Wheel Alignment Advice '07 V70 125K

OliPhant · Post by **OliPhant** » 08 Oct 2024, 06:29

Greetings All,
I'd value any advice on where to go and what to ask for regarding an all-wheel alignment for my '07 V70 125K. Alignment and balancing are ok now, but it's been two years since the last alignment.

Can I expect a good tire shop to do alignment well enough? Or should I go to an independent, or the dealer, for alignment?

Assuming Volvo has "specs" for alignment, do they matter? Should I ask the shop to use them? Or let them do it their way?

Any other insights, warnings on wheel alignment?

Thanks! OCS

Post by **cn90** » 08 Oct 2024, 06:57

For the most part, I do only toein alignment.

For FWD cars, usually the toe is set at 1mm toeout
or zero toe.

When I have time, I can post alignment trick using tool at home (plumb bob etc).

Very often the problem is the seized tie rod end. This area needs to be sprayed with PB Blaster one wk before undoing the lock nut.

Post by **erikv11** » 08 Oct 2024, 09:11

Yes, any good tire shop should be able to do the alignment well enough, although as with all repair work it can be hit and miss. I have settled on one shop near me that I trust. The shop will source the Volvo numbers and put the car within spec. I tell them I want a 4-wheel alignment and a printout of the before and after numbers. Letting them do it their way should be fine, no need to go upscale for a wheel alignment.

The only available adjustments for your car are the front and rear toe and the thrust angle, and that's what they will adjust.

My only other thought is that since it seems fine, I wouldn't necessarily shell out the $100 for an alignment now until I was sure the car didn't need any suspension or steering work. Check the tie rods, control arms, struts. You only need alignment work after tie rods, not for other suspension work, but better to refresh everything/anything needed before getting it done.

OliPhant · Post by **OliPhant** » 08 Oct 2024, 09:22

Super helpful. Thanks!

Post by **MoVolvos** » 08 Oct 2024, 10:26

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Use these two websites for dimensions so it's easier to find the equal distances in the diagram. The most important is the track width difference between the front and rear wheel base. Links were Bookmarks for 2 of our cars so search for yours.

https://www.carfolio.com/volvo-s60-2.5t ... 3#specs-h2

https://www.ultimatespecs.com/car-specs ... 4-140.html

The suspension adjustment doesn't have to be perfect and sometimes there are no adjustments to make it so. As you drive, turning and the up and down motions (camber change) will cause the tire to wear evenly all around unless you are aggressive in cornering which will wear the outer edge even if your alignment is correct.

Find a fairly flat spot, most garages will do, park and center the steering wheel with the car on and in neutral. Shake the steering lightly left and right and roll the car fore and back about a foot and see if the steering is still straight when relaxed. After watching FCP's detailed video you'll understand the chart and why the equal distances of the Green line, Red & Yellow arrows and Parallel red lines.

As for camber stand a 2 foot straight edge vertically away from the tire and measure the top lip of the rim vs the lower distance and anything within 3/16 of an inch difference is fine. Of course if the rim lip is damage find two other spots on the rim as close to the edge as possible. Regardless much of the alignment measurements are FYI as they can't be adjusted.
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canicallyourose · Post by **canicallyourose** » 10 Oct 2024, 17:25

Alignment can make a big difference in tire wear

Post by **jonesg** » 11 Oct 2024, 03:38

OliPhant wrote: ↑08 Oct 2024, 06:29 Greetings All,
I'd value any advice on where to go and what to ask for regarding an all-wheel alignment for my '07 V70 125K. Alignment and balancing are ok now, but it's been two years since the last alignment.

Can I expect a good tire shop to do alignment well enough? Or should I go to an independent, or the dealer, for alignment?

Assuming Volvo has "specs" for alignment, do they matter? Should I ask the shop to use them? Or let them do it their way?

Any other insights, warnings on wheel alignment?

Thanks! OCS

unless you hit a curb hard enough to damage something, or you replace parts and disturb the geometry, the alignment will not change.