09 S60 subframe bushing inserts

Post by **div4scpro** » 13 Apr 2018, 16:01

If already posted, sorry for repeating.

Anyway, bought IPD subframe bushing inserts in anticipation of needing them to reinforce/renew my S60. It has 80k miles and obviously 9 years on it and I was expecting some degree of deterioration of the original bushings. Upon inspection the original bushings don't show any visible dry rot or degradation.
My concern is that adding the bushing inserts to bushings that have not degraded will make them overly stiff and transmit too much vibration through to the rest of the vehicle.
Anyone else been in this situation?

Post by **mrbrian200** » 13 Apr 2018, 16:44

div4scpro wrote: ↑13 Apr 2018, 16:01
My concern is that adding the bushing inserts to bushings that have not degraded will make them overly stiff and transmit too much vibration through to the rest of the vehicle.
Anyone else been in this situation?

Not so much in my experience. My '06 S60, 9 years/84k miles when I bought it, the original sub bushes were good. I installed the inserts.

Increase in NVR with the inserts was negligable if even noticeable. The steering 'tightness' at highway speeds did improve. Not dramatically, but enough to hold the thumbs up even though it isn't really deemed necessary at this point.

If for some reason you decide you don't like it you can always pull them back out and shelve them for another 5-10 years. They're polyurethane, just put them in a sealed bag and store away from heat/sunlight.

Cookie-the-Swede · Post by **Cookie-the-Swede** » 13 Apr 2018, 17:52

I don't see how the iPd subframe poly inserts could be a negative. I'm happy with mine.

Post by **June** » 13 Apr 2018, 18:30

My 2004 S80 T6 is still in the dealer for rear main seal leak. I opted to go ahead and replace the frame bushings since the frame was on the floor completely out of the car. Apparently the new ones had to be pressed in by the body shop. When I get the car back I'll tell you if the car drives any different. Hopefully Monday. June

Post by **oragex** » 14 Apr 2018, 04:21

Haven't read about additional stiffness or vibrations. But at 80k miles it may not make a difference. To test these bushings, with the bolt out, insert a handle and twist the bushing see how soft it is.

The most important at 80k is new control arms - strongly recommend Volvo ones if you'll keep the car for more years, some main dealers may even just press new bushings in.

And while there a new PCV kit, better now than wait for it to fail.

Post by **div4scpro** » 14 Apr 2018, 06:46

Thanks for the replies. I should have added that the control arms, upper strut mounts and spring seats, balljoints, tie rods and HD end links, and engine mounts have all been replaced. This was the planned last step to return the front end to a new OEM state.

Any additional input appreciated on the bushing inserts appreciated.

P.S. the PVC kit was done at 75K

Georgeandkira · Post by **Georgeandkira** » 14 Apr 2018, 06:48

Just another county chiming in here.

Installed the poly inserts into my 2007 V70 @ 73.6K.
$30 on sale.
No NVH. Tighter steering.

Go for it if you have the money to spare for this small but real improvement.
If you need wiper blades, are "cookie jarring" for tires or buy cheap food due to budget, don't.

Post by **June** » 25 Apr 2018, 15:25

I picked up my car from Volvo today and I can say the money I spent replacing the frame bushings is by far the best money I have spent on my car! The occasional pop sound from the floor area from reverse to drive is gone, also the harsh bang sound when a hard bump hit at highway speeds is gone! In fact the car seems quieter as no noise from rough roads comes into the cabin. I feel like they have me back a different car. Now my car drives perfectly normally. It just seems like the slightly clunky sounds that gradually crept up are completely gone which make the car seem smoother somehow. I was shown the old bushings and two were completely bad. June