Q&A

 Master

It's common for the front a-arm bushings to wear out, as well as the upper strut mounts. The bushings are about $420.00 - $550.00 for parts and labor, plus an alignment. The upper strut plates are $200.00 - $300.00 plus alignment. Have them check the struts for wear if they have them apart, they tend to become loose and make knocking noises.

 Rookie

Our 2001 S60 2.4T made creaking and thumping noises, replaced the strut mounting plate for each side and replaced the "link" bushings. The mounting plate tearing free is a common repair, total cost including aligment about about $800.00

Same exact problem for my '01 T5. i bought a pair of Front Upper Spring Seats for $25 bucks each on ipdusa.com. and replaced them myself.
you could probably find them cheaper elsewhere if you look hard enough though.
Also replaced the Front Strut Bump Stops just in case. noise gone.

If you buy the parts on your own, you dont have to deal with any breathtaking markup costs. just bring the car and parts to a regular mechanic and pay only for time.

If you arent sure of the problem, replace the smaller cheaper stuff first.