Volvo 480 Club Europe

Not sure which bit was doing the creaking and groaning whilst we were on tour, but looking at the picture below, I have to wonder if it could be any of:

1) Drop links - notoriously creaky on these and looking a bit long in the tooth on here

2) The bushes on the bar going into the back of the brake caliper - very perished...

3) Spring? Meh - it looks ok from what I can see with the wheel off.

What IS certain is that I will be needing shock absorbers! Both are in this poor state (not even sure how they got through the MOT).



I think I might start with the drop links and shocks...

Any advice on the best options for rear shocks? Also, should I look to replace rubber bushes with polyurethane ones and if so, where is a good place to find these?

I've ordered drop links.

Cheers!
Martin

Every 480 I've seen has needed rear shocks....

You could pick a pair up from Eurocarparts for around £20, Ebay has a pair of monroe's for £45, or Sach ones for £66

Not saying this means they are what you should go for, but the Volvo originals were made by Monroe...

I fitted a pair to the 440 and they are fine; on 480s I have always used Sachs, due to the risk that some Bilsteins are slightly the wrong size at the top and bang. That said the GT is on Bilsteins all round and handles like a dream!

David