Volvo RWD 200 Forum

INDEX FOR 1/2026(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 4/2004 200 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


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

Re: Control-arm Bushing Clunk.. 200 82

That was my "discovery". Actually pretty common, but little discussed.

Weird thing is the anecdotal evidence seems to point at the drivers side more. Nothing statistical. Maybe just the guy that likes fine Italian food in the sagging drivers seat......ie just like Mr. Hernia.

The way to check if the large rear control arm bushing is loose in the bracket is to back straight with some velocity. Hit the brakes, hard. Set the parking brake, get out and see if there is a gap between the bracket and the steel bushing outside shell lip. It may be visible if gross. If not get back in the car and pull straight forward and hit the brakes. Did it clunk right under your feet?

Anyhow the good news is the fix is cheap and easy!!! Just buy a new left lower control arm bracket ( about $25???) and bushing. Press them together. (It's obvious how they go together - but if in doubt look at the old set up on the car). Take the old one off. ( Jack car up, remove wheel. Three mounting boltz and the control arm nut). Reassemble. Torque bushing nut with weight on car. Done.

Some shops do resize the brackets and sell 'em for $10-$20. But new brackets are not that much more and how soon before the resized unit stretches. Maybe you can reuse the bushing if new and not galled/missing metal from the intial press.

Good luck - hope its not the strut bearings!!!







<< < > >>



©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.