I've got an occasional suspension rattle on rough pavement in the front. I've uploaded a picture of the top of the strut inside the engine compartment. There appears to be space between the bearing dust cap and the upper spring seat - I think that's what they are, if I'm reading my Chilton's right.

Should there be this gap? Could it be the source of the noise I'm hearing?
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Charles Grammer - '93 245 (139K), '96 850 (170K)

I had a noise on my 96 850T that did not happen all the time when I hit a bump. I thought something was loose. Turns out it was the lower ball joint.

Good luck
Al

Checked the IPD site for sway bar links and they show how to check them with a channel-lock pliers. The lower right connection on mine definitely has movement, so it looks like it's time for two new links.
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Charles Grammer - '93 245 (138K), '96 850 (166K)

A relatively common problem on the 850 is for the front strut bushings to go bad and start to make a thumping sound when you hit a bump. There's one on the top of each strut assy. Because of the large spring tension you really can't tell if they're bad unless the strut is taken apart. The "indy" term refers to an independent "non dealer" associated mechanic.

If the sway bar links are the source of the noise you can wiggle the loose coupling very easily (you don't need to raise the car, just turn the wheels to one stop or the other). If the spring seats/strut mounts are loose, the upper end of the strut can be wiggled fore and aft or left or right - just grab the central stud. Again you would not raise the car; otherwise you will put tension on the seat and it won't move even if loose. Are you sure you don't have a loose ball joint? You would need to check that with a pry bar or other lever to see if the control arm and steering knuckle are separable at all. For that you would want to raise the car to take as much spring force off the ball joint as possible.

The space is OK.

Sounds like you may want to check your sway bar links. These tend to go bad and can cause noises.

However, unless you know how to check these things- best take the car to a good indy mechanic.

Hello,


I have notice on the board a few times the term Indy Mechanic and is wondering exactly what is that? Not really a car guy.

Thanks,
Carl

Independant non-volvo dealer

Right. I replaced the sway bars on my 240, so I'm familiar with the concept. I'll take a look at them on this car. Thanks.
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Charles Grammer - '93 245 (138K), '96 850 (170K)