Worn control arms, ball joints and drive shafts in the Volvo XC60 cause knocking noises and jolts in the steering. These problems are common at higher mileages and with intensive use, especially in town with lots of speed bumps and uneven surfaces. The SUV is known for its comfort, but that does not mean that chassis components are immune to wear. Read on for concrete warning signs, repair costs and prevention tips.
How do you recognise wear to the suspension of the Volvo XC60?
Wear to the suspension and chassis often first shows itself through noises and subtle changes in driving behaviour. The Volvo XC60 is a comfortably tuned SUV, which means small problems can sometimes go unnoticed for a bit longer. Knocking, banging or ticking noises over speed bumps and potholes are the most common first signs.
In addition, the steering may feel less precise than before. You will notice this especially in bends or in changing road conditions, where the car reacts more nervously. This is caused by play in control arms, anti-roll bar links or ball joints. With more serious wear, you will feel jolts through the steering wheel, especially when braking or during quick changes of direction.
Another sign is uneven tyre wear. If the inner or outer shoulders wear much faster than the rest of the tread, this often points to alignment issues, which in turn can be caused by worn suspension components. Also watch out for vibrations in the steering wheel at higher speeds, which may indicate problems with wheel bearings or wheel balance.
Concrete warning signs
- Knocking or rattling noise over uneven surfaces
- Less precise or vague steering feel
- Jolts in the steering when braking or changing gear
- Tyres wearing on a slope, especially on the inner shoulder
- Restless behaviour on poor road surfaces or at high speed
- Stiffer or, on the contrary, softer and floatier suspension feel
‘ Anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar links are often the first to fail. ’
Which parts wear the most on the XC60?
Because of its higher build and weight, the Volvo XC60 places more load on its suspension components than a low saloon or hatchback. Control arms and their bushes wear due to age, high mileage and intensive use. These components connect the chassis and wheels, and once the bushes age, play will develop.
Anti-roll bars and anti-roll bar links are often the first to fail. They limit the car’s body roll in corners and are constantly moving. When they wear, you will usually first hear small knocks or rattles, especially at low speed over speed bumps. Ball joints play a similar role and can develop play over time, with the same effect.
Shock absorbers and struts damp bumps and potholes. When they weaken, the car feels less stable and you will keep bouncing for longer over uneven surfaces. This is especially noticeable on motorways and at sudden changes in road level. Wheel bearings can create noise or play at high mileage, which shows up as a droning or humming sound that increases with speed.
What are the repair costs for the front end and chassis?
The cost of repairing the suspension and chassis varies considerably, depending on which parts need to be replaced. Replacing one control arm usually costs between 250 and 450 euros per item, including labour. Anti-roll bar links are relatively cheap to buy, but fitting them takes time. Allow 150 to 250 euros per side.
For shock absorbers or struts you will pay 300 to 600 euros per item, depending on the type and brand. It is wise to replace shock absorbers per axle, so both front wheels or both rear wheels at the same time, to maintain balanced driving behaviour. Replacing ball joints costs around 100 to 200 euros each, including alignment.
After every replacement of suspension or chassis components, an alignment check is essential. This costs between 75 and 150 euros, but prevents uneven tyre wear and ensures the car drives straight and stable again. If several components need replacing at the same time, the total bill can rise to 1,500 euros or more.
Cost overview of common repairs
- Control arm: 250–450 euros per item
- Anti-roll bar link: 150–250 euros per side
- Shock absorber or strut: 300–600 euros per item
- Ball joint: 100–200 euros per item
- Alignment check: 75–150 euros
How can you prevent wear to the chassis?
Preventive maintenance starts with regular inspections. During each service, always have the mechanic check for play in the control arms, anti-roll bar components and ball joints. A mechanic can quickly check this visually and by hand, by pulling or shaking the components. Just a few millimetres of play is enough to cause noises and instability.
Drive slowly over speed bumps and deep potholes where possible. The XC60 is set up for comfort, but repeated shocks accelerate wear on bushes and dampers. Also try to check your tyres regularly for uneven wear. This is an early sign that something is wrong with the alignment or suspension components.
Good alignment is important after every replacement of suspension or chassis components, but also after a hard impact with a kerb or a deep pothole. Incorrect alignment not only accelerates tyre wear, it also puts uneven stress on the suspension. In addition, make sure your tyre pressures are correct, as pressures that are too low increase the load on the chassis.
Tips to make suspension components last longer
- Have the chassis checked every year or every 20,000 kilometres
- Avoid hard impacts by driving slowly over speed bumps
- Regularly check tyre wear for asymmetry
- Have the alignment checked after every major repair
- Compare left and right when checking for play or wear
- Use quality parts that suit the XC60’s driving characteristics
‘ This does not mean that the R-Design fails more quickly, but it does mean that wear and play are noticeable and audible sooner. ’
Difference between versions: R-Design versus other variants
The Volvo XC60 is available in different versions, including the sportier R-Design. This version has a firmer suspension setup and often larger wheels, which affects both comfort and wear. Drivers of R-Design models regularly report a harsher ride, especially on poor road surfaces.
This does not mean that the R-Design fails more quickly, but it does mean that wear and play are noticeable and audible sooner. The firmer setup leaves less room for play, so small defects stand out more quickly. In other versions with a more comfort-oriented suspension, chassis problems are sometimes only noticed later, once the noises become more obvious.
Wheel size also plays a role. Larger wheels with a lower profile tyre provide less cushioning, so shocks are transmitted more harshly into the suspension. This increases the load on bushes and dampers. When buying a used XC60, it is sensible to pay attention to the version and the corresponding condition and maintenance history of the chassis.
Checking the chassis when buying a used XC60
A thorough inspection of the chassis is essential when buying a used Volvo XC60. Start with a test drive on different types of road: a motorway, a twisty road and a stretch with speed bumps or potholes. While driving, pay attention to noises, vibrations and steering feel. Knocking or rattling sounds are a clear sign of wear.
Check the tyres for uneven wear. If the inner or outer shoulders are clearly more worn, there is probably a problem with the alignment or the chassis. Ask the seller or owner about maintenance and replaced parts. A car that has recently had control arms or dampers replaced can be a sign of good maintenance, but also of intensive use.
If in doubt, have the car inspected by an independent mechanic. A lift inspection quickly reveals play, leaking dampers and worn bushes. The 75 to 150 euros this inspection costs can easily save you hundreds of euros in unexpected repairs. Compare the condition on the left and right; asymmetrical wear is often a sign of a localised problem.
On the Carnews website you can find more information about common problems with the Volvo XC60, from electronics to the drivetrain. Discover tips and experiences from other owners and stay informed about maintenance and repairs.
Frequently asked questions
The most common signs are knocking, ticking or banging noises over speed bumps and uneven surfaces, which point to play in suspension or steering components. Less precise or more nervous steering behaviour, especially in bends or on poor road surfaces, is also a typical sign. In addition, tyres that are worn unevenly or on a slope often indicate alignment problems or worn chassis components. Finally, the car may feel noticeably stiffer, or on the contrary soft and floaty, due to worn shock absorbers and bushes.
Wear to the chassis (such as bushes, control arms, anti-roll bars and shock absorbers) reduces stability, making the car steer less predictably and potentially take longer to complete an emergency evasive or braking manoeuvre. Worn parts often cause knocking, vibration and nervous behaviour in bends or on poor road surfaces, which reduces driving safety. The car may also lean more in bends, track less accurately in a straight line and trigger safety systems earlier, because the roadholding has deteriorated. In addition, driving comfort decreases due to more vibrations, hard impacts over speed bumps and a stiffer or, conversely, more ‘floaty’ suspension behaviour.
Avoid heavy impacts by driving gently over speed bumps and potholes, and limit heavy loads (fully loaded trailer, overloading) as much as possible. Have the suspension regularly checked for play, leaking shock absorbers and perished bushes, for example at every service. Make sure tyre pressures are correct and have the car aligned when you notice abnormal tyre wear or the car pulling to one side. Replace worn parts in good time so that they do not cause additional wear to other suspension components.
In the suspension of a Volvo XC60, special attention should be paid to the control arms and their bushes, anti-roll bars/links and shock absorbers, as these are relatively prone to wear. Also keep an eye on the ball joints and wheel bearings, especially at higher mileages or when you frequently drive over speed bumps and poor road surfaces. Signs of wear include knocking or ticking over bumps, less precise steering behaviour and tyres that wear unevenly or on a slope. After replacing suspension components, always have the alignment checked.
Common wear to the suspension of a Volvo XC60 mainly concerns control arms and bushes, anti-roll bars/links, shock absorbers and ball joints. At independent garages you can roughly expect to pay around €250–€500 per axle for control arms/bushes or anti-roll bars (including labour) and €500–€900 per axle for shock absorbers/struts, depending on brand and trim level. In most cases, repairs can be carried out effectively by replacing individual components (bushes, bars, joints, dampers) without the need to renew complete subframes. After such repairs, an alignment (around €70–€120) is strongly recommended to optimise tyre wear and driving behaviour.