My 86 240DL with 46,000 orginal miles has a very harsh ride. I replaced the rear shocks, springs, and main rear bushing about 6 months ago. This was done becase of a saging rear end, and while it was in the air it was evident that the bushing needed replacement.

My question is....even before all of this, both the front and rear ends were very harsh (when I go over a bump you hear a loud thump and it feels like there are no springs at all). Based on the age (18 years old), do all of the bushings need replacement? I don't think the front struts have ever been replaced.

Thanks in advance for any input...

I would expect that it's time to replace the struts and shocks with new Boge or Sachs brand struts. These should be soft and restore the original ride, which I always find to be a bit Buick-like in a stock 240. My old 86 was one of the most comfortable cars I've had. (My wife's 740 is a bit more comfortable by design though.)
Anyway, replace the front struts at least. The rear shocks may be ok if htey were just done and are a good brand.
Definitely plan to replace the large bushings behind the front control arms. They're $6 to $20 each depending on the source (aftermarket or Volvo OEM).
Not hard to replace yourself or have a shop do them. Always need replacing on any car this age.
Also inspect all ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends for wear and play- none is allowed.
Good luck with it.
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 225K, 88 744GLE- 209K, 91 244 183K. Also responsible for the care and feeding of: 88 745GLE, 229K, 88 244GL, 146K, 87 244DL, 235K, 88 245DL, 236K

Worn shocks and or struts will cause a harsh ride as well as worn bushings. The bushings will also contribute to alignment problems as the car can be aligned perfect but as soon as it leaves the alignment machine, things shift and you are out of alignment again. Replacing worn bushings will certenaly help but keep in mind, using neoprene bushings will give you a slightly stiffer ride although they last longer they don't allow the give that original ones do that help soften the ride, so there is a little trade off there. Neoprene will also help on handling due to the fact they don't give as much. Just like automatic transmissions........... manufactures tend to soften the shift a little so most drivers don't complain about harsh shifts. The bad part about this is that a soft shift is usualy obtained by a slight slippage in the bands or clutch disks. Think of a stick shift and when you shift you let the clutch out slower so it is smoother............... This causes more wear than a faster shift. The same goes with the tougher bushings, less give and a slightly harsher ride that many might complain about because they want a ride like a much heaver car would give so they don't use neoprene. If you don't mind the slightly harder ride and want to improve handling use neoprene as they will last longer. Good shocks are somewhat the same way too. Also check your tire pressuress are that where the manufacture recommends ? Also how are they wearing................ if they are even except worn in the center they are overinflated, worn on both outside edges but good in the center........... too soft. Worn on one edge and not the other........... alignment.
Good luck and happy motering.
Dennis

Age and conditions, regardless of miles, can break down rubber componets. Take a good look at all rubber bushings, don't forget the front and rear sway bars.

As for the front struts......try to get the front bouncing by pushing on the very front of the front fenders. If the front doesn't feel a bit firmer, after several pushes, you may need new struts.

If your not the original owner, there is no way knowing what has been done, suspension wise. That is, unless a complete set of maintenance records came with the car.

Hope this helps.

Al
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84, 242GLTi, 167K, 4+OD, in hibernation; 89, 245 DL, 240K, M 47, daily driver; 93, 245, auto, 167K ; and other toys.

Interesting question... personally, I would think that any 18yr old bushings is on its way out... or, if you will, lived a full life.

What do you mean by "harsh" as far as the new rear set-up is concerned? Does it still thump/clunk?

What kind of springs & shocks did you put in the rear?

Who did the work -an indy Volvo mechanic, a friend, a crackhead claiming to be a mechanic?

The front struts, mounts, springs, suspension components, and associated bushings definitely should be thoroughly inspected... if not replaced to match the performance of the rear. This could, very well, be a contributing fatcor to the harsh ride you are experiencing.