Buying C30 with MOT advisories on suspension bushes

[Tomahawk]

Hi all, I was looking for some advice on buying a C30.
It is a 2009 Volvo C30 1.6 SE 3d

I had a look at its MOT records and it has had the same advisories for the last two years, but passed both times.

nearside front lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
offside front lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated but not resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)

It only did 2k miles in between those 2015 & 2016 MOTs so I am a little spooked by it.

My questions are, should I even bother haggling for this car?

If so, how much should I expect to pay to repair the bushes.

Thanks in advance
T

[Welton]

These sound like the main (rearward) bushing of the lower wishbone and are a common failure point. They are a fluid-filled bushing and once worn will give a weird feel to the steering, judder or clonk under braking and exaggerate torque-steer not to mention affect tyre wear and suspension geometry.

There's lots of aftermarket replacement wishbones (you can't replace the standard bush alone unless you want poly bushes) and they all seem to be of similar quality, I've got some Firstline ones which have been on for 3 years or so.

Cost-wise you could budget around £300.00 ?? to replace the wishbones but be warned that the ARB droplinks will probably need replacing as these often have to be cut off due to seized threads etc during the process.

Once fitted you will need wheel alignment resetting so it's not an insignificant sort of job especially if you also find the inner tyre edges worn.

[Tomahawk]

Really appreciate your info. Thank you.

[miksu]

I suppose we are talking about this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VRaLtuxf8k

Yes it does wear, I am surprised they even paid attention to it. Pretty much all cars have similar structure and similar failure and it really comes down to your own preference when you want to have it replaced (before it starts clonking and making noise that is).

It can be replaced separately if you really want (to save money).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4ufB-1ttzM

IMO wheel re-alignment is not necessary, depends how you do it though. If you disassemble the entire suspension strut, steering tie rod and knuckle then yes but that is not necessary. So on a budget DIY it is a £20 job.

[Bigchewie]

I would use it as a bargaining chip age of car ( you haven't mentioned mileage) is an age in my experience with different marques that suspension components fail, i would even say use one of those online repair quote sites, to get a rough price or if you have a local trusted garage ask them and use that as a starting point as a minimum discount. you could actually see it as a good thing that you are getting a heads up on what could have been an unforseen repair at next MOT time or when a knock comes around, at least if you go for it you will know it may happen before you get it fixed

[Tomahawk]

Thanks for all the info. Still deciding on what car to buy ... 😬

[paddyred]

I did both wishbones on my V50 a few months back which are identical wishbones. I paid £30 each for new non-Volvo wishbones (the whole wishbone not just the bushes) from my local parts place. There are 3 bolts holding it on and you will need a ball joint separator (max £10). Just make sure you buy the wishbones with the correct diameter tapered pin on the ball joint. Took about 15 minutes a side for me. Very simple job.

[Montana]

Originally Posted by paddyred

I did both wishbones on my V50 a few months back which are identical wishbones. I paid £30 each for new non-Volvo wishbones (the whole wishbone not just the bushes) from my local parts place. There are 3 bolts holding it on and you will need a ball joint separator (max £10). Just make sure you buy the wishbones with the correct diameter tapered pin on the ball joint. Took about 15 minutes a side for me. Very simple job.

What brand did you go for? 21mm balljoint?

[DavieC]

Originally Posted by paddyred

I did both wishbones on my V50 a few months back which are identical wishbones. I paid £30 each for new non-Volvo wishbones (the whole wishbone not just the bushes) from my local parts place. There are 3 bolts holding it on and you will need a ball joint separator (max £10). Just make sure you buy the wishbones with the correct diameter tapered pin on the ball joint. Took about 15 minutes a side for me. Very simple job.

Would you mind doing a quick write up of this please?