242 / 244 / 245

1974-1993 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 242 / 244 / 245 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Worn strut top mounts and bearings

Symptoms

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

Cause

The strut top hat bearing breaks or the rubber mount collapses. This allows the strut to move around, changing camber and caster on the fly.

Fix

Replace the strut top mounts (IPD HD or OEM).

You can do this without removing the springs if you're careful, but it's easier with spring compressors.

Check the bearings, if they're crunchy or missing, replace them.

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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.

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