R Suspension queries

**Hallsy** · Wednesday 24th February 2010, 23:30

Could be worth going with the IPD drop links Phil - will match the new ARB's then

How did you find the balljoints after 90k? That's if you've had them off yet?

My T5 had fsh, which is on 215k now, and from memory I think it's only ever had one wishbone replaced!!! I want to polybush mine, but I think it would be worthwhile buying some new arms now, but then seems a shame to remove the perfectly good Volv ones!!

**Flatout Phil** · Saturday 27th February 2010, 22:23

Originally Posted by Hallsy

Could be worth going with the IPD drop links Phil - will match the new ARB's then

How did you find the balljoints after 90k? That's if you've had them off yet?

My T5 had fsh, which is on 215k now, and from memory I think it's only ever had one wishbone replaced!!! I want to polybush mine, but I think it would be worthwhile buying some new arms now, but then seems a shame to remove the perfectly good Volv ones!!

Had the thing up on the axle stands today. Noticed when on the ground that by wagging the steering wheel so the wheels did more than twist on the tyrewall that from the outside a slight clicking could be heard. WIth the wheels off the click was still there but felt to be coming from somewher on the steering rack - although could be a track rod end. Noticed that it already has powerflex bushes on the arms but the funny little separate washer bit on the front bush had split and come loose. In a quandary as to the next move.
All I can say is the the Tr rd end is a likely wear point and only in dismantling do they usually show up. At full lock I do get some wheel arch scuffing with the snow tyres which came off a while back, but I have a real feeling that being the one part I don't have in stock, it will be that that is fecked.
This is where a Volvo specialist comes in really handy - I wish I had one...just throw them the keys and they take it round the block and say what the problem is.
Ho hum...

**p fandango** · Saturday 27th February 2010, 22:39

Originally Posted by Flatout Phil

Had the thing up on the axle stands today. Noticed when on the ground that by wagging the steering wheel so the wheels did more than twist on the tyrewall that from the outside a slight clicking could be heard. WIth the wheels off the click was still there but felt to be coming from somewher on the steering rack - although could be a track rod end. Noticed that it already has powerflex bushes on the arms but the funny little separate washer bit on the front bush had split and come loose. In a quandary as to the next move.
All I can say is the the Tr rd end is a likely wear point and only in dismantling do they usually show up. At full lock I do get some wheel arch scuffing with the snow tyres which came off a while back, but I have a real feeling that being the one part I don't have in stock, it will be that that is fecked.
This is where a Volvo specialist comes in really handy - I wish I had one...just throw them the keys and they take it round the block and say what the problem is
Ho hum...

they do recommend using the IPD droplinks with there ARB's, the Parts for Volvo uprated droplinks are IPD LINK

i've read of people using new standard Volvo droplinks & still get the clicking, fitting the IPD cured it

**Flatout Phil** · Tuesday 2nd March 2010, 20:47

Well the clicking noise is revealed! The car already has Powerflex on the wishbones - and can only have been on a shortish while, but they whole thing is swivels around so I dont know why the bushes have failed in such a short period. They seem to have been installed in the correct orientation. Will get the thing jacked up again tomorrow afternoon when I have a spare couple of hours and see if the things have simply worked loose or if they have failed. I can easily move the rear wishbone bush just by holding the brake disc and pulling it around.

Also, the track rod ends are not rattling-loose, but I can rotate them by holding the tie bar and twisting them. Is that OK or are they on the way out?

All comments as usual welcomed.

**Flatout Phil** · Saturday 6th March 2010, 17:14

Took the nearside wishbone off. Pretty easy - only three bolts needing 13, 15 an 18mm sockets or rings, a chunk of wood and a hammer. The rear polybush was as loose as Plaistow Patricia - the metal inner dropped out of the distorted rubber. The front was still firmish, but balljoint quite loose so changed the arm to a new Volvo one. Steering now straight ahead. Still some clicking in the system so will do the OS later - suspect those bushes will be nearly as worn. Only about a forty minute job for an old duffer like me now I know what I am doing (ha ha) Offside anything is USUALLY easier cos it does't spend it's life in the gutter!

MUCH less (almost none) wheelspin, and despite the broken rear antirollbar, really lays the power down a LOT better. Can't wait to get the other side done - even though they are on standard Volvo bushes.

**Flatout Phil** · Saturday 6th March 2010, 18:12

Done the other one! So a little over 45 mins!

**Clan998** · Saturday 6th March 2010, 19:48

Originally Posted by Flatout Phil

Done the other one! So a little over 45 mins!

Well done matey if you need a hand with the rear anti roll bar or just some advise give me a shout

Rich

**Flatout Phil** · Saturday 6th March 2010, 20:13

Thanks Rich, the bars are finally on their way so will certainly be in touch. Sorry to have been a bit elusive!

**Flatout Phil** · Friday 7th May 2010, 17:15

As of today have front and rear IPD roll bars, or sway bars as they will insist upon over the pond. New drop links too. It makes such a difference in laying the power down. Just digs in and it's offfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff............ ...

Now need to get the front struts changed, the alignment reset, and the old thing should be just right.

**RT MECHANICS** · Friday 7th May 2010, 18:58

Originally Posted by Flatout Phil

As of today have front and rear IPD roll bars, or sway bars as they will insist upon over the pond. New drop links too. It makes such a difference in laying the power down. Just digs in and it's offfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff............ ...

Now need to get the front struts changed, the alignment reset, and the old thing should be just right.

Great news glad you brought and fitted both the bars its a great mod and one of the best things i did to the T5R in the early days

**Flatout Phil** · Saturday 8th May 2010, 15:03

Originally Posted by RT MECHANICS

Great news glad you brought and fitted both the bars its a great mod and one of the best things i did to the T5R in the early days

Been able to run it around a bit today. Not only is there MUCH more traction - LSD really coming into it's own - it sits really solid (no detriment to ride at all) and is just so controllable in corners. And that is before the shocks and alignment have been sorted.
WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!