850 Steering column question

Post by **manovlov** » 10 Sep 2020, 13:04

Hy Buddies,

A question, to change. I enjoyed tearing my hair out on the clutch so much that I want to take the plunge on a new subject.

When I drive my beautiful Volvo 850 in town, when I pass over small holes, or speed bumps, at a cool speed, I have the impression to feel some littles kicks in the steering wheel (road default), as if there was no "mounts" to absorb these littles kicks.

On a diagram taken from Volvo Webstore parts, I've seen that there are no mounts,if I have well seen.

So, what should I control :

- steering liquid ?
- steering rack ?
- tie rod ends ?
- tie rod steering axles ?
- suspensions ?
- springs caps ?
- suspension strut Support Bearing Front axle ?
- drive shafts ?

Thanks to those that will advice me...

Manov.

Post by **scot850** » 10 Sep 2020, 13:49

When you have worked on your car, have you replaced any of the engine mounts with poly bushes? They transmit more vibration into the steering but make things feel more stiff.

If you are feeling clunks then maybe there are worn components either in the steering, suspension or front sub-frame mounts. Worn rear suspension components can also affect the car but I would not expect to feel that through the steering wheel.

I would start by looking at the steering system. Check the track-rod end ball-joint for play. Also check there is no movement in the inner track rods.

Then it is a case of checking the lover control arm bushes for wear and the lower suspension ball joints.

Lastly look at the sub-frame bushes. If they are worn, the sub-frame can move slightly and potentially make the steering wheel jump a little.

What tire size are you using? The larger the tire diameter, the smaller the tire side-wall. That would make the steering sensitive to bumps also.

Neil.

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 10 Sep 2020, 14:52

Bump steer (which is what I think you're describing) can be caused by a number of things. Most commonly its a bad wheel alignment, or worn suspension components linked to toe-in and toe-out geometry. This is stuff like your control arms and track rod ends, as covered by Neil.

Tyre size, yes and no in opinion. Sometimes larger sidewalls are inherently softer and so can compress and deflect over bumps. This deflection can lead to something that feels like bump steer. I do agree that smaller sidewalls are generally more bump sensitive though.

Post by **manovlov** » 10 Sep 2020, 22:21

Hy BoYzs !

Thanks for reply. Control arms are new, as the sway bar link front axle. All the rest seems to me to be originals OEM. I have to replace every parts.

I suppose that to replace the parts below, I need a press, no ?

Thanks .

Manov

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jeffsws · Post by **jeffsws** » 11 Sep 2020, 01:09

Do you also feel these steering kicks when turning slowly?

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 11 Sep 2020, 01:27

Did you get an alignment done after changing the suspension components? Its still worth checking the inner and outer tie rods for play, too.

You don't need a press for the subframe bearings. There are some good guides on here for their removal and installation in-situ.

Post by **scot850** » 11 Sep 2020, 09:41

I agree with Cookeh that you need to check the steering linkages first and let us know if you had an alignment done on the whole suspension after the front end work. Rear suspension can also cause strange issues so a 4 wheel alignment should have been done,

Like Cookeh says there are several posts on sub-frame bush replacements. Volvo has a tool to pull and fit the bushes. My big caution on this is make sure the engine is supported. Volvo did not do this and it fractured the top pipe on my radiator outlet which takes a lot of strain at the best of times.

Neil.

Post by **manovlov** » 11 Sep 2020, 13:32

Yo !

At first, what has been already done :

- Front :

Sway bar link Front axle

Control arms

- Rear :

Suspensions springs

Spring cap Rear axle

Shock absorber Rear axle

Mounting plate, Shock absorber

Suspension strut Support Bearing Rear axle

- Alignment : not yet.

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No, it really has matter to the state of the road.

Manov.

Post by **manovlov** » 11 Sep 2020, 13:34

Cookeh wrote: ↑11 Sep 2020, 01:27 Did you get an alignment done after changing the suspension components? Its still worth checking the inner and outer tie rods for play, too.

You don't need a press for the subframe bearings. There are some good guides on here for their removal and installation in-situ.

My question is not so much how to extract them, bur more how the reassemble them. My English is not so good so, I have to say that it takes me a bit time to read posts selected by the engine search on words la sub frame - bushes.. But not impossible.

Manov

Cookeh · Post by **Cookeh** » 12 Sep 2020, 03:41

Check tie rods first, if thats okay then get an alignment. If you still have the issues after that then its time to consider subftame bushes. I wouldn't worry about them until you've rules out tie rods and alignment.

That should give you time to research the bushing reassembly, if you need to do it.