Suspension: - S40 wishbones and linkage

Supercar40 · Nov 8th, 2014, 20:48

Hello,
I acquired a 2001 S40 1.8 which needs some work.
The front suspension makes some noises and I found out it needs new drop links and new suspension arms (wishbones) with new ball joints.

I can get the job done for half the UK price but it's 1000 miles away. I was going to drive that distance with a different car (newer one) but I'm wondering if I should take the Volvo and get the problems sorted there.

Is it safe to drive such a distance with nocking suspension?
The car passed an MOT 3 months ago with no advisories (well... none that haven't been sorted) so I was thinking it should be safe but I am not sure.

kieran40 · Nov 8th, 2014, 23:08

Why not do the job yourself, the drop links are easy,the wishbone is a fairly easy job aswell. The car would be safe if you took it easy i wouldn't want to do any great speed on worn suspension.

pierremcalpine · Nov 9th, 2014, 13:57

the links will make a racket when they are going but even if one broke you would still be able to drive. You would float a ton around corners but as long as you took it easy you would be fine. Having a wishbone fail would not be a good thing but these things are very sturdy. If it were me (and diy was not an option) I would definitely risk the trip. Good luck!

happy diver · Nov 9th, 2014, 19:31

Obviously the thoughts of people attempting to fit a foot into a lost sock.
Never driven a thousand miles in their lives.
Hey, I'll pay the petrol....

Supercar40 · Nov 10th, 2014, 16:46

DIY on suspension would definitely not be my cup of tea, even if it is an easy job. I'm more of a screwdriver and a soldering gun type of mechanic

I might do the drive and get some other issues with the car sorted there.

The bloke will do it for less than the cost of parts here in the UK - amazing.

pierremcalpine · Nov 10th, 2014, 16:55

something to note, aftermarket links are notorious for lasting about 2 years then failing again. If you are planning on keeping the vehicle for a while, you may want to splurge on some OEM's. You can get a good deal through Ruffe/Swansea by quoting the member discount - just do a search on the forum and his name/coordinates will show up.

My after-markets went like clock-work after almost exactly two years...

How bad are your wishbones anyway?

kieran40 · Nov 10th, 2014, 22:40

Piermacalpine in the uk you are lucky if the drop links last a year lol, are roads are shocking full of holes, and secondry to that speed humps on just about every road,poor suspension

if it gets any worse we will all be in 4x4's lol.

Nov 8th, 2014, 20:48	#1
Supercar40 New Member Last Online: May 31st, 2017 22:15 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: London	S40 wishbones and linkage Hello, I acquired a 2001 S40 1.8 which needs some work. The front suspension makes some noises and I found out it needs new drop links and new suspension arms (wishbones) with new ball joints. I can get the job done for half the UK price but it's 1000 miles away. I was going to drive that distance with a different car (newer one) but I'm wondering if I should take the Volvo and get the problems sorted there. Is it safe to drive such a distance with nocking suspension? The car passed an MOT 3 months ago with no advisories (well... none that haven't been sorted) so I was thinking it should be safe but I am not sure.

Nov 9th, 2014, 13:57	#3
pierremcalpine Premier Member Last Online: Jan 3rd, 2024 14:43 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Toronto Canada	the links will make a racket when they are going but even if one broke you would still be able to drive. You would float a ton around corners but as long as you took it easy you would be fine. Having a wishbone fail would not be a good thing but these things are very sturdy. If it were me (and diy was not an option) I would definitely risk the trip. Good luck! __________________ 2003 V40 1.9T B4204T4, 197,000miles (sold but alive!), 2004 S60 2.5T, 160,000miles, 2010 V70 3.2, 125,000miles, 2002 V70XC 2.4, 175,000miles Click here for my x40 and V70 P3 repair guides

Nov 9th, 2014, 19:31	#4
happy diver Active Member Moment Last Online: Apr 29th, 2023 05:58 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Brisbane: perfect for one day, asleep the rest	Obviously the thoughts of people attempting to fit a foot into a lost sock. Never driven a thousand miles in their lives. Hey, I'll pay the petrol.... __________________ 20,000 leagues under the sea diving to adventure in a silent world with my ceiling the waves...Emile

Nov 10th, 2014, 16:55	#6
pierremcalpine Premier Member Last Online: Jan 3rd, 2024 14:43 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Toronto Canada	something to note, aftermarket links are notorious for lasting about 2 years then failing again. If you are planning on keeping the vehicle for a while, you may want to splurge on some OEM's. You can get a good deal through Ruffe/Swansea by quoting the member discount - just do a search on the forum and his name/coordinates will show up. My after-markets went like clock-work after almost exactly two years... How bad are your wishbones anyway? __________________ 2003 V40 1.9T B4204T4, 197,000miles (sold but alive!), 2004 S60 2.5T, 160,000miles, 2010 V70 3.2, 125,000miles, 2002 V70XC 2.4, 175,000miles Click here for my x40 and V70 P3 repair guides Last edited by pierremcalpine; Nov 10th, 2014 at 16:58.

Nov 8th, 2014, 23:08	#2
kieran40 I've Been Banned Last Online: Mar 4th, 2023 12:36 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: paignton	Why not do the job yourself, the drop links are easy,the wishbone is a fairly easy job aswell. The car would be safe if you took it easy i wouldn't want to do any great speed on worn suspension.

Nov 10th, 2014, 16:46	#5
Supercar40 New Member Last Online: May 31st, 2017 22:15 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: London	DIY on suspension would definitely not be my cup of tea, even if it is an easy job. I'm more of a screwdriver and a soldering gun type of mechanic I might do the drive and get some other issues with the car sorted there. The bloke will do it for less than the cost of parts here in the UK - amazing.

Nov 10th, 2014, 22:40	#7
kieran40 I've Been Banned Last Online: Mar 4th, 2023 12:36 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: paignton	Piermacalpine in the uk you are lucky if the drop links last a year lol, are roads are shocking full of holes, and secondry to that speed humps on just about every road,poor suspension if it gets any worse we will all be in 4x4's lol.

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