netnews@wnuxb.UUCP (Ron Heiby) (12/17/84)
For a while now, my 1980 Volvo 244 DL has been making a banging noise in the right front quarter when I drive it over some kinds of bumps in the road, especially when I am slowing down. After two repair shops couldn't find anything wrong, one told me that my suspension was shot. They said that I had "MacPherson Struts" (whatever they are), so it would cost a couple of hundred dollars to replace them. My questions are: A) Is this a likely diagnosis? B) Would I have to have all four corners replaced, or just the one that bangs? C) What is a reasonable price for this to be done? and for those in the Chicago area, D) Where do you recommend I have this done (north or southwest preferred)? Thanks muchly. -- Ronald W. Heiby AT&T Something (used to be Comp Sys Div, but don't ask me now.), Inc. Lisle, IL (CU-D21) / ...!ihnp4!wnuxa!heiby or ...!ihnp4!wnuxb!netnews
tauxe@uokvax.UUCP (12/20/84)
Regarding the noise in the right front of your Volvo, there are several possiblities of its source: 1. The MacPherson strut is at fault. If this is so, it is necessary to replace both front struts. The rear has a live axle with coil springs and normal shocks. 2. The lower control arm has loosened from the frame. This is a service item for the 600 mile checkup to make sure that they don't loosen up and cause noise from the jolt that the road gives the front suspension. 3. The castor control rod bushing has failed, or almost failed. The rod attaches between the lower control arm and angles back at a 45 degree angle and is shock mounted where it attaches to the body. If the rubber mount is squashed, the reaction washer could contact the body mount and produce a noise you describe. 4. Something could be loose on the inside of the right front fender that could bang the body when jolted. Might check: a. Receiver dryer for the A/C b. Bumper shock absorber, try moving bumper up and down c. Ignition control module d. The 1.6 gallon windshield washer tank and pump e. Loose fan shroud Good luck, and I hope that you don't get ripped off. I do all the work on the five I've owned. (Still have a 82 245 DL, 84 244 DL) All are / were 5-speeds. George W. Tauxe