I could use some tips or advice on replacing the upper and lower bushings on the torque arms(is this what they're called).they keep the axle stabilized and they're shot, I can feel it while holding the shifter and the shifter rocks while going thru the gears and when letting off the gas and re-acellerating and it may also be causing a loud knock on certain bumps in the road, I'm not ready for nivomat replacement yet due to $$$$. the small bushing in the front is straight forward but the big one on the back of arm is where I have concern. I already have the bushings but i dont want to damage it while pressing it in.It is a strange looking bushing since it's a smaller diameter on the inside which means the first part pressed in is larger and I dont want to damage it, this is where I may have a problem since the bushing appears that it will be compressed quite a bit pressing the leading edge thru and could easilly be damaged or ripped. If you have any tips on this please let me know. When I bought the bushings the complete arn could not be ordered. Volvo wants at least $110.00 per arm so it was easy to look else where. thanks Dave
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83 242 DL , 92-965, 94-965

I finally got the arms back in after 2 days of struggaling,a few(make that many) choice words, a lot of different pry tools and a very sore back.But the good news is that it appeared to take care of a few other problems,it shifts smoother, the shake is gone in the shifter handle and the rear suspension even feels tighter.iwas trying to cure 1 problem and in the process a couple of other things were fixed.
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83 242 DL , 92-965, 94-965

got the rear bushings replaced, leaving the fronts alone,still look O.K. I'm having trouble getting the bolts in though,spent hours trying and gave up for the day. the bolts just wont go straight thru. have help coming in the morning.
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83 242 DL , 92-965, 94-965

Believe it or not, the big bushings actually go on rather easily, lube them up with silicone spray and they pop right in using nothing more complicated than a vise. On the other hand, the small bushings are a BEAR! I am thoroughly convinced you MUST have a tool to get them in correctly without damage. The good news is, they rarely fail. Although I have replaced the big ones on my 945 (chunks were falling out), w/180k the small ones are still going strong.

Goldy is right, the thumping is more likely to be tranny/motor mounts. Also check the driveshaft center bearing carrier. Excessive play here is usually heard/felt under load (accelerating from a complete stop or hard acceleration at speed with a heavy load).
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Bob Kraushaar '94 945T, '91 940T(back from retirement), '88 240, '84 242T, '94 F-150, '89 560 SL, '68 Shelby GT-500 KR

Are the 900 bushings substantially different from the 240 bushings??

Check the 200 series archives - I recently read an archive file that mentioned a "home brew" bushing tool. The contributor provided a link to his website that even had pictures of the tool, and how to make it and how to use it. I just finished replacing the front bushings on my 78 242 and it made a huge difference. Now I am going to fabricate the tool, and replace the rear bushings.

Also- if you are getting a lot of shifter motion, not a bad idea to replace the engine mounts and the transmission mount. The right engine mount goes soft easy from the heat of the exhaust, and any oil that drips on it during oil changes.

Good luck.

thanks for the replys,the 900 bushings are completely different from the 240's, there's a torque arm at the top and bottom of the axle just next to the differential and they hold the axle from trying to rotate under torque, a small one in the front and the back one about 3 1/2 inchs tall does all the work and gets soft allowing the axle to rotate slightly clock and counter clockwise which is what i think i'm feeling in the shifter. it's good to know that the rear can be replaced with more ease than i expected and if the front still looks good i'll leave it be. i did invest in a 12 ton press($90.00 at harbor frieght)and if i dont use it now there will always be another time. you cant have enough tools now can you? i'll update on the results here in a couple of days.
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83 242 DL , 92-965, 94-965