Control Arm Busings

JATL

MEMBER
2000 VOLVO S80
FWD
AUTOMATIC
35,250 MILES

Told I need control arm bushings -- don't know what they are or if the repair needs to be done immediately. How dangerous is driving needing these "bushings"? The cost of repair is astronomical. Can you help?

Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 7:18 PM

5 Replies

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

That would depend on just what degree of wear the bushing have right now. If they are merely weather cracking, then you have some time before anything gets serious but they will have to be checked from time to time. If they are already tearing and allowing movement of the control arm, then they need to be done right away.

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Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 7:40 PM

JATL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks for your reply. I have no idea if they're tearing, I just know that the car "doesn't feel right". Sorry, but that's the only way to explain it. I guess to be safe, I should get them done. The Volvo service is over $750. I found "bushings" for $29.99. Even if I need 4, what could possibly be increasing the cost of repair? Labor? Is this something that a 'regular" repair shop can do?

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Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 1:43 AM

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

The bushings are nothing but a piece of rubber. It's the installation that costs. They are pressed in.

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Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 1:46 AM

JATL

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thank you, I guess I'll be calling Volvo tomorrow. I really appreciate your help. I want to keep this car in tip-top condition for at least a few more years. Again, thanks for your response.

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Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 1:48 AM

WRENCHTECH