Hi All Volvo Boffins

I recently took my machine in for MOT. Left front ball joint failed, which had to be replaced, cos of too much play on it. So it was replaced by the garage (about £62 -parts + labour) who did the MOT. I figured to replaced the right hand one, too, so recently bought a ball joint from GSF.

The garage also advised me to replace front brake hoses (surface cracks on them), which I also bought, and intend to replace myself.

Will there be any particular difficulties with doing these two replacements that I should be aware of?

Thanks very much. :)

Reevo

Its been years since i did a ball joint on a car, somtimes it was easy, sometimes the buggers would not seperate. So somekind of balljoint removing tool would be a start.
Have yet to work on the volvo, but did remove the front wheel a few weeks back to check on the brake pads. The weight of the beast is unbelievable :haha: Was a struggle with a 2 ton trolly jack so dont risk anything....Jacks and axel stands please......its not worth the risk.
I WAS surprised at the neat simple design of the suspension for such a big car.....looks easy enough to work on.

Let us know how it goes, still to track down the wear in my steering / suspension but it will need doing before the next MOT .

Have you got the Haynes manual?

Hi Big_Ben

Thanks for that.

Yes, I have the Haynes manual, which makes it all sound so easy! Once all the nuts are loose, it simply says "separate the joint from the suspension member.." Doesn't mention any possibility of any difficulty, which got me thinking cos I know that suspension members are usually tough to get apart (can be rusted in), and the garage that did my joint (BEFORE the actual job) said that it could be quite difficult to get to...... And the stores/shops do sell ball joint separators, too, which all adds to my concern.

I'll let you know how I go - won't be very soon though.....

Thanks very much.

Reevo

Just remember that when you replace the front brake hoses, you need to flush/bleed the braking system... to get rid of the air and all.

Do it for all the four tyres.

Thanks very much, ampangbear....will do.

Reevo
:liebe011:

No problem, hope everything goes well!

I have a similar problem. I'm told I need new tie end rods and ball joints, but the shop here in California wants $600. Seems a bit high, no?

One thing to note is that Volvo changed the ball joint/control arm design in 1994. According to Haynes, the older aluminum arms have serviceable joints, while the newer steel arms have an integral joint. I'm told my '94 has the latter.

fcp groton (Ohio, USA) has control arms w/joints on line. You can choose from Hamburg Technic for $75, or TRW for $95. Does anyone out there have any experience with either product, or fcp groton?

Hi Ampangbear

Did front brake hose change on weekend pass. Bled brakes as you said - went well thanks. :banana:

Cya

Reevo

Hi scusa

Seems high, yes. ($600 = £332)!! Yes, my car has the ball joints which can be replaced.

I'm in the UK: ball joint cost me £17 ($30) and about £62 ($110) to have it done at garage, so I'm gonna try to do it myself. Needed a 15mm deep socket to get to nut, which had a long bolt through it. So gonna give it another go on weekend coming.

Hopefully the joint won't require a ball joint separator, but will have to get it, if needs be, yes.

All the best. :)

Reevo,

:thumbsup:

Scusa,

There are a few US-based suppliers offering online services... Check them out for the price...


:)

Thanks very much, scusa...

:liebe011: