Tires Rubbing--Driving me NUTS!

adryheat · Post by **adryheat** » 07 Oct 2009, 12:23

There are obviously a lot of people having a tire-rubbing problem, but after reading all of the previous posts here, it looks like there are different reasons for each one. I'm hoping that someone can suggest some potential reasons for my particular issue.

My tires are rubbing when the wheel is turned to lock either left or right. I've read about spring seats, strut problems and spacers, so I really don't know where to start.

I have an '01 V70 FWD with 96k miles and running Dunlop 235/45/17 tires, which are the correct size according to the fuel door sticker.

If the wheels need spacers, isn't that just curing the symptom and not the underlying problem? I'd assume there is another reason for the rubbing. On the other hand, if that will stop the rubbing for the time being, I'm willing to try it. Where do I get spacers?

Also, when going over speed humps and large bumps, the front suspension gives out a kind of moaning squeak...related?

Could the springs need replacement?

If the struts are shot, would that cause the whole car to sit lower and increase the chance of rubbing? I just bought the car a couple of months ago, so I don't know if the struts/shocks/springs have ever been replaced.

I guess the answer to all of these is ...sure they "could". But how to know for sure and where should I begin?

Thanks for the help!

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 07 Oct 2009, 15:59

You probably need your steering stops replaced. They keep the tires from hitting the wheel well when you have the wheel turned all the way in either direction. They do wear out over time. For your tire size the part number is 31212191, you would need two. This should fix your problem.

adryheat · Post by **adryheat** » 07 Oct 2009, 17:44

Really? Never heard of a steering stop. It sounds too simple.

How hard is it to replace them?

Post by **JRL** » 07 Oct 2009, 19:36

Just lube the steering stops and see if that helps.
Piece of metal on the end of the outer tie rod.
Also depends on the BRAND of tire, most WILL rub.
Don't turn it to full lock.
(but lube the stops first, bet it will cut the noise in half or more)

N1ne · Post by **N1ne** » 09 Oct 2009, 16:07

I have same issue on 03 S60 i placed a few small washers behind steering stops(That i replaced did not help) .The steering stops are a good place to start mine were less than perfect and was making issue worse but still rubbed so i placed 3 small washers behind each bolt to push stop out just a small amount 1/4 inch i would guess but it worked.No difference in the amount of turn that i had with the rub just no rub.I started with 5 very thin washers and pulled out 1 at a time till i was able to keep the tip of 1 finger behind tire with out it getting crushed.Im dont know what size the washers were but local auto parts store as many im sure.If you are the 1 testing the space be careful with hand Please.

Romort628 · Post by **Romort628** » 09 Oct 2009, 16:25

Are you running OEM rims on this or are they aftermarket? And how many miles are on this car?

Checksix · Post by **Checksix** » 09 Oct 2009, 21:15

My 2001 V70 T5a has the exact same tires when new and rubbed. I'd say get used to it, my friend had the exact same issue with his. When it rubs BACK OFF. Really a pretty simple concept. The alternative says put on skinny tires, or spacers or what ever. Your choice.

Jerry

Post by **OEMVolvoParts** » 10 Oct 2009, 10:47

Shimming the stops is the perfect way to make sure you will not rub. N1ne nailed it, that is exactly what you need to do if you want make sure they will not rub. When selling the stops here, we also give out 12 small washers which are used to shim the stops to the exact amount. Assuming you use the factory size tire, it can be setup to where you get zero rub when turned lock to lock.

adryheat · Post by **adryheat** » 21 Oct 2009, 11:25

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!

N1ne · Post by **N1ne** » 21 Oct 2009, 19:04

Its very easy if you look behind the tire9remove) it makes it eaiser to get to there will be a small square hard rubber stop that the metal arm will hit. It wil have 2 screw 1 at each end 1st look to see how worn this is mine was worn the face that should be flat was missing about 1/4 inch of it. Now with the spacers you bougt remove stop and put 3-4 washer behing each side the put it back on. You can also do this with tires on just turn full each direction that u need to get to it will be on the front back side of tire. Try for the caps keyboard is just about dead.