Lee

Post by **RussB** » 26 Jul 2014, 17:12

Ozark Lee wrote:You don't really need MAP gas. Plain old propane will melt the plastic.

...Lee

Noted.

I have neither here. I figure more heat is better. I still can't believe just how "stuck" the old link is! My small brain thought that tool was gonna pull it right out

Post by **abscate** » 26 Jul 2014, 18:57

I am going to do front rear springs and shocks on my T5 but the more I read about delta links I'm thinking about farming that out. I don't do fire under a car unless I have a lift.

Anyone talk me into it??

Post by **shaker_chi** » 26 Jul 2014, 19:43

I melted mine to get them out and I would NOT recommend it. I made a mess and the smell almost knocked me out. This is one job I wish I would have farmed out.

Post by **RussB** » 26 Jul 2014, 19:54

shaker_chi,

did you use the tool in conjunction with heating them?

I wonder what the "going rate" is for trailing arm link replacement is? Reckon it ain't cheap!

clifford06 · Post by **clifford06** » 26 Jul 2014, 20:43

I had my links replace last week . My mechanic charged $120.00 to install both . I had been quoted $300 by another indy shop .

Post by **RussB** » 26 Jul 2014, 21:28

clifford06 wrote:I had my links replace last week . My mechanic charged $120.00 to install both . I had been quoted $300 by another indy shop .

That's a good price...seeing I'm already in for $92 and change just for the tool. Heck, $300 is a fair price just for the labor

Post by **shaker_chi** » 26 Jul 2014, 21:38

For $120 or even $300, well worth it. I just wasn't comfortable with that flame. I did NOT have the tool to pull them out, so I rigged a gear puller to put tension on it. Could have easily ended up on America's Funniest Videos.

Post by **abscate** » 27 Jul 2014, 03:56

Can I take the trailing arms off and deliver these to someone to remove the old links? I might be more inclined to burn off if I'm in a safe place. How much more stuff do I have to remove to get the arms off the car?