To renew early type ball joints start by raising the front of the car and supporting it under its jacking points then remove the roadwheel. For pre 1978 models, loosen the shock absorber cap nut a couple of turns with a peg wrench, or special Volvo tool (5039 or 5173 for gas filled shock absorbers). Next, flatten the lockplates, if fitted, and unscrew the 4 ball joint-to-strut bolts. After that, unscrew and remove the 3 nuts that hold ball joint to track
Control Arm, and then remove ball joint. Unscrew the ball joint retaining nut and force the ball stud out of the strut attachment plate. Note that from 1979 on, the left and right-hand ball joints are not interchangeable, so make sure that you have the appropriate one for the side being worked on. Refitting is the reverse of removal and care is taken not to grease the ball stud (which can seat it too deeply and cause damage to the rubber boot). Finally, feed in new bolts and tighten the nuts and bolts to a specified torque.