I'm confused about the control arm on this car. The inner bushings are badly worn, I need to get this fixed.

Is the ball joint replacable in the 97 model year?

Are the bushings replaceable?

Or do I have to buy a new control arm?

If the bushings can be replaced I would prefer that, but if the ball joint is integral to the arm, I might as well just get a new control arm. I'm sure the ball joint will go next.

ph

Thank-you. I'll do it this weekend.

Beware of aftermarket control arms - many are junk. The best deal I've found on control arms is at www.thevolvopartsclub.com. $86.32 each for OEMs with free shipping over $50.00. That price is nearly the same as Scantech or Hamburg Technic which are known to be trouble.

When you replace them get the control arm back to its normal resting position before you torque down the two frame bolts or it will destroy the bushings again. I just used a floor jack under the arm and centered the hub with the bottom door seam before I tightened them down.

...Lee

It comes as an assembly with new bushings and ball joint. I just replaced on on my 96. Easy job.
--
Tom 69-1800S, 72-1800ES, 96-850T,2000-S70 GLT-SE

Roll under it and take a look, you will see that the control arm and the ball joint are one integral unit. The bushings can be replaced by themselves but you will need a new complete arm to get the ball joint so just as you figured, buy a new arm and be done with it.