I've got a problem with my car weaving. Here are the things i've changed and since noticed the problem but before did not and things i know are wrong with it. I put four new Bilstien shocks onto the car. A new idler arm bushing from ipd. This part, unlike the old one with was caked in volvo underspray, allows the idler arm to move an inch up and down. Also i know that two ball-joints are out on the passenger side and will be here tomarrow. The car weaves on the road above 40 mph and now is so sensitive to the smallest steering input that i am almost throw off the road. It feels like there is too much toe-in or out. In corners the wheels now squeal at the slightest imput as to the rear wheels when i put to much throattle in. My car just doesn't feel right. Is it that new idler arm bushing?

Are you sure nut and washer is right home?. Maybe wrong bush, too short.

It is a '73 1800ES. It's not the kind of play you imagining i think. The idler arm is allowed to move VERTICALLY on the bushing up and down by and inch. The new bushing is completely smooth and though it fits and look pretty much the same, it sure doesn't act that same. is that right? should the idler arm be allowed to move up and down an inch on the bushing? In my mind it seems like the steering alignment would change as this happened.

I'd like you to give me a call regarding that idler bushing on your '66 or later 1800. I've installed a few and have had no problems-zero play.
Thanks,
Shayne (ipd)
800-444-6473

You need to find out why the idler arm moves up and down. Did you press the
bushing into the arm? (or is it the kind that has the arm and shaft together?
Can't tell since you didn't put the year)
Sounds like a pretty dangerous situation to me. (Got ice on the street
outside right now so it would be especially bad here!)
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Did you fit complete idler arm or just bushing?. Regardless you must find cause of movement. motion of pitman arm tranfers to idler arm, 1/4" is maximum allowable play. With 1", lost motion between both arms will alter toe both ways. Not sure if volvo,s have different size shaft and bush on different models, is play up and down or like shaft is too small for bush?. Some Holden cars in Australia have different length idler arms and if not matched to pitman can create symptons like you describe. Regards Jack McIntyre.