S60 Front End Clunking
Swaybar links and tie rod end links are notorious issues on S60‘s. I would start with the swaybar links if when the vehicle is off the ground there is any vertical movement when you grab hold, the PAIR...
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School me on inner tie rods please
Inner Tie Rods 101 As you can see from the picture of the inner tie rod, it is basically a rod that screws into the rack. There is a ball like joint on the end of the smaller rod where it is inserted...
View ArticleRear wheel drive 740 rims fit on V70?
Yes they do. RWD wheels are cheap and a lot of people use them to mount snow tires. Yes there is a difference in offset but you’ll hardly notice it. Your 2006 has bigger brakes so make sure the...
View ArticleLoud creaking when turning sharp
The car creaks loudly when you turn tight into a parking lot or making a u turn. Sounds like a haunted house door. I thought maybe the tire was rubbing against the wheel well, but I don’t see any wear...
View ArticleSuspension advice and where to buy
Do I need to upgrade front & rear suspension simultaneously? Do I need to change wheel bearings also ? (Car has 97000 miles) How important it is to change springs? Other that Shock & Springs...
View ArticleAny special tools needed to replace control arms?
The control arms can come in two types: one has 2 bolts through the pivot bushings, and the other has 4 bolts through the sub-frame. The 2-bolt type is quite easy to do and standard tools (metric...
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Wheel turned while going straight
Alignment Necessary After Suspension Work? I recently got my lower control arm done, and apparently this threw off my alignment even more then it was before. Originally my steering wheel was barely...
View Article$48 Monroe Struts Review & Opinion
Inexpensive Replacement Struts Just wanted to put it out there that if you are looking for a good set of struts for your Volvo, I just picked up a pair of Monroe Sensa tracs for $48 each through Amazon...
View ArticleWhere are adjustment points for front alignment
That’s correct there is a small amount of adjustment at the bottom strut bolts. With those bolts in one can move the strut in or out slightly to get more or less camber. As the knuckle moves it changes...
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V70 Rear Shock Replacement Tutorial
An excellent write-up for replacing rear shocks on 1993-2000 Volvo 850/V70/S70/C70. Procedure 1. Car in Park, Apply Hand Brake. Chock Front wheels! 2. Jack the Rear and place Jackstand under the...
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Car Alignment Tricks Using Common Tools
DIY Alignment 1. Start by attaching Carpenter Square to Carpenter Level using Zip Ties. 2. Using a brick approx. 24 cm tall for support, measurements are made at “equator” of tires. Use a chalk to...
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Volvo V70 Front Strut Replacement Supplement
Replacing Front Struts – And More Here’s a superb supplement for working on Volvo front suspensions. These tips/tricks should make the job much easier for and veterans alike. It applies to all...
View ArticleWhat strut spring compressor?
What to look for in a Spring Compressor Springs can be very dangerous when compressed, and a cheap spring compressor can fail at the wrong moment and release the enormous energy stored in a compressed...
View ArticleVolvo 940: new ball joints, sway bar, end links, bushings
940: Replacing ball joints, sway bar end links and bushings. A good write up, with pictures. Also includes vital safety advice whilst working under cars. 1994 940: new ball joints, sway bar end links,...
View ArticleS60 No Pedal after Changing pads & rotors
S60 – how NOT to install the brake caliper spring If your brake pedal goes to the floor and braking force is weak after changing pads, this may be your problem. S60 No Pedal after Changing pads &...
View ArticleNivomat struts – required replacement, or do I have options?
Can I avoid the high cost of replacement Nivomat struts? Can I use a regular strut? Will the conversion be easy? What do I do with the load-leveling air pump? AWD V70R – Are there Nivomat strut...
View Article850 Control Arm Fiasco… Replacement Methods and Parts
Control Arm Replacement Methods and Parts This isn’t a tutorial, but warns of a few gotchas with getting parts from the dealer or a Volvo parts shop before you start this job. Also, this covers how to...
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How to Replace Front CV Axles – 2000 V70XC
Here is a a guide for anyone who wants/needs to replace their axles on a 2000 V70XC. Through a dealership or other shop, this job costs a lot of money. I recently did it and found it was MUCH easier...
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Volvo Four-C Suspension
Volvo’s Four-C is a type of active suspension available on some Volvos starting in model year 2004 (North America). The multi-mode suspension — for instance, the driver-selectable modes in a 2004 V70 R...
View ArticleKoni vs. Bilstein vs. Sachs
Which shocks to go with? Title says it all… this is a discussion on ride vs. performance vs. cost. Generally, Koni adjustables are recommended the most often if cost is low priority. Koni vs. Bilstein...
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