My 1991 volvo 240 has 130k miles, with all original suspension equipment. The ride is OK, except for a clunking noise over bumps coming from the front left side. I have checked/torqued various suspension bolts to rule that out. Last week, I replace the rear shocks with "brand-x" from a local auto parts store. While under the car, I noticed the ball joints seem worn, with torn rubber material on both sides.

At 130k miles, which option do you recommend, and why?
- buy just the parts immediately needed ($30-$40 for left/right ball joints)
- perform more diagnostics, perhaps taking to a shop, to verify the real problem
- buy a front suspension kit and replace everything ($75 for tie rods, ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar end link bushings, nuts & bolts)

[[ southern fried volvo, 91 240 130k mi ]]