53 plate s60 d5 alignment stuffs

[edde]

Hey all,

I went and got some new tyres fitted and had the alignment checked while I was there, the results are below;

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u10/da_eddio/alignment.jpg (http://s164.photobucket.com/user/da_eddio/media/alignment.jpg.html)

Now I was told that the adverse imbalance of camber on the front could be 'fixed' with a £47 camber bolt to set the front drivers wheel right and that it was not possible to set it to normal without it. However, the car has got a few miles on the clock (160,000) and I recall the bushes are oil filled and prone to failure. With this in mind I was reluctant to fix the problem with a part that may not necessarily address the problem at its source.

From having a quick look it seems the front wishbone bushes can be replaced with Powerflex Polybushes, I was wondering if any other bushes might have caused the camber ££££ ups and might be worth checking/replacing?

Also, can anyone suggest an independent or specialist garage in the Kent area that are trustworthy and not a complete rip off, are bombing back to the southwest for any work needing doing on the car is getting tedious lol.

Many thanks :)

[Redbrick]

Camber bolts may be the Bandaid to fix the issue but isn't the issue that after 160k you have multiple suspension components that have worn out?

I replaced my front shocks with Bilsteins at 100k and powerflexed the front wishbone bushes. Shortly after both strut top mounts failed. Now at 220k it still is able to be tracked up properly. Rear nivos still original, springs still original, I think front shocks needs doing again though!

[M-R-P]

There's enough movement in the bolts that hold the strut to the stub axle. To make adjustments. To the front camber of a few degrees each way. If the shocks have been changed recently, that could be the reason. Knackered wishbone bushes could also be a likely cause.

[edde]

Well I went through the service history and there hasn't been any major work done on the suspension bar a few tie rod ends.

I really lack a garage I trust in the south east, so it's likely I'll be taking it back to my usual one I've been using for years and have them check it over.

After 160k miles I wouldn't be surprised if some work was needed doing, only trouble is now trying to identify options and weigh up costs. If i need new shocks anywhere, are there any recommendations?

[M-R-P]

Best thing I can recommend with shocks is to go with a known brand like boge or sachs etc. Shop around and get the best price.
It's cheaper to polybush the wishbones than replace them and they'll last much longer.

[edde]

Well I've had a look at parts and I'm just looking to confirm suitability in the eventuality that I need them.

On the polybush front, these two look to be the ones I require;

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=1150

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=8342

Now when it comes to shocks, after reading around the aforementioned Boge or Sachs are the best choice, however, that is reflected in the price of being approximately £300 for the set.

I found these Blistein ones for £239:

http://www.partsforvolvosonline.com/product_info.php?products_id=7714

How do these rate? Furthermore is there any consensus regarding the Meyle shocks, they seem to be much more keenly priced (approx £160 all round) but I'm worried about them being too good to be true at that price.

Lastly, if I do end up going to the bother of fitting new shocks, will springs be required? and shock mounts/rubbers?

When I quickly tot up the cost of everything it seems comparable to a set of BC coilovers, and I was adamant I wouldn't fit those again and keep the Volvo standard, but given the choice its hard to turn them down for the greater adjustability they offer... and the slammed on its arse cooooooool factor lol.

[stribo]

THe bilstein shocks would be fine, don't know about the Meyle one's, maybe someone else has experience of these. When changing the shocks, it's not essential to change the springs if they're in good condition, but at that age they may be corroded, in which case changing them would make sense, as would new top mounts and spring seats.

[M-R-P]

Top mounts rarely fail but the spring seats do.
As Stribo said, the springs should be fine. Regardless of what you do with the shocks, polybushing the wishbones makes a massive difference in the feel and feedback from the steering.