Result! ...and further questions

**Nick0** · Wednesday 28th March 2012, 17:32

Since buying my S60R last October I noticed a clunk when moving away/engaging reverse or 1st gear/changing between 1st and 2nd, and lesserly between 2nd and 3rd.

I read about axle ping and changed the bolts for the XC90 ones, this didn't seem to change anything, and also changed the gearbox mounting bush with similar results.

I recently bought an engine top mount/"upper anchorage". I looked at the loose fitting of the rubber bush inside the aluminium housing and gave it a 1% chance of making any difference. However once I swapped it (why did they put all those poxy plastic covers on the top?!!) I am delighted to say it has cured it 90%! Reeeeesult! The car changes gear much more smoothly now, well chuffed.

However I still want it to change gear without clunk at all and am thinking that wishbone bushes are next on the list.

So, the question is, how much harsher are polybush, and are they worth the work involved?

Or should I just buy new Volvo wishbones?

What are the rough costs involved in both options?

Thanks in advance as always.

**M-R-P** · Wednesday 28th March 2012, 17:40

This may be of some use...
http://www.vpcuk.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38699
I wouldn't say the ride is harsher, more precise making it more confident and accurate in the twisties. However, there is a little bit more road noise, not much tho. Well worth it imho.

**M-R-P** · Wednesday 28th March 2012, 17:47

One thing I missed on the above "how-to" is to undo the hub bolt and push the driveshaft in towards the gearbox when you pull the wishbone out. Otherwise you risk pulling the driveshaft out of the gearbox and doing damage

**Nick0** · Wednesday 28th March 2012, 18:00

I read your excellent guide that's top work Sir. Thanks on behalf of us all that will use it !

**LeeT5** · Thursday 29th March 2012, 21:00

Originally Posted by Nick0

Since buying my S60R last October I noticed a clunk when moving away/engaging reverse or 1st gear/changing between 1st and 2nd, and lesserly between 2nd and 3rd.

I read about axle ping and changed the bolts for the XC90 ones, this didn't seem to change anything, and also changed the gearbox mounting bush with similar results.

I recently bought an engine top mount/"upper anchorage". I looked at the loose fitting of the rubber bush inside the aluminium housing and gave it a 1% chance of making any difference. However once I swapped it (why did they put all those poxy plastic covers on the top?!!) I am delighted to say it has cured it 90%! Reeeeesult! The car changes gear much more smoothly now, well chuffed.

However I still want it to change gear without clunk at all and am thinking that wishbone bushes are next on the list.

So, the question is, how much harsher are polybush, and are they worth the work involved?

Or should I just buy new Volvo wishbones?

What are the rough costs involved in both options?

Thanks in advance as always.

The 'clunk' your talking about is play in the awd system. Theres nothing you can do about it other than spend £1000s replacing worn components like rear diffs, drive shafts and prop shafts. replacing ALL the bushes will help slightly but you'll not get rid of the 'clunk'. Mine does it if i lift the clutch up too quick between gears, yet it doesn't when i do it slowly. Trust me, it wear and play in the awd and nothing to worry about. You can almost replicate the noise if you get under the car and twist the prop clockwise/counter clockwise.
get used to it, its part of owning an R.

...and before anyone jumps in and says...its the angle gear/gearbox....its not as mine were all replaced by the dealer at around 79k. The only other thing it could be (difficult without driving the car) is the DMF. You'll never thou 'till its time to replace the clutch/DMF etc.

**Nick0** · Friday 30th March 2012, 09:21

Originally Posted by LeeT5

The 'clunk' your talking about is play in the awd system.

Thanks again Lee. My car has done 46K; I had wondered if this would be the case... (exposing my ignorance but what does DMF stand for - Dual Mass Flywheel?)

Have you replaced your wishbones/bushes? What are your thoughts on this specifically? The state of the upper engine anchorage was really shot so I am wondering if replacing the wishbones will be beneficial too.

**LeeT5** · Friday 30th March 2012, 16:14

DMF Dual mass flywheel.

Yes i did replace my wishbone bushes. PF on the front and OE on the rear. Makes a big difference. It will reveal weaknesses else where but thats a good thing. Just keep replacing whatever needs replacing and then your car will be singing again!

Defo replace the large top engine mount but don't bother with the rear. They never tear out and are pretty rock solid.

Also replace your lower transmission torque mount. Garantee this will be shot to bits. Best thing to do is buy a new torque mount (complete) from Volvo - about £35 then out the small bush and refit with a PF bush. Leave the larger bush as OE else you'll regret it. Its too harsh on the gearbox and makes for horrible driving experience. I learn't the hard way!! Had to buy a complete new torq mount and start again.

**Nick0** · Friday 30th March 2012, 16:24

thanks yet again Lee I already took your advice and have polybushed the small gearbox mount. I'll look into this further and will no doubt be chewing yer ear again soon!

**Pauld** · Friday 30th March 2012, 16:46

Is the gearbox mount the same on auto's?

**M-R-P** · Friday 30th March 2012, 18:27

Yes it is

**Nick0** · Saturday 31st March 2012, 09:06

Originally Posted by Pauld

Is the gearbox mount the same on auto's?

Paul the gearbox mount is not difficult to change I did it all in situ and used a small butane gas blow torch to burn out the (I made up a heat shield with a tin foil take away tray!) old one - removing the old one was the only difficult bit of the job and it really does make a nice exhaust burble