Hello Chris@IPD,
I apologize, but as a loyal customer, my opinion is this was basically the same info in your informational marketing. The real question is how it performs in the real world or head-to-head. I don't know where you source the new rubber, how the bushings are manufactured (and the QC), nor have we seen your lab analysis.
I strive to give real world results and data in my posts, not just the marketing info.
Believe us when we say we know about the control arm bushings wearing out, especially with the heaviest vehicle in the Volvo P2 fleet. The biggest deciding factor when personally talking to different XC90 owners is how the consistency and longevity play into the price point. We just don't have the real world information or data to make an informed decision on choosing the IPD control arms. However, when it comes to original Volvo, we know how long they can last without issue.
Why haven't you chosen to try solid rubber bushings or improving the overall design of the bushing and not just the rubber? I've used solid rubber bushing replacements in European cars, where the original ones had cutouts, with great results.
We source our control arms from a manufacture who supplies Lemforder, ZF, and TRW. We've been working with them for over 15 years making all sorts of rubber and cast components. We worked with a lab to test the durometer in each bushing from various competitors. In reference to the P2 non XC90, we worked for many years developing a new control arm. Then Meyle introduced their HD versions. At that time we didn't know creating a harder bushing or more material wasn't the correct answer. We shelved our project and waited to see how Meyle worked out.
We work with many independent service centers around the county. The feedback was they failed just as often as other aftermarket versions, but had an attractive warranty.
We tried poly bushings in our own cars. The problem is securing the poly "vulcanizing" to the actual control arm itself. There really isn't a way to secure the bushing in the control arm so they will stay. We also had issues with the sleeve tearing out the harder material. We noticed the material being beat to death! The deflection that occurs in the rear of the control arm is massive and can crush the material.
We worked with a lab who tested the rubber durometer and deflection. We were advised that using better material would be the best course of action and to not go with more material, just better material.
The voids in the factory bushings are engineered on purpose to help facilitate movement in the correct axis. It also allows a more controlled "bump steer" response under braking. Without the voids, steering control will be decreased under braking loads due to severe deflection and wheel hop. If you look at the way the suspension moves, the voids are specific to allow movement in the direction of your struts "up and down" and dampen or resist movement on the other axis.
We went back to our manufacture and moved forward making control arms for the P2 chassis specifying a higher quality compound. Fact is, we don't claim that these last forever. This is in fact a wear component. No rubber lasts forever. We have had great results with our distributors and shops installing our P2 control arms for S60/V70 applications. We've made them for XC70 models and had great success with little issues.
Our goal is to provide something better than what is being offered in the aftermarket. We feel we've priced them accordingly.
These products have taken many years to develop and many resources. We don't give away trade secrets about our development. When there is a claim to be made, we will make it. I can't tell you how many miles these will last or an exact number you will get out of them. This all depends on road conditions and how the person drives. All in all our control arms have done fantastic against others offered in the aftermarket.
ipd has been in business for over 55 years doing our best to develop quality products and solutions. We're not in business providing fake news or to cheat people into a product that won't work.
There are many options out there. We did our best to produce an affordable unit that will last longer.
I appreciate all the questions. it's nice to see so many people this enthusiastic over their XC90.
Thank you for your contribution to the Volvo community.
Have a great day.