Car Pulling Hard Left Under Braking

[XC90KidNI]

Just thought I’d share an update to this one to close it out.

The issue has been resolved. The fix, as many suggested, was to opt for genuine Volvo control arms.I also replaced both lower ball joints when I was in there. After that work, two new tyres and a wheel alignment (got 4 wheel alignment) was required.

Not a cheap exercise by any means - but has totally transformed the way the car drives. If I’d have known then what I know now, I’d have opted for the genuine arms in the first instance (I didn’t have a choice - arms were fitted by mechanic) - that way, my tyres(not too long new) could have possibly been saved also (the fitting of the non genuine arms + wheel alignment that was done after caused scuffing to the otter sides of the tread on both front tyres).

***************
Parts

Volvo Control Arms (+bolts) - £650
Ball Joints (x2) - £35
Pirelli Scorpion Tyres (x2) + 4 wheel alignment - £340

Non genuine arms + fitting - £220 (that I’ll never get back)

****************

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by XC90KidNI

Just thought I’d share an update to this one to close it out.

The issue has been resolved. The fix, as many suggested, was to opt for genuine Volvo control arms.I also replaced both lower ball joints when I was in there. After that work, two new tyres and a wheel alignment (got 4 wheel alignment) was required.

Not a cheap exercise by any means - but has totally transformed the way the car drives. If I’d have known then what I know now, I’d have opted for the genuine arms in the first instance (I didn’t have a choice - arms were fitted by mechanic) - that way, my tyres(not too long new) could have possibly been saved also (the fitting of the non genuine arms + wheel alignment that was done after caused scuffing to the otter sides of the tread on both front tyres).

***************
Parts

Volvo Control Arms (+bolts) - £650
Ball Joints (x2) - £35
Pirelli Scorpion Tyres (x2) + 4 wheel alignment - £340

Non genuine arms + fitting - £220 (that I’ll never get back)

****************

Eeeeesh that's a costly job.

FYI Volvo also supply the front and rear bushes separately for the control arms, so if you have access to a press it is possible to replace the bushes only to reduce the cost. They're about £150 a set, obvioulsy if you are paying a mechanic, the labour cost will be higher.

[ijmorrison]

I've found the best way to save money is to use FRF for parts and my friendly local mechanic is always happy to fit something when it arrives in a nice blue box on the passenger seat

Most mechanics hate / won't fit owner supplied parts due to ebay and the likes where you can get shocking quality - provide main dealer parts then it makes their life easier too !

[GR2250]

I have just been through a similar issue.

I had seen the comments about going with genuine parts, but figured I should be fine with aftermarket.

I replaced the arms and got the wheel alignment performed.

First time i hit the brakes and the car is doing its best to jump into the next lane.

I also had issues with the car wandering over bumps and tracking badly.

I ordered a set of powerflex urethane bushes and installed them in my original volvo LCAs.

A quick drive today and it was like night and day. Even without having the alignment performed yet, it felt solid and reliable. Underbraking it was dead straight.

No noticable difference in ride harshness or noise levels either.

The front bushes were the blue bushes, while the rear bushes were the black series.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GR2250

I have just been through a similar issue.

I had seen the comments about going with genuine parts, but figured I should be fine with aftermarket.

I replaced the arms and got the wheel alignment performed.

First time i hit the brakes and the car is doing its best to jump into the next lane.

I also had issues with the car wandering over bumps and tracking badly.

I ordered a set of powerflex urethane bushes and installed them in my original volvo LCAs.

A quick drive today and it was like night and day. Even without having the alignment performed yet, it felt solid and reliable. Underbraking it was dead straight.

No noticable difference in ride harshness or noise levels either.

The front bushes were the blue bushes, while the rear bushes were the black series.

Aftermarket really does depend which brand you buy. It sounds like the ones you bought sadly weren't very good. Meyle are very good for lower control arms, as are Lemforder.

There's mixed reviews on polyurethane bushings. Don't be surprised if you end up having to replace them much sooner than an actual standard control arm. Polyurethane doesn't last... weight and vibration basically wears them down. If you hear clunking in future, those bushings will be likely be the culprit.

[GR2250]

thankfully Powerflex offer a lifetime warranty on their bushes

[Clan]

Originally Posted by GR2250

thankfully Powerflex offer a lifetime warranty on their bushes

They can afford to as the bushes are so hard there is no compliance at all in them which doesn't suit every suspensions need.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by GR2250

thankfully Powerflex offer a lifetime warranty on their bushes

That may be so, but you still have to pay a mechanic to press them in for you. Its unlikely they'll do it for free, unless you have a press tool yourself and can DIY it.

It works out more cost effective to buy a quality branded set of control arms with the bushes already installed and be done with it, for several years at least.

Powerflex won't last as long as the arms, so you aren't really saving anything.