Tires Rubbing--Driving me NUTS!

[rbodor3]

I finally brought the car into a Volvo mechanic and had them take a look at the suspension because of other issues like squeaks and rattles. They told me that the rubbing could very likely be caused by the rest of the suspension.

Basically, the struts are original and leaking; the control arm bushings are shot; the bearing plates need to be replaced; and the sway bar links are no good.

They said that the Volvo tolerances are so precise that even a minor sag in the front end can cause the rub. Does that sound reasonable to you guys?

In any event, before I spend $1,600 on all of that (which I know has to be done, but I can't spend it right now), I would definitely want to try the shimming first.

It seems the majority here thinks that shimming the stops with washers is probably the best way to go. I think I'll give it a try.

Does anyone have any instructions or diagrams that show how to do it? (never attempted it before)

Thanks!

99 out of 100 times this mechanic is wrong. The issues you've described are more likely then not causing your tire rub. as everybody has mentioned it's a design flaw by Volvo. They incorrectly figured the geometry of the suspension with 17" and larger wheels (which come stock on most S60s) and because of that the tires rub. There are many solutions - all which have been mentioned it looks like.

But all the work they have quoted you for does need to be done. I would not pay more than $1000 for all of it. Struts, bearing plates, sway bar links can all be done at the same time. In order to change the strut they have to remove the sway bar links and the bearing plate so there should be no additional shop labor involved only material costs.

Control arm bushings I'm sure they will replace the entire control arm, which requires the ability to remove all of (4) bolts per side (after removing the wheel of course) and is simplified further when they remove the shocks.

[voltech1]

Though you most likely need the front end rebuilt this will not affect the tire rubbing issue that is common on 235/45/17. I'm guessing this started with the tire replacement. Eventhough the measurements are the same they have a different radius (from the edge of the rim to the edge of the tread). Some tires balloon and some are flatter. The rubbing issue is a design fault that limits the tires you can run. S-60 and V-70 models have steering limiters available (dealership) that go on the rack itself. Shimming the steering stops is a cheap fix and just wears them (stops) out fast. Has anyone ever noticed when you turn the wheel to lock after shims that the front end climbs up the limiter arm. Looks funny and have had customers notice. I hope you get the suspension work done before any tire replacement. Also, for the creaks it is the springs rubbing on the struts. Spring isolators are available (dealer) that go between the strut and spring. This cures all the little creaks and groans. They call them seats but they are not to be confused with the tops. Now i'm confused. It seems like too many of you have had to really push your local dealers to do their jobs.

[dnl1972]

Hello

I am also facing the same problem with my S60 2004 model and decided to change the factory fit 235/40/R18 tyres for 16inches...most probably 215/55/R16 and that also means changing the rims to 16".
The dealer in UAE wanted $400/piece of rim and tyre...

And the fact i just got a couple of new 18" tyres in Jan'2009, hence please advise whether having 16" tyres in front and 18" tyres on rear will be bad for driving? The idea is to stop the tyre rubbing which is driving me nuts and that i always have to keep in mind not to turn the steering too much. I do not mind the turning radius or how the car looks, but rather it drives and get me to/from work safely. That's was one of the reasons i bought this used car in the first place.

Your kind advise is much appreciated, anyone!!
Thank you

[rbodor3]

Also, for the creaks it is the springs rubbing on the struts. Spring isolators are available (dealer) that go between the strut and spring. This cures all the little creaks and groans. They call them seats but they are not to be confused with the tops.

Voltech - spring isolators that aren't the springs seats, you've lost me there. Are you referring to the orange sponge isolator that wraps around the strut? see the picture attached.

isolator.jpg (30.49 KiB) Viewed 3978 times

[seggs]

After replacing the swaybar links on my 2002 S60, I also added the washers behind the steering stops as suggested. Worked like a charm. Ive been living with the rubbing ever since I changed out the Perelli P6's that came with the car. They didnt rub, but they didnt last either.
FYI
My stops were worn, but they are semi-circular in shape, with wear on only one side of the semicircle. You can switch them to the opposite front wheel to get a completely new wear surface. That might cure the rubbing itself, but I shimmed it just to make sure.

[adryheat]

Wow...Thanks very much guys!

Lots of awesome advice.

I will post my progress here as I do the work, so there is a record of what works and what doesn't (in my case).

Talk soon.

Cheers!

[pcitim]

I recently had P225 snow tires put on my car, which are about a half an inch narrower than the P235 tires and that fixed the problem. Never rubs.

[jazbase]

Prior to owning my 2004 V 70 2.5 T I owned an 02 V 70 w/o turbo. The tires did not rub on the wheel well. It drives me crazy as well. I've replaced the front springs and struts. All steering parts checked out ok. It helped a little as the old suspension was definitely worn out. I am interested in fixing the issue because I want to sell the car and I believe it will hinder a sale. I've read about spacers and also read about other adjustments to the steering itself. What is the most cost-effective and safe method to stop it. I've contemplated putting 16's on the car.

[seggs]

I would swap the stops side to side first to see if that fixes it. If not add, spacers (washers) as needed to fix the problem. Wont cost more than $1 and works and looks fine. Its very easy...only 4 easily accessible bolts to remove and replace.
I believe that Volvo designed the car with 16" wheels in mind, which left the current issue when they put 17" & 18" wheels on. Any way you go, the turning radius is pretty bad.