04 S80 Control Arms, Bushings And Balljoints, What's Best?

[Guest Cole Tiwater]

Hey all,

So I've been searching the forums and have got some great advice. I've also found some great information on the lower control arm bushings. My question is, has anyone mapped out a good "how to" guide for replacing the lower control arms and/or bushings?" If so where can I find it? I've found bits and pieces throughout the site, but still have some questions, like do I need to tension on the spring and strut when removing the lower control arm? The little things.

Also, I've seen different takes on this, but some forums say that if you are doing the control arm bushings, you might as well just swap out the entire lower control arm. Is this the better way to go? Also, what are the best control arms, bushings and ball joints? I've seen Febi, Lemfoerder, and of course OEM mentioned as being good quality.... is that a fair statement?

About 40k miles ago, I had the lower bushings done, but the shop charged me an arm and a leg. I've got quite a bit of experience with cars, and think this is doable, but new cars make me nervous... as do European cars for that matter. :)Now I need ball joints, bushings and an inner tie rod. The ball joints have likely been out for awhile, and were just overlooked previously. Any advice you can give would be great.

[JRL]

OEM Volvo only

[ctiwater]

OEM Volvo only

So I was able to find some good instructions after a little more digging, and actually a short video on youtube. This is definately something I can do without a problem. I also have noticed most people say that just getting the new control arms is much easier than pulling and pressing the bushings.

I'm wondering, as anyone ever tried any poly bushings like those shown here http://www.powerflex.co.uk/products/S60,+V70,+S80+2000+on-2615/1.html I'd hate to have to do this all over again after another 40 thousand miles, so I'm wondering if these might be worthwhile. Thoughts?

[krn]

OEM bushings are $75 from tascaparts.com and the entire arm is $115 (which also

includes new bolts) (price per side). So $40 extra, per side, to save you some time

and effort. If you have the tools and would be doing it again, then I'd get the

bushings. But if you are doing it once (probably the case) I'd give the weekend

mechanic in you a bit of a break and just buy the arm (that is is what I did when

I did them on my S70).

[ctiwater]

OEM bushings are $75 from tascaparts.com and the entire arm is $115 (which also

includes new bolts) (price per side). So $40 extra, per side, to save you some time

and effort. If you have the tools and would be doing it again, then I'd get the

bushings. But if you are doing it once (probably the case) I'd give the weekend

mechanic in you a bit of a break and just buy the arm (that is is what I did when

I did them on my S70).

Thanks KRN. I have an email out to Darrel Waltrip Volvo as well, as I've seen some folks state that they have some pretty good prices as well. It looks like I'm looking at about 400 in parts, which is better then the total 800 in parts and labor for these items through my shot (non dealer, but volvo shop). This is actually the second time I'm replacing the lower control arm bushings, I had them done about 40K ago at about 600 if I recall correctly. This is why I was wondering if I should look into the poly urethane option... as I drive about 20k a year. I'm guessing I was given cheap bushings at that high price looking back at this now.