Lowering Kit Install Problem - Help/Ideas Needed - Volvo C30 Forums and Community

shannfab · 05-06-2008, 07:50 PM

I purchased the Evolve Spring kit and attempted to install it myself, however I ran into an obstacle with the front suspension. I got the instructions for installing a Lowering Kit from the volvo website Shomare posted above. In the instructions for the front, there is a tool that is needed to seperate the ball joint from the link arm, part #9512945. My problem is I have contacted the Volvo dealership and searched online but am unable to locate this tool. The rear was easy and the drop looks great. Service at the dealer wants to charge a grip to install the front suspension.

Any ideas on how to find this tool or a similar tool? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

noah katz · 05-07-2008, 04:02 PM

I'd ask at swedespeed forum

Jimmynva · 05-07-2008, 05:04 PM

you could try a local auto parts store, if they rent tools they may have a suitable substitute for the tool you're looking for. I had to replace a lower ball joint in an older Jaguar XJ6 and AutoZone had a kit of varying sizes, I was able to get the job done, didn't cost me anything to "borrow" the tool, just a deposit which was refunded when I returned it.

shannfab · 05-07-2008, 09:04 PM

Thanks bro. I actually talked to a volvo shop and they suggested the same thing. It's funny cause I 'borrowed' the spring compressor from Auto Zone, but didn't even think that they would carry this type of tool. I'll give them a try and hope to get the drop knocked out this weekend.

Thanks for the suggestions y'all.

aterpak · 08-23-2008, 05:09 PM

You also might try an Acura or Honda dealer. They use the same tool to separate the ball joint from a hub or suspension frame. They're not cheap but if you do change things often then they are worth the cost.

Al

Rabid Irish · 11-19-2008, 07:59 AM

I believe the tool is called a fork tool. It is tappered and has two prongs and you hammer it between the balljoint and the control arm

ronemca · 11-19-2008, 11:23 AM

I agree; I've heard it called a "tie rod fork", and I'd think you can borrow/rent or even buy one pretty cheap.

shelbyz4u2nv · 11-20-2008, 05:13 PM

you dont need the tool...trust me, unless your car has corrosion issues..i can remove and install both the front springs in less than 30 minutes. undo the pinch bolt that holds the strut assembly to the steering knuckle, then w/ a rubber mallet knock the knuckle off of the strut housing by hitting down on the brake rotor. by using a rubber mallet your not hurting anything. once its loose, then undo the 3 13m bolts at the top of the strut bearing to release it from the strut tower. you should have the strut/spring assembly out in 8 minutes. i have done this 100 times under warrnty work

thank me when your done

Jimmynva · 11-20-2008, 05:48 PM

I should have had you do my springs, especially if you charge by the hour, 8 minutes, that's pit crew quickness!

Valkaru · 11-20-2008, 08:31 PM

Pit crew quickness and clear instructions, I for one am glad you found this board. Now this little gem:

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelbyz4u2nv

i have done this 100 times under warrnty work

does not give me warm fuzzy feelings, but I will pretend you mean warranty on all similar models (S40, V50 at least) and your shop has sold thousands so the percentage is reasonable. Even if that is not true, I am still totally

over my C30, so no problem.

shelbyz4u2nv · 11-20-2008, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmynva

I should have had you do my springs, especially if you charge by the hour, 8 minutes, that's pit crew quickness!

lol, yea i can get them done pretty fast. if i were to do a c30 from this board i would charge like $150 for the drop...ive never done rear springs on any of these cars yet but i think its pretty simple. i'll have another r-design in january and i'll be dropping it for the dealer so i'll see then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valkaru

Pit crew quickness and clear instructions, I for one am glad you found this board. Now this little gem:

does not give me warm fuzzy feelings, but I will pretend you mean warranty on all similar models (S40, V50 at least) and your shop has sold thousands so the percentage is reasonable. Even if that is not true, I am still totally

over my C30, so no problem.

thanks!. yes s40/v50, no probs on c-30's YET but i think they changed the design to prevent this...some people complained about rubbing noises when stationary and turning the wheel lock to lock. what happend were the bump stop and bearings needed replacement, the bearings are plastic and not the best design in the world, but i think that was ford's doing

shannfab · 11-26-2008, 08:16 PM

I actually got it all done a few days after my initial post way back in May. Thanks for still sharing knowledge.

I didn't use a mallet, i just kicked it down. Only took a few minutes. The rear was easy as well.

If you can do basic maintenance stuff, have decent tools and a flat surface, you can install a new set of springs or shocks.

Holla.

05-06-2008, 07:50 PM	#1
shannfab C30WO Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 100	Lowering Kit Install Problem - Help/Ideas Needed I purchased the Evolve Spring kit and attempted to install it myself, however I ran into an obstacle with the front suspension. I got the instructions for installing a Lowering Kit from the volvo website Shomare posted above. In the instructions for the front, there is a tool that is needed to seperate the ball joint from the link arm, part #9512945. My problem is I have contacted the Volvo dealership and searched online but am unable to locate this tool. The rear was easy and the drop looks great. Service at the dealer wants to charge a grip to install the front suspension. Any ideas on how to find this tool or a similar tool? Thanks for any help or suggestions.

05-07-2008, 05:04 PM	#3
Jimmynva resident smart@55 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Coastal Virginia Posts: 484	you could try a local auto parts store, if they rent tools they may have a suitable substitute for the tool you're looking for. I had to replace a lower ball joint in an older Jaguar XJ6 and AutoZone had a kit of varying sizes, I was able to get the job done, didn't cost me anything to "borrow" the tool, just a deposit which was refunded when I returned it. __________________ 08 C30 v2.0, Electric Silver, off black leather/red interior, 6sp, all the options (minus NAV and sunroof). Mods: H&R sport springs, Bilstein sport shocks/struts, IPD rear sway, Viva adj control arms, VT tranny mount, Evolve 3" downpipe & exhaust, EST intake filter, Rica Stage II, badgeless including grille and 35/20 tint. future mods: wheels, Quaife LSD, Bell IC.

11-19-2008, 11:23 AM	#7
ronemca is able to spell Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: ON Cda Posts: 1,660	I agree; I've heard it called a "tie rod fork", and I'd think you can borrow/rent or even buy one pretty cheap. __________________ '08 T5 iPd/MTE Stage2; with super-kudo's to Lucky & MTE for above&beyond service, Full 3" TBE; (Garrett/MagnaFlow + Evolve), Samco turbo hoses, K&N drop-in, iPd R-ASB and skidplate, OE fr strut brace, 17" Mestras, Sport, Sport Ch., DynAud, Keyless, 9011HIR's & assorted LED's

11-20-2008, 05:13 PM	#8
shelbyz4u2nv Certified Volvo Tech Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 20	you dont need the tool...trust me, unless your car has corrosion issues..i can remove and install both the front springs in less than 30 minutes. undo the pinch bolt that holds the strut assembly to the steering knuckle, then w/ a *rubber* mallet knock the knuckle off of the strut housing by hitting down on the brake rotor. by using a *rubber mallet* your not hurting anything. once its loose, then undo the 3 13m bolts at the top of the strut bearing to release it from the strut tower. you should have the strut/spring assembly out in 8 minutes. i have done this 100 times under warrnty work thank me when your done __________________ 95' 540i 6spd, Calypso on Black- http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1015266[/size] Racing Dynamics adj front and rear sway bars, RD front strut brace, M-tech suspension, unrestricted exhuast (no cats, no res, no muff) CAI, Dinan chipped, Bosch Design III #19 Inj, Staggered M-pars, Euro clears,15% 3m tint, F/R cross drilled/slotted rotors, M-tech III wheel, knob...ect, ect

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
DDM HID Kit - Battery harness needed?	cacamaca	Cosmetic Modifications (exterior/interior)	38	10-08-2009 02:12 AM
Fog light kit install	punksta90	DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Writeups and other self maintanance talk	24	08-16-2008 08:52 PM
Parrot bluetooth phone kit install pictures please ?	David H	ICE (in-car-entertainment), Stereo, Sat-nav and other interior/electronic talk	1	02-24-2008 03:37 PM

05-07-2008, 04:02 PM	#2
noah katz C30WORLD Supe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 576	I'd ask at swedespeed forum

05-07-2008, 09:04 PM	#4
shannfab C30WO Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 100	Thanks bro. I actually talked to a volvo shop and they suggested the same thing. It's funny cause I 'borrowed' the spring compressor from Auto Zone, but didn't even think that they would carry this type of tool. I'll give them a try and hope to get the drop knocked out this weekend. Thanks for the suggestions y'all.

08-23-2008, 05:09 PM	#5
aterpak Track Junkie Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 288	You also might try an Acura or Honda dealer. They use the same tool to separate the ball joint from a hub or suspension frame. They're not cheap but if you do change things often then they are worth the cost. Al

11-19-2008, 07:59 AM	#6
Rabid Irish C30WORL Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: md Posts: 212	I believe the tool is called a fork tool. It is tappered and has two prongs and you hammer it between the balljoint and the control arm

11-20-2008, 05:48 PM	#9
Jimmynva resident smart@55 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Coastal Virginia Posts: 484	I should have had you do my springs, especially if you charge by the hour, 8 minutes, that's pit crew quickness! __________________ 08 C30 v2.0, Electric Silver, off black leather/red interior, 6sp, all the options (minus NAV and sunroof). Mods: H&R sport springs, Bilstein sport shocks/struts, IPD rear sway, Viva adj control arms, VT tranny mount, Evolve 3" downpipe & exhaust, EST intake filter, Rica Stage II, badgeless including grille and 35/20 tint. future mods: wheels, Quaife LSD, Bell IC.

11-26-2008, 08:16 PM	#12
shannfab C30WO Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 100	I actually got it all done a few days after my initial post way back in May. Thanks for still sharing knowledge. I didn't use a mallet, i just kicked it down. Only took a few minutes. The rear was easy as well. If you can do basic maintenance stuff, have decent tools and a flat surface, you can install a new set of springs or shocks. Holla.