If you replace any part of the suspension on any one side, you should also replace the same part on the other side, INMO...Brakes are the same way...otherwise, before long you'll be in for the replacement on the other side anyway...also, replacing both sides helps maintain a balance between the 2 sides of the car in regards to tracking in a straight line on the highway and feel at the steering wheel, etc.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

Are you talking about a creaking sound at very low speed and at full cock? If so, this is quite normal. I don't believe Borton would steer you wrong...they know what they're talking about, but then again, follow the advise here, which is generally to grab the wheel and see if there is any play. Ball joints come on the end of an A-arm or Control Arm and are not way expensive (eeuroparts has them for a reasonable cost) but after replacment you'll have to get an alignment, etc., and it still might not get rid of your problem.

If the problem is at full cock, look under the car where the suspension is and you'll see 2 plastic looking square pieces (about 2 inches or so big) that meet up when you turn the wheel all the way. Greasing these often gets rid of the squeeking.
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1998 S70 T5 Emarald Green Metallic, 2004 V70 2.5T Ruby Red, Previous Owner of Black '94 850 Turbo Wagon

Sir,

Find another dealer if they can quickly and definitively indicate to you whether your ball joints are worn or not. A quick grab and shake of the relevant wheel will give you and immediate idea of whether there is too much play in the lower suspension; any dealer/repair facility that can't not ascertain this quickly is not one to patronize. Best regards.

One thing you might want to try is to get the car on a lift and check the play in the wheel. If you've got some - replace the ball joints on both wheels. I had mine replaced on my 850 GLT and what a difference !!

On mine it's a control arm with the ball joint and they cost about $125 a piece.

On that creaking sound - I had that too and I think it's in the strut mount.; Nothing serious I believe.

Hi Chuck,

I just had exactly the same experience with my 2002XC with only 40K kms. on it. After the dealer replaced the left lower ball joint, to my delight the noise disappeared. Also, for your information, if they can't find the problem in the shop, they can now "wire up" your car with listening devices to help them localize the source of the noise while you're driving the car. Ask about that if everything else fails.

Regards - Morty