Squealing Corner Turns - Help me want to keep my V70!

bweber · Post by **bweber** » 12 Mar 2006, 10:30

Hi All,
I've had my 1998 V70 for about 9 mts now. Granted, I got it for a steal - but I did not know much about the previous owner. I've replaced the timing belt and the CV boot (the car has 100,000 miles) but I've noticed that almost every time a turn a corner (not even a sharp corner - but rather when a make gentle corners) that the car and/or tires squeal. It's rather loud. I really want to keep this car - but I can honestly say right now I do not like driving it. Can anyone help me!! I don't want to trade it in!!
Thanks,
Brook

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Mar 2006, 11:52

What tires are on it? I think this is an issue with the tires and not the car.

saltydog · Post by **saltydog** » 12 Mar 2006, 18:26

alignment - do an alignment.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 12 Mar 2006, 19:33

Still want to know what tires are on it....tires make a huge difference too....as well as alignment and balanced tires.

bweber · Post by **bweber** » 12 Mar 2006, 19:40

I'll check the tires w/in the next 24 hours and post - what kind of info do I need to get - besides the tread left on the tires and the brand? How do I determine the size of the tires?
Thanks for all your help!
Brook - an newbie Volvo owner

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 13 Mar 2006, 18:34

Tread left is good into to have as well as brand and markings...like Michlen Engergy X4X, etc. Tire size is not an issue.

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 14 Mar 2006, 08:10

What is the air pressure in the tires? Both over and under inflation can cause tires to loose traction in a turn resulting in unwanted tire noise...not to mention potential safety issues.

bweber · Post by **bweber** » 14 Mar 2006, 08:45

Ok - Sorry for the delay - the tires are Michalen (sp?) P185. There is a fair amount of tread on them - but they look pretty worn on the outsides. Also, they seem kind of small for the car- but maybe thats just b/c the car is so large

If I do get new tires - what are the best (economical) bets for a 1998 V70?
Thanks!
Brook

White850Turbo · Post by **White850Turbo** » 14 Mar 2006, 11:52

bweber wrote:Ok - Sorry for the delay - the tires are Michalen (sp?) P185. There is a fair amount of tread on them - but they look pretty worn on the outsides. Also, they seem kind of small for the car- but maybe thats just b/c the car is so large
If I do get new tires - what are the best (economical) bets for a 1998 V70?
Thanks!
Brook

Check out your tire pressure and get an alignment. The high wear on the outside is a sign of a very under-inflated tire. This can lead to all sorts of problems including poor handling, compromised safety, bad gas mileage, bent rims. The list goes on. Best tires for the car assuming you're going for economy (i.e. gas mileage, low price, good comfort, long treadlife) are going to be something in a 195/60/15 size assuming that we are indeed talking about the base model or GLT trim V70 (Not a T5). Keep air pressure between 34 and 36 psi for maximum treadwear life.

bweber · Post by **bweber** » 21 Mar 2006, 08:54

To everyone who offered words of wisdom - I think that all my troubles were related to poor tire pressure - my tires were all b/t 24-27 PSI. While they did not look under inflated - they sure were!! Now I'm getting 26MPG and I'm starting to love my Volvo again!
Thanks!
-Brook, a newbie who is becoming more confident about working on her car.