Vague steering on snow 2014 xc 60 T5 Topic is solved

Post by **Blacklab467** » 20 Feb 2026, 08:31

I hardly ever drive my wife's 2014 XC60 but lately she's been complaining about it being very unstable now that we have slippery roads and recent snow. I took it for a good long test drive yesterday to confirm her concerns. The odometer has currently 100000 kms or 62000 miles. Tires are almost new Nexen Rodian GTX all season in 245 45 20 size.
The vehicle drives well and tracks straight on dry pavement, no apparent problems. If one side of the vehicle or both sides gets on packed snow or slippery surface, the vehicle behaves as though the steering is very vague and almost pulls to the slippery roadway side. It's very strange, it feels as though the tires are all extremely underinflated, no confidence driving this vehicle on the highway in the winter, it feels out of control as soon as the tires are on less than optimum traction. Any ideas?
I'm going to pull it into the garage and inspect everything today or tomorrow but I don't think there is anything worn out at this mileage, alignment appears good, vehicle has not been in an accident. I realize these aren't the greatest tires but could it just be the tires? I'd hate to go spend a bunch of money on some new Michelin's and find I have the same problem. Anyone else had the same problem with their XC60?
Thanks in advance

Post by **volvolugnut** » 20 Feb 2026, 09:41

Have you actually checked cold tire pressures? Next check alignment.
volvolugnut

Post by **Blacklab467** » 20 Feb 2026, 13:52

Yeah that was the first thing I checked, just made an appointment to get the alignment checked for Tuesday, Thanks.

Post by **matthew1** » 21 Feb 2026, 10:10

Tie rods, control arm bushings... those would be in high suspicion to me. No clunks?

Post by **Blacklab467** » 21 Feb 2026, 18:01

No clunks, I did a brief inspection of steering and suspension parts and all seems good. I don't think anything should be worn out being that the mileage is so low. We bought it used with 87000Kms on it, maybe the previous owner curb smacked it and put the alignment. We'll find out Tuesday!

Post by **Blacklab467** » 25 Feb 2026, 08:32

Had the alignment checked yesterday and the problem became very obvious, All numbers were within spec except the left rear wheel. It was found to be toed out about 1/2 inch and a little too much negative camber. Toeing it in reduced the camber slightly to bring it within the allowable range (rear camber is not adjustable). the mechanic and myself deduced that possibly that wheel got curb smacked by the previous owner maybe. Anyway, the car drives perfect now and I didnt have to blow a bunch of money on new tires.