06 XC70 front lower control arms questions - OE or Aftermarket

Post by **scot850** » 14 May 2018, 23:23

So while in working on the front brakes, I also had a good look around at the general condition of the suspension. I noticed the Front LHS control arm rear bush is showing signs of cracking/splitting. Front bush and those on the other side look ok for now also.

I know P2 models are hard on their front suspension, and I had the front control arm bushes replaced under a recall not long after we bought the car maybe around 6 years ago by Volvo using OE parts. Seeing as the car has maybe done only around 35,000 miles total since we bought it 7 years ago, the bushes certainly don't seem to last even when using OE parts.

Would anyone recommend other brander bushes like Lemforder from FCP Euro? At least they are warranted while we own the car should they fail at some point. I would probably either take the lower control arms off myself and take them to the dealer to press in the new bushes whether OE or not.

Anyone have strong views on this?

Thanks,

Neil.

Post by **oragex** » 15 May 2018, 03:58

If the front ones show some cracks where the rubber end, they are still far from failing as there is a lot more material in the middle of the bushing. It's the rear ones that fail more tragically. A good test is to have the two lower strut bolts removed then to press downwards on the spindle: if the bushings got softer, the control arm will go down quite easily. A new OEM control arm is really hard to depress this way.

There are plenty of options out there, with Ipd HD bragging about their improved design etc etc. Personally, I don't trust the 'in house' Ipd products HD or not. Other than that we have Lemforder but I can tell that they may be inferior to OEM. I had in hand a new rear Lemforder bushing and an old rear OEM bushing: there was no comparison, the OEM was still much stiffer and robust.

The control arm also affects the ride comfort over street cracks and bumps, it acts a little the same way the shock absorbers do. This is why OEM is a much better choice for someone looking to get that 'Volvo' ride.

A video a made some times ago

Post by **scot850** » 15 May 2018, 08:28

Thanks again oragex. I will go for Volvo OE then.

Thanks,

Neil.

Archer · Post by **Archer** » 23 May 2018, 13:19

Lemforder.

Post by **scot850** » 23 May 2018, 14:35

Thanks Archer. I have decided in this case to go OE Volvo for the bushes as I don't know how long we will keep this car. Our son uses it and he has just finished his degree and is job hunting. If he finds a job and needs a car, this one makes sense to keep as all the expensive suspension has mostly been replaced (all the 4-C shocks and springs will have been done) and all the servicing is up to date at the dealer. Once he is hopefully working he can then make the decision if he still needs a car or sell it.

Thanks for the reply though. Appreciated.

Neil.