V40: Suspension query

[2000V40]

Good morning all!
As I have no clue whatsoever when it comes to most things related to my car, I was wondering if somebody would be able to enlighten me in regards to a rear (left) suspension issue on my V40 (x-reg, late 2000).

I've been hearing noises similar to springs in an old mattress lately, both when driving and if pushing down on the left-hand side of the boot, coupled with what sounds like a short, sharp knock at the end of travel.

Would that indicate that a full change of the suspension would be required or could I get away with some wd40 for the creaks and new top mounds? If a full change would be recommended and anyone knows where to get the right parts for a decent price, please let me know!

thank you,
Trond

[baldmosher]

Easiest way to tell is to jack up the car, take off the wheel, and have a look to see if anything is disconnected, snapped, or similar.

the first noise (creak) sounds like when I broke a spring in my Fiesta

the second (knock) sounds like your mounts or arm bushes might be worn

Could be both of course, and it's possible if your shock absorber is shot, then that's the root cause and replacing everything else you would just end up with broken replacements eventually.

It's certainly cheapest to buy a replacement leg from a breaker, £25-45 range, but it depends how much you want to spend and how long you want it to last.

PS you'll never leave

[v40alex]

What's your mileage? For squeaks and knocks I would check the droplinks first - on the rear they are the squiggly things attached to the lower arm (behind the suspension strut) and go to a bar that runs across the back of the car (your anti roll bar). Spray lots of WD on the linkages for those, if your squeak goes away, replace them on both sides. Also check the bush that is about six inches in on the anti roll bar.

[2000V40]

Originally Posted by baldmosher

Easiest way to tell is to jack up the car, take off the wheel, and have a look to see if anything is disconnected, snapped, or similar.

the first noise (creak) sounds like when I broke a spring in my Fiesta

the second (knock) sounds like your mounts or arm bushes might be worn

Could be both of course, and it's possible if your shock absorber is shot, then that's the root cause and replacing everything else you would just end up with broken replacements eventually.

It's certainly cheapest to buy a replacement leg from a breaker, £25-45 range, but it depends how much you want to spend and how long you want it to last.

PS you'll never leave

I've already realised i'll never leave! She might be a bit rough around the edges, but lovely still! Thanks for the info and tips, much appreciated! Will check if there's a local breaker with Volvo's in stock at the moment. I don't mind paying for the right parts if they can be sourced new, I'd rather do that than taking it to the garage and say "fleece me, please"!

[2000V40]

Originally Posted by v40alex

What's your mileage? For squeaks and knocks I would check the droplinks first - on the rear they are the squiggly things attached to the lower arm (behind the suspension strut) and go to a bar that runs across the back of the car (your anti roll bar). Spray lots of WD on the linkages for those, if your squeak goes away, replace them on both sides. Also check the bush that is about six inches in on the anti roll bar.

Cheers! mileage is just south of 120k. I dont have the paperwork in front of me to check service history for any repairs/replacements done in the past, but will check when home from work to see if it has been done at all.

[v40alex]

If it is the droplinks, they are a cheap and easy job, won't cost much to get a garage to do it for you either. Buy Volvo or Meyle HD ones, anything else only lasts about two years.

[2000V40]

Originally Posted by v40alex

If it is the droplinks, they are a cheap and easy job, won't cost much to get a garage to do it for you either. Buy Volvo or Meyle HD ones, anything else only lasts about two years.

sounds good, thank you!

[baldmosher]

I got both my droplinks replaced for about £50, they weren't Volvo or Meyle though. Sold the car before they failed again

IIRC the discount price on Volvo parts from FRF (search on here for "Rufe" and you'll find the details!) was about £25 a side, Uniparts were £18, not much difference.

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by baldmosher

Easiest way to tell is to jack up the car, take off the wheel, and have a look to see if anything is disconnected, snapped, or similar.

the first noise (creak) sounds like when I broke a spring in my Fiesta

the second (knock) sounds like your mounts or arm bushes might be worn

Could be both of course, and it's possible if your shock absorber is shot, then that's the root cause and replacing everything else you would just end up with broken replacements eventually.

It's certainly cheapest to buy a replacement leg from a breaker, £25-45 range, but it depends how much you want to spend and how long you want it to last.

PS you'll never leave

I agree, with that list above, BUT trying to see what is kaput with the wheels on and the car on the ground is real difficult. Most Easyslide or Iffylube places have a senior chap that will figure out what has broken and not charge too much.
Do give him some negative rant input before he inspects the suspension and brakes, along the lines of, "You tell me what is really dangerous or might become dangerous AND my mates will then fix it. So don't write a shopping list, as their ain't no money in it for you or your owner".
You can also try getting a free safety inspection from a Volvo stealer, BUT don't sign anything without reading the small print, otherwise they might impound the vehicle if it's bad. Wash the car and put on smart gear before visting a stealer, or they might think you can't pay.

[baldmosher]

Genuine frontier gibberish.