steering wheel mov't on uneven roads + clicking noise

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 31 May 2004, 13:38

hi there - it's me again

(i am new to volvo and so i try to seek as such help as i can - just in case you were wondering...)

i own a 96 850 wagon w/115k and have the following problem:
i noticed that the car is behaving strangely on uneven pavements - the steering wheel and the car veers off to one side or the other, depending on the road surface. there is also a clinking noise when hitting small potholes. it is quite strange, since the wheel is sliding out of my grip and i don't think it normal! however, this does not happen at highway speeds - no vibrations or difficulty with steering of any sort.

i took it to a shop yesterday to have the front end inspected. the mechanic found nothing wrong with the front end: wheel bearings, ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. he suggested that there may be some play at the steering wheel column. in fact, when i turn the steering wheel fast 1/8 of a turn back and forth, there is a clinking sound.

any suggestions will be much appreciated.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 03 Jun 2004, 05:52

Hello Carlo,
I

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 03 Jun 2004, 08:40

hi daniel,

i'm glad someone has answered! so i am not the only one with this problem. i cannot say what it is, my only guess thus far is a worn steering column mechanism. the previous owners told me, that the tires are wearing out prematurely despite repeated alignments.
i will take a look a this more closely in the next week or so with an experienced mechanic, and will let you know what I have found. and you do the same - maybe we'll be able to resolve it together?

thank you for your response.

carlo
nyc

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Jun 2004, 02:51

Hello Carlo,

I

carlo · Post by **carlo** » 11 Jun 2004, 15:16

daniel,

so you have not replaced the bearings (how many are there?)? i wish i had a garage to work on it...

is it possible to buy these bearing and are they expensive - do you know?
i want to take care of it for two reasons. first, it is uncomfortable when driving in a city, and second, i have a brand new set of michelline tyres, and i do not want them eaten away because of this problem...

good luck again. i will let you know if i find anything new.

-carlo

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 25 Jun 2004, 06:30

Hello Carlo,
the bearing I wrote about is only one simple standard bearing 17mm x 35mm x 10mm. But it was not thought to change anytime and therefore you must have phantasy, as I wrote. Of course, it takes some time and without a garage it is not very nice!
But so far I know there is no effect concerning tires and so on because the tie rods an the steering gear has nothing to do with play in the steering column. In my opinion play isn