1998 s70 Wheel Alignment Questions

inlineframe · Post by **inlineframe** » 06 Jan 2012, 13:52

Hi,

This forum has helped me a lot doing my own repairs and I would like to thank all of you for giving great feedback!

Anyways, I've recently done front end work, new strut bushings, lower arm control, and replacing cv boots on my s70. It's obvious now that I need a wheel alignment done, so I scheduled an appointment with my local auto repair shop to get it done. I was about to schedule one at Sears, but I've heard they are horrible. My local repair shop said it will run about $80 and if i have the electronic something that I couldn't really understand it'll be an extra $20.

Now to my question... I am a bit clueless on what they should be adjusting besides the toe in/out, chamber, and my steering wheel position. What questions should I be asking them? I'm not really sure if that $20 is a gimmick or if its required on standard Volvo's.

Thanks again!

Post by **Swamy** » 06 Jan 2012, 15:02

Hi Inlineframe,

I just completed some similar front end work thanks to the help of this forum. Just to be more specific I completed both sides tie rods (inner and outer), control arms, and rebuilt front struts. I received a great tip from a forum member to get the tires balanced as well to make sure that alignment is thorough. It was a great tip that really made a lot of sense. Sounds like you did some extensive front end work as well.

" I've recently done front end work, new strut bushings, lower arm control, and replacing cv boots on my s70. "

I drove less than 5 miles to get a 4 wheel alignment done and tires balanced at the same time to be thorough. However I did replace my front suspension. I was told at the shop that if a camber adjustment was necessary there would be a $30 upcharge on top of the alignment cost. Since you did not play with your suspension, it's quite possible that you will not need a camber adjustment at all. Toe in/ toe out should seal the deal. I'm wondering if that extra cost you are being quoted is for that same potential camber adjustment?

At any rate I wanted to pass on the good tip I received when undertaking similar front end work on my s70.

inlineframe · Post by **inlineframe** » 06 Jan 2012, 16:00

Thanks Swamy!

I will definitely get my wheels balanced. The mechanic told me its a full 4 wheel alignment "Everything" he quoted, so im assuming he will do the camber. I will ask him what adjustments he will be doing. As for that extra cost he was telling me, he needed to use, i believe the scanner to read the adjustments?? Still clueless about it and hopefully anyone on the forum to tell me some more incite on it.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 07 Jan 2012, 18:08

Most alignment shops don't understand FWD Volvos and they will wind up chasing their tales trying to get it right. The 850 and 70 series all have passive rear steering so it is important to get the toe adjusted for the rear.

The order of alignment is:

1) Rear Toe - there is no camber or caster adjustment on the rear wheels. The rear toe adjustment is made by loosening the bolts on the rear trailing arms at the bushings that connect the two links.

2) Front Camber - out of the box there is no camber adjustment but if it is needed you can by "Camber Kits" which will give you around +/- 3/4 degree of adjustment.

3) Front toe.

...Lee

inlineframe · Post by **inlineframe** » 07 Jan 2012, 20:35

Thanks Lee!

I had an appointment today early in the morning. The mechanic that was working on my car knew how to do volvos, so he told me basically what you just explained that the rear toe is important. He did adjust everything to about perfect.

I found out what they meant about the electronic device. It's called esc (electronic stability control) or vsc (vehicle stability control), basically a computer that reads errors of the steering and other handling codes. I believe volvos didn't start putting them till 2000 or 2001.. I know they are mandated now to be equipped and is a big waste of labor and money to reset..