Volvo XC90 SPA Lower Control Arm Bushing Wear & Australia Replacement Sourcing
The first time your Volvo XC90 develops a mysterious clunk over Sydney’s patchy roads, you might blame the potholes—but the real culprit is often worn lower control arm bushings.
The SPA-platform XC90 (2016 onwards) uses a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension. It delivers excellent road holding, but the rubber bushings that connect everything together don’t last forever. Australian roads and heat accelerate the wear.
Here’s what you need to know about diagnosing the problem and sourcing replacements locally.
TL;DR
Lower control arm bushing wear on the SPA XC90 causes clunking, vague steering, and uneven tyre wear. The original solid rubber bushings are prone to cracking and failure. Volvo updated the design to hydraulic bushings (part number 32246809) that absorb vibration better and last longer . Australian sourcing options include SuperPro polyurethane bushings (made in Australia, lifetime warranty) and genuine Volvo hydraulic bushings from online retailers . Expect 4–6 hours per side for a DIY replacement . Always drive responsibly and follow local traffic laws. Worn suspension affects handling and braking stability—get it inspected promptly.
Key Takeaways
- Symptoms include clunking over bumps, vague steering feel, uneven tyre wear, and vibration through the steering wheel
- The updated hydraulic bushing (32246809) is significantly better than the original solid design—insist on the new part
- SuperPro bushings are Australian-made with a lifetime warranty and are designed for harsh local conditions
- One fastener is a stretch stud that must be replaced every time it’s loosened
- DIY time is 4–6 hours per side with basic tools plus a press or bushing puller
- Wheel alignment is required after replacement
Why SPA XC90 Bushings Fail
The Design and Its Weakness
The SPA XC90’s front suspension uses a double-wishbone setup with upper and lower control arms. The lower control arm connects to the subframe through two main bushings .
These bushings are made of rubber bonded to metal sleeves. Their job is to allow controlled movement while isolating road noise and vibration from the cabin.
But rubber degrades. Heat, ozone, and constant flexing cause it to harden, crack, and eventually separate from the metal . Once that happens, the control arm moves more than it should, throwing off alignment and causing metal-on-metal contact.
Why Australian Conditions Make It Worse
Australian heat accelerates rubber degradation. The XC90 is also a heavy SUV—over 2,000 kg in many configurations—which puts more stress on suspension components than a lighter vehicle would.
The XC90 is particularly hard on bushings because of its weight, and the original solid rubber design didn’t hold up as well as Volvo hoped .
Symptoms: What to Watch For
According to FCP Euro, common failure symptoms include :
- Clunking or banging sounds over bumps and uneven surfaces
- Vague or wandering steering—the car pulls different directions under acceleration and braking
- Vibration or wobble through the steering wheel
- Uneven tyre wear and inability to achieve proper alignment
- Metal-on-metal sounds in severe cases
One suspension specialist noted that failed bushings cause the car to “lose alignment under acceleration and deceleration even though the alignment appears fine at rest” .
Always drive responsibly and follow local traffic laws. If you notice these symptoms, have the suspension inspected before they worsen.
The Updated Bushing: What You Need to Know
Old Design vs New Design
Volvo updated the lower control arm bushing design for the SPA platform. This is critical information for anyone replacing them.
| Design | Part Number | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Old (solid rubber) | 31451032 | Prone to cracking, transmits more vibration |
| New (hydraulic) | 32246809 | Better vibration isolation, longer life |
A SwedeSpeed forum member who completed this job put it bluntly: “Insist on getting the new design bushings as the new ones are hydro bushings which have better ability to absorb and isolate vibration. The old design can cause some steering wheel vibration as they’re sensitive to road imperfections” .
Installation Position Matters
If you’re upgrading from the old solid bushing to the new hydraulic design, position is critical. FCP Euro’s product information states: “If replacing a like for like bushing, make sure to measure the exact position so when the new bushing is installed the bolts will line up. If you are updating a control arm with a hydraulic bushing, mark where the solid bushing sits and measure inwards towards the ball joint 7mm” .
Get this wrong and the control arm won’t align properly with the subframe.
Australian Replacement Sourcing Options
Option 1: SuperPro Polyurethane Bushings
SuperPro is an Australian suspension company with 40+ years of experience. Their bushings are designed and manufactured in Australia specifically for local conditions .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | Front Control Arm Lower Inner Rear Bush Kit |
| Part Number | SPF3368K |
| Price | $257.00 |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Material | Proprietary polyurethane formula |
| Installation Time | 3 hours (per kit) |
| Fitting Position | Front Axle |
SuperPro claims their bushings are “unaffected by extreme temperatures, oils, water or coolant” and provide “higher quality, quieter, longer lasting” performance than rubber .
One consideration: polyurethane is firmer than rubber. It sharpens handling and lasts longer, but transmits slightly more road noise. For many Australian XC90 owners, that’s an acceptable trade-off for durability.
Option 2: Genuine Volvo Hydraulic Bushings
If you prefer factory parts, the updated hydraulic bushing kit is available from online retailers.
FCP Euro sells the Genuine Volvo kit (32246809KT) which includes :
- 2 x Suspension Control Arm Bushing (hydraulic design)
- 2 x Control Arm Bolt
- 2 x Control Arm Nut
- 2 x Axle Bolt
- 6 x Control Arm Bolt
- 2 x Wheel Bearing Dust Cap
- 4 x Suspension Ball Joint Bolt
This kit replaces both main front lower control arm bushings. Note that one fastener is a stretch stud that must be replaced every time it’s loosened .
Option 3: Complete Control Arms
If you don’t want to press bushings in and out, you can buy complete lower control arms with bushings already installed.
Pro Parts Sweden offers a Lower Left Control Arm Wishbone for the SPA platform that includes the arm, bushings, ball joint, and brackets . This simplifies the job considerably—no pressing required.
Complete arms cost more upfront but save time and avoid the risk of damaging a bushing during installation.
The DIY Replacement Process
Tools and Time
According to a detailed SwedeSpeed DIY write-up, you’ll need :
- Jack stands
- 8, 10, 13, 15, 18mm sockets and wrenches
- Torx bits (T20, T25, T30, T35)
- Extensions (1/2″ or 3/8″)
- Impact driver or wrench
- Bushing puller or hydraulic press (for bushing replacement)
Estimated time: 4–6 hours per side .
Key Steps
The process involves :
- Removing the wheel arch liner and lower splash guard
- Disconnecting the ABS sensor wire (leave it hanging, don’t unplug)
- Removing the ball joint bolts
- Removing the control arm mounting bolts (front and rear)
- Lifting the hub assembly to free the control arm
- Pressing out the old bushings and pressing in the new ones
- Reassembly and torque to specification
Critical Torque Specs
From the Chilton manual for XC90 :
- Control arm mounting bolts: 59 ft-lbs (80 Nm)
- Ball joint bracket to wheel knuckle: 110 Nm
- Driveshaft to wheel hub: specific to model
Tighten the rubber bushing bolts when the suspension is in its normal position (the car on the ground, with weight in it). This prevents premature bushing failure .
Wheel Alignment Required
After replacing control arm bushings, you must get a wheel alignment. The bushing position affects camber and caster angles, and even a small error will cause uneven tyre wear and poor handling.
FAQ
How do I know if my XC90’s control arm bushings are worn?
Common signs are clunking over bumps, vague steering, uneven tyre wear, and vibration through the steering wheel .
What’s the difference between the old and new bushing designs?
The old design (31451032) is solid rubber and prone to cracking. The new hydraulic design (32246809) absorbs vibration better and lasts longer .
Can I buy bushings in Australia?
Yes. SuperPro (Australian-made) sells polyurethane bushings with a lifetime warranty for around $257 . Genuine Volvo hydraulic bushings are available from online retailers like FCP Euro .
Do I need to replace the whole control arm or just the bushings?
Both options work. Replacing just bushings is cheaper but requires a press. Complete arms (like the Pro Parts Sweden unit) include everything and save time .
How long does the replacement take?
A DIY job takes 4–6 hours per side for bushing replacement . Complete arm replacement may be faster.
Is a wheel alignment needed after replacement?
Yes. The bushing position affects suspension geometry. Always get an alignment after this job.
Can I upgrade to polyurethane bushings for better durability?
Yes. SuperPro polyurethane bushings are firmer, last longer, and are designed for Australian conditions. They transmit slightly more road noise than rubber .
Which Volvo Model Best Fits Your Driving Needs?
The Volvo XC90 SPA is a superb family SUV with excellent safety and comfort. But its suspension bushings are a wear item that Australian owners should monitor.
If your XC90 is developing clunks or vague steering, don’t ignore it. Worn bushings affect tyre life, alignment, and braking stability. SuperPro polyurethane bushings offer a durable Australian-made solution, while genuine Volvo hydraulic bushings restore factory refinement.
For DIYers, this is a satisfying job that saves significant labor costs. For everyone else, a good independent Volvo specialist can handle it.
Which Volvo model best fits your driving needs? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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