Volvo 480 Club Europe

I’m about to order £260 worth of parts from Polar Parts the main ones being Timing Kit with Water Pump, Left & Right Control Arms and Left & Right Strut Mounts.

Does anyone have experience in the quality of these parts from them or suggestions of where else to get them?

Dont know Polar Parts. Skandix are the top German suppliers and I know they have the control arms, just ordered a pair for mine.

I think cranna ordered from them? I’ve added them to my shopping favourites....

I've got a Gates K015130XS ‎timing belt kit that will fit your engine if it is after 16530‎. I ordered the wrong one for both early cars. I cost me £40, you can have it for that posted. I'll throw in a thermostat too as I had an extra one. Would recommend changing that at the same time as you will be dumping the coolant to do the water pump. 

Mister Auto sell Valeo 506019 water pump for ‎£20.70 which is top quality make (likely what engine had fitted new).
‎
Regarding the front arms, I found that my replacements went rusty much quicker than the originals so would recommend that you give them a lick of paint before you fit them. They weren't from Polar parts but most aftermarket stuff isn't painted too well these days.‎

Thanks for the offer James, PM sent.

dragonflyjewels wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 18, 2018 6:51 pm

Dont know Polar Parts. Skandix are the top German suppliers and I know they have the control arms, just ordered a pair for mine.

I did look at Skandix but they are twice the price. Having now looked at Mister Auto for the water pump I may get the control arms from there, a little more expensive than Polar as they only do Monroe in Automatic but not as expensive as Skandix. Also free delivery as order will then be over £40.

i think i've spent in excess of £5/600 with polar parts over the past few years both in 480 parts and in parts for my 2006 S60 and ive never once had an issue! all seems good quality parts!

i've had front wishbones for a 480 from them and they are nice beefy well-made things 12/10 review from me based on price and delivery times

In my experience with 240 and 480 stuff polar parts is a good alternative and use some unique parts (at least when I bought them they were the only one to have the strut mounts).
The only problems I had was with the front drop links that were longer than the originals and rubbed against the inner fender.
But that is the usual risk with aftermarket stuff.

Thanks for the advice.

Now thinking having brought the Timing Kit from James of getting Springs and Water Pump from Mister Auto and the Control Arms, Strut Mounts and a few other bits from Polar Parts.

Gmac34 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 20, 2018 11:42 am

The only problems I had was with the front drop links that were longer than the originals and rubbed against the inner fender.
But that is the usual risk with aftermarket stuff.

Not sure what to do about Drop Links I had the same problem when I brought the car and replaced them (not Polar Parts just cheap ebay rubbish) the bolts rubbed against inner fender till cut down but they also only lasted 3 months before the rubber perished. I have another set waiting to replace them but can’t even remember where they came from and they were also cheap. Wouldn’t mind not using them and spending a bit more if anyone can suggest a quality pair.

Gmac34 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 20, 2018 11:42 am

In my experience with 240 and 480 stuff polar parts is a good alternative and use some unique parts (at least when I bought them they were the only one to have the strut mounts).

i assume you mean the top end rubber bonded mounts, the ones that the spring sits on don't seem available from anybody/anywhere. . . .

this could become a real issue?? unless end up using the fully adjustable 'coil-over' option for front end

Skandix and Polar Parts are both resellers of Scantech and Professional Parts Sweden, who in turn let their stuff produce in China. I think PartsForVolvosOnline sells the same stuff in the UK.
The quality is mediocre compared to branded stuff, but we can't find those anywhere anymore so it's good enough to keep our cars on the road I guess.

Oddly enough ref the painting, I bought a pair of wishbones from one supplier and the paint on one arm has lasted far better then the other side, but I guess that QC (QA) is lacking a wee bit at he price i paid

I bought some lower arms for the SS1 (same as Chevette) and they were made by Klokkerholm in BRAZIL, so possibly a cheaper source of steel works then 'blighty'. and possibly they also do the 'cheap Volvo' items?