4 replies to this topic

[esundell90]

So my 90 240 Sedan has quite the pronounced shake at highway speed.

It seems to be coming from the driver side front. It feels like the wheels is gonna shake itself off!! Tie rods seem tight, but the bushings seem worn? When I wiggle the driver front, pushing on it like it I were going to turn the wheel, it clunks when you push it in. But I can't see anything moving? When I compress the suspension in that corner, it clunks when it goes up from being compressed, leads me to think ball joint(s)? Do bad ball joints sound like a culprit for this?

Also, the car seems to be leaking a fluid, but it's clear/viscous? It's not tranny fluid, it's not oil, so idk what it is? Any help there? It seems to be coming from below the transmission? Also, where does one add fluid to the trans? I see the drain plug, but do you fill it from the dip stick area with a small funnel? it's an auto btw.

I did notice my rear cam seal was leaking, and it needs a t-belt BAD! I see write ups on how to do it, and it doesn't seem so bad, but I haven't done a t-belt before on anything. How hard would you guys rate it on a scale of 1-10? I have basic hand tools and possibly a garage to do this in, but more than likely, it will be my driveway. I heard air tools may be required to get the crank pulley off/that can be a PITA if its kinda rusty, which mine certainly is.

[James A Sousa]

I am going out on a limb here and perhaps inviting some flames, but - I cannot think of any fluid that belongs in your car that starts out clear, and stays that way for long for that matter!

Perhaps new motor oil that has been spilled?

Often a major service is a good value, for instance, some seals only cost the cost of the seal if the engine is already apart to change the timing belt.

Transmission fluid is usually red. If you cannot check the level of your transmission fluid using the owner's manual, I suggest that you do not consider trying some of the repairs.

Personally, we have had GREAT luck with the 7 Volvo drivers that we have put 500,000 miles on - But the older Volvos have earned their reputations when they were properly maintained. (Actually, we go to a dealer!)

What does everyone recommend when you but a used Volvo - Must have maintenance records !

This includes regular inspections inside the engine compartment and under the car by a competent tech.

[James A Sousa]

Since you do not have access to a dealer, I suggest that you find a good tire dealer that does front ends.

They see a lot of front ends and Volvo's is not special.

A good tire dealer is great to have, I have been dealing with a place called Stansfield's for 48 years - They actually retreadded the tires on my first car - a '59 SAAB

[esundell90]

Well I have defenetly Identified the issue as ball joints/suspension bushings.

At this point, since my Wagon works fine for the time being, the silver car is a spring project. I'm just going to go through and replace the suspension bits on all 4 corners come spring.