240 General: Shock absorber replacement cost.

[Old_Car_Driver]

Great tip about the gas pipe, why did i not think of that - Im a Plumber lol! I was going to use lots of nuts, but pipe will do the job much better.

[Old_Car_Driver]

The bottom ball joint I was lucky with, all bolts came out surprisingly swiftly. But, still got a bit of play in the front suspension. I've done the wheel bearing, so I guess the only thing left is the top strut bush/mount ? Im starting to think the only original thing left on my car soon will be the clock, it would have been quicker to build a kit car. At least most parts are still available and I will hopefully have something very reliable at the end of it all

[MazakMan]

Originally Posted by Old_Car_Driver

But, still got a bit of play in the front suspension. I've done the wheel bearing, so I guess the only thing left is the top strut bush/mount ?

And the wishbone bushes and depending which way the play is the track rod ends, steering rack ball joints and the rack itself...

Probably the bushes though; easy enough to change.

Isaac

[Ashley Studdal]

I have yet to familiarize myself with the various mechanical bits under my Volvo as I've only had it a week. Today is going to be my fettling day - to look round it (above the waistline) and see how good or bad various bits are.

I am in a lucky position working at a main dealer so I will attempt stuff on a Saturday morning knowing that there are technicians standing close by. Even so I'd rather give them cash money to do some of the rotten jobs rather than do them myself.

Having played with cars for the last 25 years (I am only young!) I have learnt the golden rule that was hammered into me from the start. And that is 'THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A 'JUST' JOB !' Always expect it to take longer, be harder, go wronger, be more seized etc than you first anticipated. And if it's not then you are lucky !

My 2p worth.

[Old_Car_Driver]

Wise words indeed. I would say though that if you have access to Dealer facilities then you are in a good situation. The number of times when a 4 post lift would have made life so much easier, or some air-tools, both of which I sadly don't have!

Regarding the rear suspension. Can anybody who has had to cut off the lower bolt tell me where they got a replacement from? The local hardware store has a M12 x 150mm bolt, which is the correct size and length. But they only sell normal steel bolts, where as I would guess the original is Hi-tensile or strengthened steel? I don't want my rear suspension collapsing on the motorway

[MazakMan]

Originally Posted by Old_Car_Driver

Can anybody who has had to cut off the lower bolt tell me where they got a replacement from? The local hardware store has a M12 x 150mm bolt, which is the correct size and length. But they only sell normal steel bolts, where as I would guess the original is Hi-tensile or strengthened steel? I don't want my rear suspension collapsing on the motorway

Volvo dealer?

Isaac

[Old_Car_Driver]

Originally Posted by MazakMan

Volvo dealer?

Isaac

I guess Volvo dealer is the logical place, mine is not that near, I just wondered if anyone else had got one from somewhere like B&Q or similar?

[MazakMan]

You could PM "Rufe" on the forum; he runs a mail order service from a dealership, I'm sure he could help you.

Isaac

[marcmarel]

Typical bolt on Volvo suspension is grade 8.8, which is nothing special and what you would find in most hardware stores.

[Old_Car_Driver]

Originally Posted by marcmarel

Typical bolt on Volvo suspension is grade 8.8, which is nothing special and what you would find in most hardware stores.

Great, that's exactly what I needed to know, if it's 8.8 then nothing special, I can get them locally.
I wrongly assumed it would need to be 12.9 or something very strong to support the shock. May be that's why my original one had bowed slightly and was such a pig to get out! Cheers