The Complete Guide to Volvo 740 Front Suspension Parts

The Volvo 740 is a robust Swedish sedan that has earned a loyal following in the United States. Its front suspension, though durable, eventually requires attention. Whether you're refreshing a daily driver or restoring a classic, understanding the key components—and knowing what to replace—can save time and money. This guide covers the essential Volvo 740 front suspension parts, what they do, when to replace them, and how to choose between OEM and aftermarket options.

Front Suspension Overview

The Volvo 740 uses a MacPherson strut front suspension design. This system consists of struts (coil-over shock units), lower control arms, sway bars, tie rods, and various bushings and ball joints. The design is simple but effective, providing a good balance of ride comfort and handling. Over time, rubber bushings crack, ball joints wear, and struts lose damping ability. Regular inspection and timely replacement keep the car safe and pleasant to drive.

Key Front Suspension Parts

Struts and Shocks

The strut assembly combines a shock absorber and a coil spring. On the 740, the strut mounts to the steering knuckle below and the strut tower above. Common signs of worn struts include excessive bouncing, nose dive during braking, and uneven tire wear. Replacement options include:

• OEM-style struts: These match the original Sachs or Boge units. They provide a compliant ride but may not offer the best handling.
• Heavy-duty or performance struts: Brands like Bilstein offer HD or touring options that improve control without harshness. They are a popular upgrade for daily drivers.

When replacing struts, always replace the strut mount (top bearing plate) and bump stop. The mount can sag or crack, causing noise and misalignment.

Lower Control Arms

The lower control arm connects the steering knuckle to the subframe. It has a ball joint on the knuckle side and two bushings on the subframe side. Worn ball joints cause clunking sounds and vague steering. Worn control arm bushings lead to steering wander and excessive toe movement.

• Complete control arm assemblies: These come with the ball joint and bushings pre-installed. They are easier to install and ensure all parts are fresh. For the 740, aftermarket brands like Lemförder, Meyle, and OEM Volvo are reliable.
• Separate components: If the control arm itself is not bent, you can press in new bushings and replace the ball joint separately. This requires a press and can be labor-intensive.

Most owners prefer complete arms for the 740 because the labor to press bushings often costs more than a new arm.

Ball Joints

The lower ball joint is part of the control arm, but it can be replaced separately if the arm is still good. On some 740s, the ball joint is bolted to the arm; on others, it is press-fit. Check your year. Signs of a bad ball joint include a knocking sound over bumps and excessive play in the wheel when jacked up.

Tie Rod Ends

The tie rod ends connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle. Inner and outer tie rod ends are common wear items. Play in tie rods causes loose steering and uneven tire wear. Replace them in pairs (both inner and outer on each side) and get an alignment afterward.

Sway Bar Links and Bushings

The sway bar (anti-roll bar) connects the left and right suspension to reduce body roll. The links connect the bar to the strut or control arm. The bushings hold the bar to the subframe. Worn links cause clunking over bumps. Worn bushings allow the bar to move excessively. Both are inexpensive and easy to replace.

Strut Mounts and Bearings

The top strut mount sits between the strut piston rod and the car body. It includes a bearing that allows the strut to rotate during steering. A worn mount causes knocking when turning and can lead to a misaligned spring. Always replace these when doing struts.

When to Replace Front Suspension Parts

Inspect your 740's suspension every 30,000 miles or whenever you notice:

• Clunking or rattling over bumps
• Steering feels loose or wanders
• Uneven tire wear (cupping, scalloping)
• Car dives excessively under braking
• One corner sits lower than the others

If your 740 has over 100,000 miles on original parts, expect to replace most of the front suspension components. A full refresh includes struts, mounts, control arms, tie rods, and sway bar links. Doing everything at once saves alignment costs and ensures even performance.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Which to Choose?

For the Volvo 740, many aftermarket brands produce parts that meet or exceed OEM quality. Here are some guidelines:

• OEM (Volvo Genuine): These are the same parts that came on the car. They are reliable but expensive. If you want to keep the car stock, OEM is fine.
• Lemförder: Often considered OEM-level quality. Many Volvo 740 components (control arms, tie rods) were originally made by Lemförder. A safe choice.
• Meyle: Good quality at a lower price. Their HD (heavy-duty) line sometimes includes upgraded bushings.
• Bilstein: For struts, Bilstein is a top-tier aftermarket choice. Their B4 and B6 series are popular for the 740.
• Febi Bilstein: Another reputable brand for bushings and suspension bits.

Avoid no-name brands with suspiciously low prices. They often fail prematurely and can affect safety.

Installation Tips

Replacing front suspension parts on a Volvo 740 is a DIY-friendly job if you have basic tools and a spring compressor. Key points:

• Always support the car securely on jack stands.
• Use penetrating oil on rusted bolts a day before.
• When removing the strut, mark the spring orientation.
• Replace strut mounts and bump stops at the same time.
• Use a torque wrench for all bolts—especially the strut top nut and control arm bolts.
• After any suspension work, get a professional alignment.

Final Recommendation

For most Volvo 740 owners, the best approach is a full front suspension refresh using quality aftermarket components from brands like Lemförder, Meyle, and Bilstein. Replace struts, mounts, control arms, tie rod ends, and sway bar links all at once. This restores the car's original driving characteristics and eliminates the need to chase down individual worn parts. If your budget is tight, prioritize struts and control arms first, as they most affect safety and tire wear. No matter what, always use a reputable parts supplier and get an alignment after the job. With proper maintenance, your Volvo 740 will continue to deliver reliable, comfortable miles for years to come.