What are the symptoms of worn sway bar end links?

I think this is my problem, but I have just recently moved (college!) and so don't have a relationship with a mechanic and/or dealer yet so I'd like to have a good idea of what's wrong before bringing it in...

Thanks!
Scott Silverman
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'98 S70 T5-M - Tropic Green w/ tan, Spoiler, Fog Lights, CD-6/CD-3 Changer, External Amp, Cold Weather Pkg, Sunroof, Antenna Down Switch, OEM Strut Brace, OEM Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Anything from a tap to a knock when going over bumps, even small ones. Not dependant on steering wheel position. If the car is jacked up, you can feel play in the ends of the links. Pull in and out and up and down, any clicking and you've found the problem, or one of them. In your car we see a couple of things causing that same type of noise going over bumps. Sway bar links take first place, they're under a lot of strain because the sway bar in these cars plays a big role in stability. Tied for second are Struts and Balljoints. Struts and upper strut mounts go bad occaisonally. Pop the hood and kneel on the bumper, watch and feel the top of the strut as you bounce that corner. If there's a lot more up and down movement on one side, that's the disease. Ball joints are trickier to diagnose ithout being able to lift the car up and pull on the control arm. Most shops/ dealer's don't charge anything to diagnose a suspension problem, because they want you to have them do the work. Best of luck.
Keep those steering stops greased,
Chris
Shop Manager, Mitchell Volvo Service

Actually, funny you should mention that, because it's exactly what I noticed yesterday in my 99 S70 GLT. If I bound the car, I can feel the driver side upper strut move more than the passenger one. Are you saying this is a bad mount, strut or both?

CR's response above corresponds exactly with my experience w/2001 v70 T5 (30k). The car is in for the third time for new sway bar ends. Also strut bushings to be replaced. I picked it up yesterday and took it back after test drive (small improvement but still knocking over road joints). Dealer service intends to replace struts today. I wish they would go straight to ball joints, because in addition to sway bar ends, that is what has fixed the problems previously. Were I not of a phlegmatic disposition, I...would...be...extremely...upset.

Subframe bushings

I could hear a rattle while driving slowly over my driveway (500 yards long, and dirt) Grab the link with your hand and feel if there is any movement in either of the 2 ball joints in the link. If they have any play, I suggest replacing both.

I just did mine. I got them at www.eEuroParts.com Original factory volvo parts, for $19.90 each!
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RussB in Ct. - '96 855T- '91 940T - '93 850GLT (R.I.P. 6-16-02)