Hey all,

I'm still hearing a lot of clunks/thuds in the rear of the car particularly going 20-40 mph over bumps/smaller potholes/man-hole covers, etc. I had all my struts/shocks replaced with the Bilstein HDs and the ride is much firmer but I'm still hearing the noises. I just figured that the thuds/clunks were coming from my rear shocks because they were shot but I guess not. From the responses of one of my previous posts I had the front driver-side control-arm bushing and bracket replaced and the gland nuts checked/tightened which seemed to alleviate the front from clunking. I don't know if spacer shims were installed for the front. For the rear, the rear sway bar links/bushings are all new from IPD installed with the swaybars so they shouldn't be a problem. What's my next step to stop these annoyances?? The ride feels tight but the noises certainly don't help!!

Thanks in advance!!!
-Adam

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'92 244GL silver-metallic, 141k, Hella 550 Front Fogs, K&N filter w/modded box (no thermostat, and screens), Bilstein HDs w/strut plates, IPD anti-sway bars and upper and lower chassis braces, Volvo 240 OEM rear wing/spoiler, Unitek cam and header sooooon

I agree with this gang. Probably Control arm Bushings. If you have about 150000 miles you are do for them.

It could also be the exhaust "rubber bands"
One other thought, I killed a weekend because my spare tire strap wasn't quite right and the tire and jack would hop a bit on the bumps. That was the last thing I checked : )
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'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwr and two motorcycles: it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me

Sterndogg,
Have you replaced the trailer arm bushings? I would tend to agree wit da Raidman; however, I must say that I've replaced every bushing, shock, strut, coil, ball joint, etc. and every now and then I get a clunk from the rear. After much searching and contemplating I am beginning to believe it is the Boge Pro Gas shock (rear) itself. But, it could be as simple as a muffler hanger...you just have to crawl under the car and tinker around. However, from your post I learned that the occasional clunk I'm getting in the front is probably due to an improperly torqued gland nut...so thanks!
Also, I wanted to post you up because I am have trouble finding a Magnaflow muffler and catalytic converter for my 1990 240. Can you reccommend a supplier, part numbers, cat. size, or any information as to where I can get these goods for my ride. When I search on-line most suppliers dont offer Magnaflow for Volvos. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Peace and Boogie on, Jon

Jon,

Thanks for the post. Regarding the Magnaflow exhaust system, as of right now I'm still on stock but waiting for a new header and cam to arrive for the brick. My exhaust is totally rotted (right now just running on the front muffler) but want a 2.5" system to match the header. Could either go with IPD's 2.25" system (a little pricey), go with a rear turbo 2.5" muffler and cat (still might go that route) or get an aftermarket stainless cat and one rear muffler aka Magnaflow. I've heard good things about them and went to my local shop. They told me that Magnaflow does NOT makes systems for Volvo but they can install one of their stainless universal 2.5" cats and 2.5" mufflers then finish off the end with a nice chrome/stainless tip. I didn't want a cheap "rice" sound and was assured that the exhaust note would have a solid drone. For piping you can either go stainless mandrel bent piping (expensive) or aluminized which would still be solid but cheaper. If I go the Magnoflow route probably do aluminized. I don't have any part numbers right now but go to www.magnaflow.com (if you haven't already) and check under universal. Hopefully this week the header will arrive and I'll get more info and let you know!

Best,
Adam


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'92 244GL silver-metallic, 142k, Hella 550 Front Fogs, K&N filter w/modded box (no thermostat, and screens), Bilstein HDs w/upper strut plates, IPD anti-sway bars and upper and lower chassis braces, Volvo 240 OEM rear wing/spoiler, waiting on cam and header

mine does the same going over bumps at any speed. I need to repace the rubber hangers that hold the muffler up. It's the muffler pipe hitting against the rear axle....nothing really to wrry about...just really annoying.

Cheers,
SM
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90 BMW 325is, 98 BMW 528i, 90 Volvo 240DL

same thing happened on my 92 240. No noises until I installed Bilsteins on all 4 wheels. Me and a mechanic friend searched everywhere. Only way I got rid of the clunks was to replace the rear bilsteins with Boges.

Ditto the el Raidman suggestion. And while you're back there, also swap out the torque arm bushings and the Panhard rod bushings. For the torque rods, the urethane (I really don't think the material is *poly* -urethane!) bushings offer a bit less flex with barely noticeable increase in ride harshness. Available from fcpgroton and IPD, plus others.

Sounds like an old girlfriend I had once!
Nest is the rear control arm bushings..the BIG ones. You will need the IPD bushing tool to remove and intall them...or you can make your own tool..check the archives.
el Raidman