I’m sharing some tips and DIY on how to replace the control arm bushings/axles on Volvo SPA XC90 S90 S60 XC60.
Important: if you are replacing the bushings, ensure you get the updated part and design.
As far as I know, those should fit on all the Volvo SPA line up. If you give your dealer the VIN, they will give you probably the old design bushings. Insist on getting the new design bushings as the new ones are hydro bushings which have better ability to absorb and isolate vibration. The old design can cause some steering wheel vibration as they’re sensitive to road imperfections.
New design bushings : 32246809
Old design bushings: 31451032 (garbage)
Tools needed in addition to the basic tools:
1- Jack Stands
2- 8, 10, 13, 15, 18 mm HEX (sockets + wrenches)
3- Torx bits set (T20, T25, T30, T35)
4- 1/2 or 3/8 extensions
5- Impact driver/wrench
Time needed: 4-6 hours per side
Instructions/Tips DIY:
1- Jack up the car (use Jack Stands as support)
2- Remove the wheel well – around 10 torx screws + 4 clips, if I remember. For the clips, just push in the middle, then pull it off using a flat screw driver.
3- Remove the lower splash guard (engine cover) – around 10 torx screws
4- Remove the 8 mm nut holding the ABS sensor wire. DON’T REMOVE THE CONNECTOR FROM THE PLUG JUST LEAVE IT HANGING.
5- Remove the two 15mm bolts at the bottom of the control arm ball joint.
6- Remove the long 18 mm bolt holding the control arm with U shape strut knuckle.
7- Remove the 15mm bolt holding the U shape strut knuckle with the strut
8- Remove the upper 18mm nut holding the end links. No need to remove the lower nut. Remove the link upper side. If you are getting some resistance, lift the hub assembly and it should go out easily.
9- Remove the front control arm bolts. Two 18mm bolts accessible from bottom.
10- Remove the rear control arm bolt/nut/stud. There is one 18mm bolt accessible from bottom. The 18mm nut holding the stud is accessible from the upper area.
11- Use a piece of wood and hammer to hit carefully the stud. It should go down a bit. Then, you can use a flat screw from bottom to wiggle it and remove it.
12- Using a hydraulic Jack, lift carefully the hub assembly in the brake rotor area. Ensure you install at least three 19mm wheel bolts before lifting the rotor up.
13- The fun part and where you will require some focus, help, and patience…. You will need to apply some power at different areas in the same time to remove things
De-attach the control arm ball joint using a flat serews. It should come out easily.
Hit the CV axle bolt area in the middle. Use a round piece of wood and hammer.
remove the CV axle from the hub assembly
Push the control arm down
Wiggle the U shape strut knuckle and remove it out.
Now just pull the hub assembly out a bit and slide out the control arm.
Replacing the control arm bushings:
1- Use a bearing puller, pull the old bushing as shown in the picture
2- Use hydraulic press to push the new design hydro bushings in (New design bushings : 32246809). Important: ensue you don’t forget the direction/position of the old bushing.
CV axles replacement:
Right CV axle (passanger side): there are two 10 mm bolts holding the axle carrier. Once removed, the CV axle will slide out easily if pulled.
Left CV axle (driver side): there’s a lock insid the transfer case. You will need to pull using a special axle removal tool. If don’t have one, you can try to use a big flat screw driver and a heavy hammer to push it out.
End of the story…
Some pictures:
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