Hi,

my car has now 216'000km and for quite some time now, it has a bad behaviour at high speed. It feels like there is some play in the steering and the steering feels inconsistent around center. I had the lower arms replaced but this has not changed the problem. I have looked at the trackrod ball joints and they don't show any sign of wear nor play. The only thing that I may suspect is the strut upper mounts. I have removed them and they look in good shape (also the bearing). However when mounted on the car, if I bounce the front of the car, I can hear a little tapping noise from the front strut mounts just as if the shock piston nut wasn't secured (but it is!). All the screws are tightened to the correct torque and I don't know where these instabilities may come from. Of course tires are OK with correct pressure and the car has been aligned recently.

What do you think? Is it possible that the upper strut mounts need raplecement or may it be a bigger problem such as power steering troubles or even a worn steering gear (rack and pinion...)? What else may I check?

You need to remove the struts and disassemble them to check the bearings the struts pivot on.Volvo has introduced a much improved version of the bearings and the upgrade is avaiable at your local dealer.If you dont have the correct tools and know-how to compress the springs,take it to a professional.If the spring pops loose from its retainer and hits you,you could be in a world of hurt.

Thanks Volvo tech,

I have a spring compressor and I've yet overhauled the strut to inspect the bearing. They seem in good shape. I also heard about a modified strut upper mount but I can't find the reference any more and my Volvo dealer don't know about it. As I have a 1997 phaseI S40, I don't know if these modified mounts are available for me: I think they are available as a service kit for MY 2000 S40 only, no? ...and perhaps only available for US specs S40?

Do you have the part number for the kit?
Have you an idea about the price?

Regards,

kilou