1986 240 auto non-turbo, The right front wheel has started vibrating and wobbling badly at 58 through 65 then smooths out ovr 65. Feels like the wheel will come off! What is the problem? Thanks, CC

Chris,

My 86 had a bad ball joint on the drivers side. I was able to replace the worn ball joint without removing the strut. Still had an alignment done anyway.

Happy brickin'

Brian

86 240 GL

Worn tyre, damaged tyre (might not necessarily be visible damage but the carcass could be iffy), unbalanced wheel/tyre, buckled wheel, bent or loose suspension or steering component, loose wheel bearing, any of the above badly out of alignment. Take your pick my friend.

Regards,

Big Rich.
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This is a 245 Volvo...the most powerful wagon it the world...d'ya feel lucky Punk?

Most common: Balljoint, tie rod end.

Second: Wheel bearing.

To test them, it's easiest to get that corner elevated, take off the wheel, and start feeling for play in any one of those.

A torn boot is practically a sign of a bad component, either right now or very shortly. All of them are pretty easy to replace, especially the balljoints and tie rod ends.
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Chris Herbst, near Chicago, IL. 93 940, 91 240, 90 240, 88 740, 87 240

Chris -

My usual is to do as you said, but not to remove the wheel. Grasp and shake the wheel. FIRST, with hands at 3:00 and 9:00. Play means Tie Rod (either end) and/or ball joint. SECOND, with hands at Noon and 6:00. Play means wheel bearing.

My experience with wheel bearings is that they will be good after the car has been dead and buried for many years. I've seen them with less grease that I would like, but never seen one gaulded out like my old Ford would do. How is your experience with them?

Regards,

Bob

:>)

PS Still have a surplus 245?

You're right--it's easier to test a wheel bearing with the wheel attached, especially if your brake rotors aren't held on by the little retainer bolt. Then you could get a mushy test for sure.

I've never--actually NEVER--seen a bad front 240 wheel bearing, but I've seen plenty of them with more play than they should have. I noticed that, as the cars really get up in miles, the wheel bearings need readjustment. I've done a lot of them, and from my own experience on my OWN cars, it's been a positive addition to the car's behavior. Mostly because it stops some annoying "loose" feeling clunks from the front end.

That said, it's still only a small detail, less likely than the suspension parts.
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Chris Herbst, near Chicago, IL. 93 940, 91 240, 90 240, 88 740, 87 240