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Bumps control my car

Help, Advice and DIY Tutorials on Volvo's P80 platform cars -- Volvo's 1990s "bread and butter" cars -- powered by the ubiquitous and durable Volvo inline 5-cylinder engine.

1992 - 1997 850, including 850 R, 850 T-5R, 850 T-5, 850 GLT
1997 - 2000 S70, S70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70, V70 AWD
1997 - 2000 V70-XC
1997 - 2004 C70

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pfeener
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Joined: 19 January 2006
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Location: Massachusetts
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Post by pfeener »

I'm only about 30 minutes from you. If you get stuck finding the problem I'd be willing to take a look at it for you.

Philco456
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Joined: 6 November 2003
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Post by Philco456 »

It's been ages since this was initially posted, but did you ever figure out what the problem was? I am having the same issue with my 2000 S70. At slower speeds when my car goes over a bump - especially the right side - it feels like the right wheel goes out of alignment for a moment and I have to pull to steering wheel to the left to balance the car back out. Straight line stability seems to be an issue also. It's very odd and certainly does not seem safe.

Ozark Lee
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Post by Ozark Lee »

My only suggestion is to jack your car up on the right side, grab the front wheel, and search for movement. Lateral movement suggests tie rod ends, vertical movement suggest ball joints/lower control arms. Movement all around suggests a wheel bearing but it usually makes noise that is more pronounced than the driveability issues.

If the right side looks good do the same thing on the left side.

...Lee
'94 850 N/A 5 speed
'96 Platinum Edition Turbo
Previous:
1999 V70XC - Nautic Blue - Totaled while parked.
1999 V70XC - RIP - Wrecked Parts Car.
1998 S70 T5
1996 850 N/A
1989 740 GLT
1986 740 GLT
1972 142 Grand Luxe

drevil540
Posts: 10
Joined: 22 June 2003
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Location: Chattanooga,TN

Post by drevil540 »

My car is doing the same thing when hitting bumps. I'm convinced it is the steering rack. A new set of tires and a steering rack is coming in the mail. I will post again once I complete the repair work.

MadeInJapan
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Joined: 31 March 2005
Year and Model: '98 S70 T5 '07S40T5
Location: Knoxville, TN American but born in Japan
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Post by MadeInJapan »

Take pictures and document what you do....I'll post it in the repair database!
'98 S70 T5 Emrld Grn Met/Beige Tons of Upgrades Mobil-1
'04 V70 2.5T Red/Taupe Some Upgrades Mobil-1
'07 S40 T5 AWD 6 speed manual! Silver/Black Stage1 Heico & Elevate
'07 S60 2.5T Blue/Taupe- my kid's Volvo

drevil540
Posts: 10
Joined: 22 June 2003
Year and Model:
Location: Chattanooga,TN

Post by drevil540 »

I did not have the patience to take pictures and document the steering rack replacement, it was a pain and took me about 6 hours to complete. The tire replacement and and alignment was completed today. Bumps no longer control the vehicle. Straight and smooth with tight steering. Rack from FCP Groton and Michelin Pilot Exalto 205/55/16 91V tires.

MadeInJapan
MVS Moderator
Posts: 13434
Joined: 31 March 2005
Year and Model: '98 S70 T5 '07S40T5
Location: Knoxville, TN American but born in Japan
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Post by MadeInJapan »

That's good news....congrats!
Have a beer or two now and relax! :)
'98 S70 T5 Emrld Grn Met/Beige Tons of Upgrades Mobil-1
'04 V70 2.5T Red/Taupe Some Upgrades Mobil-1
'07 S40 T5 AWD 6 speed manual! Silver/Black Stage1 Heico & Elevate
'07 S60 2.5T Blue/Taupe- my kid's Volvo

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