Anti Roll Bar Mount
 

I’ve a ‘97 850R. The ARB bushes look worn. On this car are the bushes separate or are they bonded onto the bar? If bonded does the whole bar have to be replaced? Will I need to drop the rear of the front subframe to do this? Last question, is my 850R what is known as a P2 chassis? Thanks.

The early 850 had separate bushes but they were forever noisy so they started to bond them around 1994 so yes, if there is sign of becoming un-bonded from the bar , a new bar would be best.

No need to replace the bar, a repair kit is available, need to know the diameter of the arb fitted though

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...520cb073a46357

Volvo again is spot on. Its also worth mentioning that really this is your best approach as Volvo don't sell the ARBs anymore.

Info on finding what diameter you need is in the pfv link, all you need is your chassis number. Or you check the colour of the ARB, but given its age that's probably a no go :p

Nonyou don't have to drop rear half of subfrsme to replace bushes.

No your 850 is not a P2 Volvo. It's a P80 Volvo 850R - though it is Phase 2. P2 refers to the Ford era of C/V70s, V50s etc.

Thanks guys. So I should be able to jack up the front of the car, remove wheels and drop-links, undo ARB bush housings, remove ARB, replace bushes and then install it all back together? Last time I looked access to the bolts on the bush housing looked really tricky to get to, that’s why I assumed you need to drop the rear of the subframe to get suitable access.

No need to remove arb, you only need to remove the old bushing and brackets. New one slips over and then the new bracket bolts over. It is tight and definitely tricky, but it is doable. Unless I'm losing my mind and getting models confused :D

Thanks, I’ll order the bushes and give it a try. Another unrelated question, if I may. My heater matrix is discoloured and I’ve no evidence it has been changed before (actually I’ve little history at all so not much evidence of anything!). Should I be changing the supplying steel pipes as well as the matrix itself.

Just the matrix. Your 97 already has the uprated pipes. Be sure to buy new o-rings. Volvo sell them, make sure you get them from there as the seal isn't any good otherwise...they have a slightly different profile to standard.

ARB wise, if you can't quote get access then you'll need to drop the rear of the subframe as you said. Loosening the steering column at the firewall will be the best way to deal with that.

Great, thanks.

As above, just the matrix. A common failure point on these, but easy to replace - much easier than you'd think! Just remember when buying a replacement, you pretty much get what you pay for, so beware of ultra-cheap parts.....