'98 V70 -Concerned regarding tire rub on inner wheel well

sjh · Post by **sjh** » 09 Feb 2009, 07:42

1998 V70, T5

I had the front wheels off the other day and noticed that on the passenger side the tire is rubbing on rear portion of the inner wheel well, and on the driver's side the tire rubs on the front inner well are. I took it out for a CV joint check in a parking lot and noticed that it turns tighter to the right than to the left. Also, when I crank it all the way right I can feel the front being lifted up on the passenger side from where the tire is rubbing. This is the first time I have ever noticed with this issue with this car (my wife's car). About 2 years ago I had the dealership replace the steering component that attaches the power steering to the wheel hub. I can't recall the name of the part but they said it was leaking power steering fluid from an old gasket and could not be repaired but had to be replaced (it was a real gusher, couldn't keep enough fluid added). Anyway, I am wondering if I have a case against the dealer for replacing this part and not adjusting it properly. If they didn't set it properly and this damage is a result, shouldn't they repair it on their dime? Where the tire rubs in the well, it has worn through the protective plastic covering and is chewing into the sheet metal pretty significantly.

Thanks for any advice!

Steve

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Feb 2009, 14:11

Wow, I've never heard of this type of rubbing that is different between wheel and chewing through the plastic and into the metal. What size tires are you running? What wheels do you have on the V70?

sjh · Post by **sjh** » 09 Feb 2009, 14:20

I will check the tire size when I get home tonight. If the tires were just too wide for the well I would assume that they would rub while turning both directions. Since it is only doing it while turning one direction, I am guessing that it has something to do with the steering system. I am too unfamiliar with the components of the steering system to even guess what kind of problem would cause this.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Feb 2009, 15:25

I agree with you...almost like there's a misalignment as well- caster or the angle that the strut is mounted in the strut tower. http://www.ozebiz.com.au/racetech/theory/align.html
Has this car ever been hit on one side?

sjh · Post by **sjh** » 09 Feb 2009, 15:45

No, never been hit, at least not according to the dealer, previous owner or carfax. So I'm pretty confident that there has never been any such damage. I am taking it to another shop tomorrow to replace CV boots. Maybe they will have an idea what is up. I'll post any insights they might offer.

I just called the dealer and they tell me that in '06 they replaced the power steering rack. I wonder if that is adjustable?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Feb 2009, 16:08

Not really, except lengthening and shortening the tie rods which is done for an alignment...but the dealer did have to do something with the strut tower while the end links and the tie rods were out. I suspect this is where your issue is or things just wore out...get the shop to check all up and down your struts including spring seats and mounts.