Bad subframe bushings? 2000 V70XC

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 22 Mar 2018, 15:16

Hi all,

Hoping I can get to the bottom of some deteriorating handling in my car. Three years and maybe ~30K miles ago, I replaced the following:

-struts and associated components (OEM, XC90 spring seats)
-inner and outer tie rods (OEM)
-controls arms (OEM)
-sway bar and links (IPD)
-subframe bushings (OEM)

Got an alignment, new tires and the car handled like a dream. Now recently, the car drives almost as if there's no sway bar. A lot of roll in turns, and there's a noticeable clunk, particularly when turning out of a driveway onto pavement that's a little lower. I really thought it sounded like sway bar links. Today I jacked up the car and checked the following:

-Tugging at 9 and 3 on the wheels, no play.
-Tugging at 12 and 6 on wheels, no play.
-Tugged on the sway bar links and control arms as hard as possible, no play or movement.

I checked out the subframe bushings and some of them look a little funky. This one looked the worst to me:

Is this pretty obviously the reason for my garbage handling and noise? I figure the sway bar is attached to the subframe, so if the bushings are bad like that, it would probably feel as if there is no bar at all. I had a shop replace the bar and bushings for me as that's a bit above my skill level for now, but I'm a little pissed if they messed it up as it seems to be.

Thanks,

Ed

Post by **scot850** » 22 Mar 2018, 15:24

Took me 4 years and $XXXX's to finally find the culprit of the groan.knock on my 00 V70R. It too started with the dealer replacing the front and rear crank seals which needed the sub-frame to be dropped. After replacing all the parts you mention, and in the case of the end-links 4 times, it eventually ended up with the rear RHS sub-frame bush was loose.

These cars are now at least 18 years old and rubber does have a lifespan. Give the repair shop the benefit of the doubt, they may not have realised or even seen the damage. Maybe they might take pity on you and work a deal.

Neil

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 22 Mar 2018, 15:34

scot850 wrote: ↑22 Mar 2018, 15:24Maybe they might take pity on you and work a deal.

Unfortunately, I'm about 1,200 miles away now.

Glad to hear that you got yours fixed up though.

In this case, it looks like the one I have pictured is loose but also splitting. All 4 were replaced when they did the sway bar. Those bushings are the only replaceable parts attaching the subframe to the frame right? Either way, is it pretty safe to say that one is shot?

Post by **oragex** » 22 Mar 2018, 18:30

Try to resist the temptation to get some cheapo ProParts Sweden bushings or alike. Cheap one tear in a matter of months, not even years.

Post by **scot850** » 22 Mar 2018, 19:46

Yes that one is shot, and apologize I forgot you had just moved. If they replaced that one I am amazed as not sure what brand it was or if it was made of tofu, but it should not have failed this quickly. Like our friend oragex says, the chap ones are not worth the money or effort to fit. When my local dealer fitted mine for me they had a tool that cuts out the rubber center part and makes it easier to remove and then a tool to fit the new one. Cost around $1000 CDN with the 4 Volvo bushes installed. That did not include the alignment needed, but I negotiated that in to the price.

Neil.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 23 Mar 2018, 05:41

I provided the shop with the bushings, Volvo blue box, so that's why I think there's a chance they were maybe not pressed in correctly. No way they should be destroyed this quickly.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Mar 2018, 09:01

Again Ouch! Definitely no way it should look like that. If I recall they are a rubber bush, but they have only a plastic (not metal) outer which could be easily damaged if not fitted correctly. The kicker is if Volvo had fitted it, there is a lifetime warranty on the part and labor.

Neil.

Post by **oragex** » 23 Mar 2018, 09:10

Even with the blue box, were these bought off Ebay or from another site? There is plenty of fake Volvo parts (chinese stuff) shady sellers put in a Volvo box and sometimes even in a Volvo plastic bag.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 23 Mar 2018, 09:22

oragex wrote: ↑23 Mar 2018, 09:10 Even with the blue box, were these bought off Ebay or from another site? There is plenty of fake Volvo parts (chinese stuff) shady sellers put in a Volvo box and sometimes even in a Volvo plastic bag.

I get all my parts from FCP Euro or IPD and have no reason to believe they were fake. I don't like doing jobs twice, so I never cheap out on this stuff.

I'm just trying to figure out if it's safe to assume that my handling and knocking issues would be caused by this failure.

Post by **scot850** » 23 Mar 2018, 11:06

Only real way is to have a large person like myself bounce the car and lie beside the car and watch for movement, and if you can get your hand on the mount while it is being bounced, then you may be able to feel the problem.

Have you checked over the multitude of bushes in the rear suspension? The trailing arm bushes at both ends get tired with age and may cause some of the wobbly feeling.

Neil.