Bought a V70 T5 with Suspension and Springs, WAY TOO STIFF

[jblackburn]

I am basing the psi recommendations based on Volvos numbers. Inside the fuel lid it gives you a base setting, then a high speed/best fuel economy setting. Has it been discussed on here that Volvo's numbers are way off?

Thanks

I keep mine at 33/31 rear. That is about what's printed on mine (it's a sedan, though).

[zhenya]

I am basing the psi recommendations based on Volvos numbers. Inside the fuel lid it gives you a base setting, then a high speed/best fuel economy setting. Has it been discussed on here that Volvo's numbers are way off?

Thanks

On my fuel filler flap it states 36/41, which I read to mean 'fully loaded' because it lists the maximum passenger and load capacity on the same line. The next line down is Optional Tire Pressure - 34/32 which is much closer to what I use.

[zhenya]

I rode in a newer 3 series BMW with lowering springs, and coilovers. It takes railroad track crossings like buttah, and gives a really really firm compliant ride. Its like having the best of both worlds. Sudden jolts it absorbs, but for cornering, its on rails.

If I lived where the roads are baby butt smooth, like when I visited Utah, I wouldn't really touch this car, but its way too jarring for these NE roads!

You're right, modern cars have far improved their ability to be the best of both worlds. The 850 platform uses an extremely basic Macpherson Strut/Delta Link suspension design with very short travel, so it never rode 'plush' even from the factory. I wonder if it's possible that your car has over-sized sport or R sways, and that might be partially responsible? Sway bars don't normally affect the ride nearly as much as other things, but taken together with sport shocks, they might push you over the edge. I'd definitely start by positively identifying the shocks you have though.

[precopster]

My '95 850 has 205/45/17s on the front at 32psi and 205/50/17s on the rear (for greater load index) which are also at 32psi and the ride is tolerable. When they were set at 38 psi (where the tyre dealer set them) the ride was spine joltingingly uncomfortable (is that even a word?? )

I also have Bilstein Tourings and all-new suspension including FCPs lowering springs (which they sell on eBay) and find the handling to be very precise.

Compared to my wife's all original low mileage 850 sedan you could say the ride is harsh, but now that I'm used to it I wouldn't go back to the stock setup (I'm having too much fun around corners) If you are hearing crashing check the spring seats at the front and also the rear upper shock mount (my driver's side shock mount had broken through and it was NOISY)

[JRL]

You're running WAY too much tire pressure. Running over 36 will make your car like a ping pong ball.
You MUST run 30-33-34 TOPS For an unloaded, (nothing or no one in the rear).
FWD car you should run a bit more in the front than the rear, 32-33 front, 31 rear, less understeer
You also have a NON high performance tire, lower the pressure, live with it, or buy a proper performance tire

I am basing the psi recommendations based on Volvos numbers. Inside the fuel lid it gives you a base setting, then a high speed/best fuel economy setting. Has it been discussed on here that Volvo's numbers are way off?

Thanks

The LOW number is what you need to run on a daily
Those are for a loaded up car with full weight and they're still on the high side and NO sticker says 41 lbs
I've been driving these cars for 14 years using all different sizes of wheels and tires, trust me when I say if you don't want kidney failure you need to run tire pressures in the low 30s.
My T5 is lowered (H&Rs( with Koni Yellows set a #2 front and rear for now with 17" Conti DWS tires 215/45/17
and I run 32-33 (max) front and 30-31 rear, cold (with an empty wagon)
Tire wear has always been fine and the ride is tolerable

[98V70T5]

Those are for a loaded up car with full weight and they're still on the high side and NO sticker says 41 lbs

Well my sticker says 41, I must be special

It says the lower psi settings are optional. The sticker reads, to me, that the higher numbers get you the best fuel economy, and are needed for a fully loaded car. So fully loaded or not, Volvo is saying to run high.



http://ploader.net/files/44df1440d62dde ... 4d8a70.JPG

[JRL]

Trust me, try 32-30
Two lbs makes a hell of a difference on these cars and again, trust me, it's quite safe (for the car and the tire) unless you have over 400+ lbs in the back, are consistently driving at high speeds in 90 degree heat, for miles on end.

The T5 below is low and stiff, w/ sway bars, chassis brace, H&R springs and Konis, running 31-29 lbs and the ride is very liveable.
I'm 66 with a bad back, trust me, if this one didn't work out I would put the stock springs back in but it's OK (and fun)

It handles quite well and I'm sure my cornering speeds would be even better if I jacked the pressures up 4-6 lbs all around, but the ride trade off is just not worth it on our rough roads here. (I've done it, it's a buckboard)!

[98V70T5]

Yes, at the higher pressures Volvo recommends, the car corners great even on these Michelins touring tires. I tooled around today after lowering the pressures, to the optional settings, and its getting better. Its a slightly harsh but not as bad as the high settings. I will try your settings in a day or two, and see how it feels.

When these tires get replaced (this year), I am going for an all out performance tire. What I have learned is that the tire makes the biggest difference in traction more than any bolt on part. With a stickier compound tire, I won't have to run as much pressure, yet still have cornering because of the stiffer sidewall.

I like following OEM settings, since they built the car, and with premium 93 Shell V Power at $4.10, I have been running the higher recommended pressures. The ride is no where near as harsh as it was with the Eibachs, and perhaps this is as compliant as it will get. I will, however, try to confirm the brand of my struts. I can barely push down on the front end to get it to bounce. I guess thats good in a way though Good thread, thanks everyone!

[98V70T5]

OK going to try 32 30 today!

[JRL]

Let me know what you think
Do not talk about cornering, just the ride.
You want cornering buy a performance tire