Suspension: 200 Series Front End Clunk

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Many 200 series owners experience an audible clunk from the front portion of their Volvo. This can be on any model from 1975 to present, but is more common on the older cars.

You can spend quite a lot of money replacing such parts as: ball joints, tie rod ends, spring hats, and bush-ings. And while these parts can cause noises, the most noticeable low-speed clunk is not affected by these items. We'll assume yours are all in good condition, and the wheel bearings are properly adjusted.

Many 200 series owners experience an audible clunk from the front of their Volvo over small bumps. If worn bushings aren't the cause, loose bolts could be the culprit. We've listed bolts to check in order of the likelihood of their being the problem.

1. Front crossmember, 4 bolts accessible from the engine compartment. Use a 17mm socket and loosen each bolt a half turn and then tighten to 55 ft. lbs. (see photo)
2. A-Arm front bushing bolt accessible from under the car behind the steering rack bellows. With the car on the ground or on ramps (i.e. weight on the suspension), use a 19mm socket on the nut and loosen a half turn, re-torque to 54 ft. lbs.
3. A-Arm rear bushing mount that attaches to the body with 3 bolts. Use a 14mm socket and loosen each bolt a half turn and then tighten to 29 ft. lbs.
4. The rear A-Arm bolt is held by a 19mm nut. Loosen a half turn and then tighten to 40 ft. lbs.

Hopefully this will quiet those elusive clunks.