Bad idea to purchase used, low mileage control arms?

[photoguy]

Afternoon.

I'm working on my new '07 XC70, before it gets ridiculously cold in the frozen tundra here. I'm picking up some nice used body parts from local Volvo recycler, he has some control arms with only 32,000 miles. I'm rebuilding the front suspension and steering, I've never purchased used front end parts, is this a bad idea? $70 for both.

Thanks!

[SuperHerman]

Only you can answer that question. I would figure it depends on your skill level (assuming you are doing the work) and if you like working on your vehicles. Next up is your budget and what else is needed on the car.

Control arms are not difficult to replace. OEM arms usually last 70k plus miles. If the arms are not OEM, that is another issue. What kind of warranty, if any, is the source giving on the arms?

If you are on a tight budget and don't mind re-doing your work (worst case scenario) then used arms would not be a bad option. If you are farming the work out the labor component for a re-do would be a turn off.

One more point - you can always buy the used arms and install them and when it gets too cold outside replace the bushings on the old arms.

[MoVolvos]

Afternoon.

I'm working on my new '07 XC70, before it gets ridiculously cold in the frozen tundra here. I'm picking up some nice used body parts from local Volvo recycler, he has some control arms with only 32,000 miles. I'm rebuilding the front suspension and steering, I've never purchased used front end parts, is this a bad idea? $70 for both.

Thanks!

Do not use old bushings. The XC70's use a taller (more rubber) rear lower bushing than the regular bushings of the V70's which also fit. Here VIVA is really suggesting the XC70 bushings for the V70 and other compatible cars. I believe I crossed reference dimensions for these on CARID's website.

https://www.vivaperformance.com/genuine ... 0-v70-s80/

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https://www.fcpeuro.com/Volvo-parts/XC7 ... d=586&v=97

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[abscate]

Lower control arms are 100k items on good roads , 50k items on bad roads.

That’s for lemforder or Volvo parts , not junk. Those can be 10k parts

[oragex]

You need to test them and see how old they are. Put it on the table and use your 3/8 ratchet handle or a long screwdriver inserted in the small vertical bushing, and pry on the side with the handle with force: look for any cracks. If no cracks then try guess how old they are: if looks pretty new, try see if they look genuine stamped with 2 digits inside a small circle. If you can't see that it's a gambling. If they look pretty old, like few years, and the rear bushing is still good, it may be a good choice - always risky but you already know that. The XC70 arms were different than on the S60 V70 S80 so make sure they really are XC70 arms

[Georgeandkira]

How many miles are on your XC70? Just askin'.

I like the idea of pressing new bushings into your old control arms.

As mentioned above, the XC70 arms are different. Also, the arms on my 2007 V70 are steel instead of aluminum used 2001-2006.
I emailed Powerflex to see if they had a bushing for my steel arms. I loved their poly bushings in my '02 (aluminum arms).
The rep said I could order the "'01-'06" poly bushings and return 'em if they didn't work for the '07. How's that for a product research department?

So, see if your '07 XC70 has arms similar to the previous years then see if polys are available.

The price they've offered is a great one if you can make a "jump set' out of them or your old ones.

[photoguy]

Well, I took the advice here and purchased, thank you! The donor car was identical to mine (2007 & Willow Green), and very low miles only 32,xxx. The arms are factory, and look really good, bushings look great, I did the screwdriver test. I'm doing the work myself, taking advantage of our two days of warm weather. Trying to save some money during these tough times.

I just purchased my one owner XC70 for $1400, with 264,XXX miles. It's been so well cared for, I felt a little guilty over the purchase price, but that's what was offered to me. Came with a pile of dealer and independant Volvo mechanic receipts.

Thank you!

[abscate]

If you just get rid of that egg crate that car will go from beautiful to gorgeous, love that WillowGreen

[oragex]

May want to look at the spring seats while there www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj4JmZS2yM4 Use only Sachs or Rein/CRP brands (fcpeuro.com)

[xHeart]

... love that WillowGreen

Unless someone says otherwise, the LCA replacement will require wheel alignment afterward. That said, front suspension refresh is best for motorist safety. All front suspension parts in your 2007 XC70 are beyond the limit.

I collect OE/OEM parts for few months and then do the work -- no rush, practice safety, wait for spring.