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81 240 front suspension[ALL/1998] posted by matt on
Sunday, 9 March 1997, at 4:32 p.m.
My '81 240 DL has 265K on the clock. I had the shocks and struts replaced. That stiffened things up abit, but then the rattles and clunks began. I then replaced the tie rod ends and the steering rack. That helped some. I am about to take on the bushing s. I'm a bit nervous about it--is it a difficult operation? Do I need spring compressors? Is it essential to have the new bushings pressed on at a machine shop? Please advise.
Re: 81 240 front suspension[ALL/1998] posted by Bob Weber on
Sunday, 9 March 1997, at 4:33 p.m.
: My '81 240 DL has 265K on the clock. I had the shocks and struts replaced. That stiffened things up abit, but then the rattles and clunks began. I then replaced the tie rod ends and the steering rack. That helped some. I am about to take on the bushi ngs. I'm a bit nervous about it--is it a difficult operation? Do I need spring compressors? Is it essential to have the new bushings pressed on at a machine shop? Please advise.
Matt -
I would do the whole suspension, if you plan to keep the car. On my 85 240, I did the ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings (4), and an IPD swaybar. Of course after I did all that the car got hit. But it survived and still goes to work each day. Once you have the struts off - the rest is easy - of course I have spring compressors and a friend to help!
Bob Weber SW Ohio VCOA 41 Volvos since 1979
Re: 81 240 front suspension[ALL/1998] posted by Brian T. on
Sunday, 9 March 1997, at 4:34 p.m.
Unless you're disassembling the strut itself, you shouldn't need a spring compressor. You can just let the whole thing hang there as you take the lower control arm off. If you do need to remove a complete strut assembly, just remember to scribe around the big semi-circular washer at the top of the strut tower before you remove the three outer nuts. That way you can preserve the alignment when you reassemble it. NEVER remove the center nut at the top of the strut and the spring will stay put.
Brian
Re: 81 240 front suspension[ALL/1998] posted by Stoney on
Sunday, 9 March 1997, at 4:35 p.m.
: My '81 240 DL has 265K on the clock. I had the shocks and struts replaced. That stiffened things up abit, but then the rattles and clunks began. I then replaced the tie rod ends and the steering rack. That helped some. I am about to take on the bushi ngs. I'm a bit nervous about it--is it a difficult operation? Do I need spring compressors? Is it essential to have the new bushings pressed on at a machine shop? Please advise.
Matt, Did you check the front crossmember bolts? What I had thought to be a bushing problem was looseness of both L & R Front Crossmember bolts. They are accessable from underhood, 17mm Socket, LOOONG extension bar, and a buddy to jack up car to ta ke weight off Xmember. The swaybar bushings are easy but anything involving the Struts calls for a spring compresser tool and a press, unless you got a garage that will do it for you, and at least one extra set of hands.Somehow I always left this stuff to the pros... Stoney