I am a RWD volvo shadetree mechanic and I was doing some suspension work on a friends V70.I replaced the stabilizer links and tie rod ends no problem but got hung up doing the control arm/ball joints.The pinch bolts on both sides were siezed up pretty good.I was able to free them up w/PB Blaster and drove them out with a hammer and drift.Also is the balljoint supposed to "pop" in to the steering knuckle,I got the control bolts on and then put a jack under the balljoint and lifted it until it was flush with the rubber boot and then tighened the pinch bolt(it didn't fall back out,so I guess it's in OK).The front end was 100 percent tighter after my 4 hours of labor.I took the car for a road test and the steering was tracking fine but I did recommend an alignment.
Nice car,first time I ever drove a FWD volvo.I have had a dozen RWD models from '67-'90.
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philvo '86 245 215k,'90 240 196k,'87 SAAB 900 SPG 213k

When replacing the control arm/balljoint, I put the balljoint in first, then the control arm on the subframe, you can see when you have pushed the ball joint up far enough for the bolt to go through. Sounds like you got it anyway.
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Rich K. http://www.volvospeed.com/bay13.htm bay13@cox.net

Rich, After posting my message my friend called and the balljoint let go,luckily she was nearby at the McDonald's drivthru .I had the car towed back to my house and sure enough the balljoint popped out,so did the inner CV joint,tearing the boot.So.....I ordered a CV joint boot kit and I'll make sure I put the balljoint in first.Any tips on the CV joint?
Thanks, Phil
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philvo '86 245 215k,'90 240 196k,'87 SAAB 900 SPG 213k

If the installation was done correctly, the ball joint should never pop out. what went wrong? Hell, I almost don't believe you when you say it popped out. The nut bolt used as the "pinch" should in no way allow this. Again, what went wrong?

What went wrong was I didn't have the balljoint all the way into the the slot.
when I fixed it I saw where I went wrong.I needed to pry the slot open a little.
Ended up being a w/e project.
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philvo '86 245 212k,'90 240 197k,'87 SAAB 900 SPG 213k