Cracked strut mounts

My '90 240 apparently has cracked strut mounts, at least observing the
black top of the mounts when the hood is up. What's the safety risk
with these things, if any? I've got new mounts on order to have my
mechanic put in, but at what point if any should I stop driving the car
until this is done?

 

You mean the rubber section has cracks? While it's good to replace them,
it's not a safety hazard so long as they're relatively intact still.
There's a metal piece on top of the strut cartridge that will prevent it
from coming apart completely.

 

Well, I'm not sure how intact everything is (given the groaning and
creaking noises and all), just didn't want to be launching the insert
through my hood or anything like that.

Thanks for the info!

 

Well keep an eye on it, and I certainly wouldn't recommend any Dukes of
Hazard style jumps, but otherwise it should be ok for now

 

Dang, that was on my to-do list for tonight. Sigh. I should be able to
get 'em replaced next week.

Man, this car has been expensive in terms of repairs in the past 18
months. Hopefully I've replaced most of the stuff that'll need to be
replaced for a while.

 

personally, i'm a "Bullitt" fan. -- life lesson? don't go wheel to
wheel w/ me! -- seriously, that rubber bushing is protecting the strut
end. next week should be fine. do a good visual inspection. i know the
amount of wear that i would find acceptable, none, but i push Myst
hard. w/ new rubber there's a certain amount of wear that you won't
ever notice.

20 yrs is r & r time for many systems, but she's a Volvo. eventually
you will get through this chapter of her life, w/ a car that is worth
keeping.

 

How expensive is expensive? Even the most expensive repairs I've done on
mine have been less than a single car payment. It's getting too where
the 240 is going from just an old car to more of a retro/classic. I've
had several random people compliment me on my 242, despite the somewhat
shabby paint. Even had a few girls ooh and ah, which is shocking
honestly. I've always loved it but most people didn't seem to see why,
at least not before going for a ride.

I've been saying for years that the 240 would be a classic some day. I
can't think of many cars from the era that are as recognizable. Love
them or hate them, even non-car people can spot the boxy old Swedes from
a mile away.

 

LOL. I'm obviously in the "love 'em" camp. I bought my 1990 244 for
$3800 with 104000 miles on 10/31/01 and have, in the nearly 9 years
since, spent about $7500 on repairs and maintenance. It's up to 211,000
miles on the odometer. A bit over $2000 of that has been in the past 18
months. Not counting the upcoming strut mount replacement (my new SKFs
were just delivered today; $119 for the pair shipped from eEuroparts, so
I can get 'em replaced next week). Also in the near future is
rebuilding or replacing the driver's seat and new tires.

It's still my favorite car ever, which is why I keep fixing it...

 

That is my hope!