Volvo's use of transverse engine configurations in it's '93+ FWD and AWD models means it needs a rather large subframe to hold everything together. The subframe holds the engine, transaxle, steering rack, and lower control arms together and is bolted into the unibody with rather large and intimidating bolts and bushings.
Over time as the car ages, the rubber inside of the subframe bushings deteriorate. Since this is the main link that holds the steering rack and part of the lower suspension, excessive play in the subframe bushings can make the car feel vague, sloppy, and make handling unpredictable.
Usually the recommended solution is to completely replace the subframe bushings. However, this is usually a difficult and messy process which requires either dropping the entire subframe or purchasing and using an expensive Volvo specialty tool to cut and remove the old bushing.
*Disclaimer* If your bushings are starting to rust around the inner collar or the rubber is starting to tear, it's wise to replace the Volvo bushings as a measure of safety. These inserts cannot mend a broken or failed subframe bushing.
The subframe bushings are rubber with voids in the rubber casting
When I purchased my pre-owned Volvo XC90 V8 with around 80k miles on the clock, I wanted to refresh the suspension and make it feel more precise. The research led me to replace many of the front suspension components, including the lower control arms, inner and outer tie rods, and ball joints.
The last piece I was looking to replace were the subframe bushings. However, after reading more about the procedure to replace them, I was leaning less and less to doing it myself - Volvo's installation required some specialty tools, and all the DIYs I could locate involved supporting the engine to remove the subframe entirely. Some more researched showed that IPD sells a very nice set of subframe bushing inserts for '93-'14 P80 and P2 platform Volvos.
The subframe bushings are rubber with voids in the rubber casting. The IPD subframe bushing inserts are made of blue polyurethane and are designed to press into the voids of the bushing to stiffen them up and reduce movement. The installation is simple and can be performed in under an hour with basic hand tools and a torque wrench.
Installation
To install the inserts, the main subframe bolts were individually removed. Since the subframe holds the engine, transmission, and steering rack, I removed one bolt, lubricated and installed the bushings, and reinstalled the bolt. Repeat for the three others, doing only one corner at a time. Make sure the subframe is also braced with jack stands appropriately. Volvo does recommend replacement of the bolt when it is removed. However, many people have reused them without issue. The subframe bolts are torqued to 77 lb-ft, and then angle-tightened an additional 120 degrees.
Since the subframe is an integral part of the steering system, make sure to take the car in for an alignment as soon as possible. Once the car was aligned and I was able to drive it at highway speeds, I noticed a significant improvement in steering accuracy. Additionally, the car no longer tends to pull under heavy braking. These bushing inserts are a highly cost-effective and quick solution to worn subframe bushings, or simply to any enthusiast that is looking for more out of their P2 Volvo.
