For about 8 months now I have had clicking from the rear of the car and it certainly indicates the rear trailing arm bushings. Questions is though:

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED THAT THE BRACKET HOLES FOR THE BUSHING ARE OVALS NOW AND I NEED TO LOOK FOR A NEW AXLE?

It clicks pretty bad now, but the work is going to be done a about 8 days. I just don't want to get into it and realize i need a new axle and then take it somewhere and start all over again.

Thanks everyone for the help on this subject.
Chuck
'88 244 164K

Ok, thanks. I am relieved to know that my problem will not get worse in the next 8 days. I am in the process of making a bushing tool and PB blasting has started.

Thanks everyone
Chuck

Usually, the degradation occurs in the rubber between the inner and outer steel sleeves. It is possible that if the rubber has deteriorated to a point that the sleeves are hammered back and forth excessively, the bracket may deform, However, I would assume that this be an extreme example.

I changed my bushings about 3 months ago. You do realize that the rings on the axle and the bushings themselves have a slight oval shape to them. This is so they clock right when you put them in. The new bushings are clearly marked which side faces down. I rented an enhanced Volvo tool from a man in KC for 35 dollars...worked great. Ask for his name on the site.

Hey ,

you ABSOLUTELY needs the bushing tool to remove and install the bushings of trailing arm.

Here you can found how to make one at your own!!

http://www-ese.fnal.gov/People/wilcer/volvo_trailing_arm_bushing_tool.htm


succes
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240 '88 B200K wite sedan 255K km Europe virgo+all turbo gauges, Phoenix Gold + Kenwood ampli, Focal door speakers + tweeters, Kenwood 6'x 9', 10 CD changer in enlarged globe cabinet, dubble rear coil springs , hitch, fog lights, 2 extra rectangular pencil

I have never seen or heard of one doing that. The bushing is enclosed in its own steel sleeve that presses into the bracket so in order for it to damage the bracket I would think it would have to do some major damage to that sleeve. I don't think I would give it another thought.

I would however give some thought to spraying the area around the sleeve and bracket with PB Blaster or Kroil a number of times before you plan to remove the old bushings. Digging at the joint with a dental pick during the process will also allow the penetrant to do it job which will make bushing day a LOT easier. Accept no substitutes on the penetrant and good luck.

Randy

The only oval wear that could happen might be if the bolt had not been tightened properly in the past so that the centre of the bush was not properly gripped by the axle bracket or the bracket on the chassis. This is unlikely but if it had happened you would be in trouble because with oval holes the bolt might still not stay tight. If you are worried it would be worth having a careful look and trying to establish exactly where the play is. If the bolt is tight but the rubber worn, as is usual, you are fine.