242 / 244 / 245

1974-1993 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 242 / 244 / 245 problems All workshop issues

Critical Suspension and Steering

Worn front control arm bushings and ball joints

Symptoms

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

Cause

The front control arms have bushings at both ends and a ball joint. All wear out with age and mileage. Ball joints fail catastrophically if ignored.

Fix

Replace the entire control arm (cheaper and easier than pressing in new bushings).

Ball joints can be replaced separately, but arms are so cheap ($30-50 each), it's not worth the hassle.

Use genuine Volvo or Meyle HD parts.

Cost mentioned in fix

$30-50 each

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo 242 / 244 / 245? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More 242 / 244 / 245 problems

Other known issues

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 Suspension and Steering

Sagging rear springs

Rear end sits low, poor handling, bottoms out over bumps.

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.

View all 24 242 / 244 / 245 problems