Failed it's MoT

[DuncVolvoTurbo]

Well, it had to happen didn't it? It has failed it's MoT on the following things:

1. Nearside front brake hose excessively chafed
2. Nearside front ball joint has excessive play
3. Offside front ball joint has excessive play
4. Front brakes imbalanced

I have already PM'd Rufe already about the ball joints, but if I am getting that done should I be getting other components done to?

The brake hose gives me the opportunity to get some Goodridge Braided Hoses (if I can get them in time), are they as good as I am lead to beleive they are?

And finally, is the fact that the brakes are imbalanced caused by the brake hose? If not, any suggestions?

[iGGy]

Depending on the age of it then you could well end up with replacing the lower control arms completely as they're an all-in-one type of thing. If you're happy with standard suspension bushes, then there's no point in swapping them for uprated Powerflex ones.

If you can, change the drop links for the antiroll bar, especially if you don't know when they were last changed or suspect they're worn. New out of the box you can hardly move them and that means if you take the existing ones off and try them for play, they might not feel worn but if it takes little effort to move each joint, they will feel loose to the car.

Brake imbalance could be an issue with the calipers. Need to check them for binding pistons.

[MrMopp]

The flexi hoses may be the cause of the imbalance , they can break down on the inside which forces tiny rubber pieces into the calipers (quite rare but i have known it)

[ajc106]

hi gsf do complete new bottom arms ball joinnts and bushes just unbolt old and bolt in new i think they are around 50quid a side

[AndysR]

Shame to hear she has failed but at least it's all easyish stuff to sort

Braided lines definately worth while

Brake imbalance could be something as simple as the pads sticking in the carriers or unevenly worn brake linings. On the other hand you could have a fault with one of the brake calipers.

Good luck in sorting her out though

[DuncVolvoTurbo]

Front Control Arms / Wishbones / Ball Joints

Volvo - £230 (posted)
PFV - £155 (posted)
GSF - £114 (posted)


Is it worth paying the extra to get genuine ones?

[dooby]

Hiya,

in my opinion - yes. I faced the same dilemma when I replaced mine, and a non-genuine Scantech part sadly didn't last nearly enough miles before the balljoint was shot again.

I'm now running genuine Volvo (and am lighter in the wallet).

Cheers, Pete