1974-1993 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden
Rear end sits low, poor handling, bottoms out over bumps.
Springs sag with age. Wagons are worse (they carried more weight).
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Submit an updateClunking over bumps, steering wander, uneven tyre wear (inside edge), pulling to one side. Failed MOT.
Power steering fluid leaks from the rack (usually at the pinion seal or end seals). Steering feels loose or vague. Clunking when you turn. Outer tie rod ends wear, causing play.
Clunking from the front over bumps, steering feels notchy or doesn't self-centre, uneven tyre wear (weird camber shifts).
Seepage or drips from the valve cover gasket, front timing cover, or rear of the engine. Oil may pool on top of the gearbox bell housing or drip onto the subframe. You'll smell burning oil if it hits the exhaust.
Oil leaks from multiple places, rough idle, high oil consumption, smoke from the engine bay. Sometimes the oil filler cap pops off under pressure.
Engine burns oil between changes, blue smoke on startup or acceleration. Spark plugs may foul. Not specific to the 240, but worth noting for anyone considering newer Volvos.