242 / 244 / 245

1974-1993 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 242 / 244 / 245 problems All workshop problems

Common Suspension and Steering

Sagging rear springs

Symptoms

Rear end sits low, poor handling, bottoms out over bumps. You'll notice the rear sitting lower than the front, especially on wagons. Tyres may rub the inner guard on big bumps.

Cause

Springs sag with age and fatigue. Wagons are worse because they spent their lives loaded. Spring steel loses tension over decades, and there's no adjusting them back.

Fix

Replace the springs.

IPD sells heavy-duty replacements for wagons and standard replacements for sedans.

OEM Volvo springs are getting harder to source.

Do both sides at once, even if only one looks low.

While the springs are out, replace the rear shock absorbers (Bilstein B4 or Koni) and the rubber bump stops.

Check the rear spring perches for cracks or rust while you're there.

Budget $200-400 for springs plus $150-300 for shocks.

Some people cut a coil to level the car.

Don't.

It changes the spring rate and makes the ride harsh.

If you need more height, fit proper uprated springs.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $200-400 for springs$150-300 for shocks

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// More 242 / 244 / 245 problems

Other known issues

Critical Suspension and Steering

Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints

Clunking over bumps, steering wander, uneven tyre wear (inside edge), pulling to one side. Failed MOT.

Common Suspension and Steering

Steering rack leaks and worn tie rod ends

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.

Common Suspension and Steering

Worn strut top mounts and bearings

Clunking from the front over bumps, steering feels notchy or doesn't self-centre, uneven tyre wear (weird camber shifts).

Minor Engine

Oil leaks from valve cover, front crank seal, and rear main seal

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.

Critical Engine

Clogged PCV system (flame trap, oil separator box)

Oil leaks from multiple places, rough idle, high oil consumption, smoke from the engine bay. Sometimes the oil filler cap pops off under pressure.

Common Engine

Piston ring wear and oil consumption (LH 2.4 engines, 2010-2018 T5/T6)

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.

All 242 / 244 / 245 problems