Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 12/2009 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE Replies to this message will be emailed.    PRINT   SAVE 

Control arm / ball joint question - how to tell if needs replacing 850 1995

Hello all, I took my volvo in to Speedy Auto Service here in Canada to check a brake caliper (left front was overheating). They said the caliper looked fine but I needed two new front lower ball joints (with control arms) and one tie rod was loose--among other things. Totaling $1,100 CDN (approx $800US) in parts and labour.

Took the car to a friend of mine who knows about these things and had a look for ourselves. Took both wheels off, sprayed some liquid wrench on the suspect caliper pins, and couldn't wobble the rotor at all with a couple of lugs in place keeping the rotor in position on the hub--nothing indicated that the ball joints were worn. Grabbed both tie rods and couldn't get them to show any sign of being loose. Yanking them will all my strength couldn't product any motion at all.

Is there any other indicator that these parts need replacing? If the ball joints are worn, shouldn't that be indicated by some play in their connections?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It sure would be nice if I didn't have to drop a grand on this problem.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Control arm / ball joint question - how to tell if needs replacing 850 1995

    mine went at about 180k miles. I could feel the car sudddenly pull to one side whenever I stepped on the brakes. Took me about 45 minutes per side and cost around 145 bucks per side for parts. $1100 CAD is harsh.

    Claude








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Control arm / ball joint question - how to tell if needs replacing 850 1995

    you will know, trust me,

    I had the same work done on both car, they are famous for eating
    ball joints and control arm bushings,

    the car will rattle and vibrate, make awlful noises while turning sharp
    it was one of the cheaper repairs.

    its worth fixing ,

    93 850glt 5 speed 96k
    97 850 sportwagon 70k
    00 saab 9_5 se 34k








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Control arm / ball joint question - how to tell if needs replacing 850 1995

    Jack the car from the front center. With a bar or pipe try lifting on each wheel a loose ball joint will be evident as the wheel is lifted. The A frame can be ordered after market www.eEuroparts.com for $64 each vs. Volvo $175 each . I'm not sure about customs into Canada The replacement time is about 30 minutes each as long as the outer bolt has not rusted in place .








    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Control arm / ball joint question - how to tell if needs replacing 850 1995

      Raise the car's front, grab the wheelat the upper and lower part of the tire and move it with force back and forth in vertical plane. It should be tight. Any play indicates worn ball joints. Mine were found worn at 90K (miles) and boy were they worn bad! I could not believe my eyes, and I have not felt anything while driving.
      In case you need the control arms with ball joints, a have a set, genuine Volvo, both arms, $240 both +shipping. I bought them for my car but the warranty took care of the repair. Shiiping to Canada is not bad via UPS Ground, no idea what customs rules are there. E-mail to blanka007@aol.com
      Yuri







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.