940 / 960

1990-1998 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 940 / 960 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Control arm bushings and ball joints

Symptoms

Wandering steering, clunking over bumps, or the car pulls to one side. Excessive play in the front end.

Cause

Rubber bushings perish with age and mileage. Ball joints wear out, especially on cars driven on rough roads.

Fix

Inspect all bushings and ball joints for play.

Replace in pairs (left/right).

Aftermarket polyurethane bushings are available and last longer but transmit more noise.

Ball joints are usually replaced with the entire control arm, OEM Volvo or quality aftermarket recommended.

Get a four-wheel alignment after fitting new parts.

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// More 940 / 960 problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Front strut mounts and bearings

Clunking over bumps, steering that doesn't self-centre, or uneven tyre wear. Sometimes a creaking noise when turning at low speed.

Common Suspension and Steering

Rear axle trailing arm bushings and Panhard rod

The rear end feels loose or unstable, especially under braking or cornering. You might see uneven rear tyre wear.

Common Suspension and Steering

Worn steering rack and tie rods

Play in the steering, wandering at speed, or knocking when turning. Sometimes you'll see fluid leaking from the rack boots.

Critical Engine

Oil leaks everywhere

You'll find oil pooling under the car, dripping from the valve cover, front and rear main seals, cam seals, or oil cooler lines. The B230 engines (940) and B6304 (960) both weep oil as they age, it's not if, it's when.

Common Engine

Flame trap and PCV system clogged

Engine bogs down, idles rough, struggles to rev, or won't start when hot. You might get excessive crankcase pressure, blowing out seals and pushing oil into the intake.

Critical Engine

Rough idle, hesitation, or won't start (fuel system issues)

Stumbling acceleration, poor fuel economy, hard starting, or stalling. Sometimes it runs fine cold but misfires when warm. Check engine light may be on or flashing.

View all 24 940 / 960 problems