Wheel Alignment Caster Off Volvo 850

Baptiste1106 · Post by **Baptiste1106** » 01 Jan 2015, 20:47

Changed all suspension & steering components on my 850. So I went for an alignment and they tell me my front passenger wheel CASTER is off. No accidents on car, so what else can it be ? Subframe damage ? They told me to go to a body shop to have them pull & straighten frame. I have a donor 850 that's seems to have a straight subframe, should I swap them ?

Post by **jimmy57** » 01 Jan 2015, 21:12

Does it drive ok? Does it pull to one side?

Sub frame bushings could cause caster issues. The strut top is on body and the ball joint is bolted to subframe. Postive caster is the BJ being forward of the strut top. A subframe that slips back on one side will reduce the caster on that side.
Caster with no steering axis inclination is of little consequence. Front wheel drive cars have little SAI and little scrub radius to reduce geometry effects that could lead to torque steer.

Baptiste1106 · Post by **Baptiste1106** » 01 Jan 2015, 22:07

@jimmy57 ..... car slightly pulls to right. I could stick two fingers btw the wheel and body on the driver side but can't do the same on the passenger. What would you recommend I do ?

Post by **jimmy57** » 02 Jan 2015, 07:08

Sounds like the subframe is rearward on RH side and caster is much less on that side. The car will pull to the side is with less caster.

Look at the front subframe mounts on either side to compare position. You should be able to see the bushing under the large washer and get an idea of relative position of the mount compared to the washer.
If the mount to washer is pretty much the same on RH and LH sides then look closely at where the lower control arms bolt up to the subframe on LH and RH sides. It is also possible to bend the subframe in the area where the control arm bushing bracket is located.
If the subframe has shifted rear on the RH side then you may be able to loosen up the bolts and support engine and push it forward and tighten it back up. If the bushings have failed or something is bent then swapping the subframe with the other one you have may be the best repair.

Baptiste1106 · Post by **Baptiste1106** » 03 Jan 2015, 10:54

Anyone have an instructional on how to remove the subframe? It looks like 3 motor mounts, 1 transmission torque mount, 2 lower control arms & then i have to suspend the engine/tranny from up top. Am i missing anything else ?

Post by **precopster** » 03 Jan 2015, 13:59

Steering rack bolts through the subframe need to be removed unless you want to pull the steering rack off with the subframe and deal with swapping the rack later.

If you want to drop the rack this would mean tie rods need to come off the steering knuckles. Hydraulics connected to rack need to be disconnected as well as the steering shaft.

Baptiste1106 · Post by **Baptiste1106** » 03 Jan 2015, 17:31

Since i'm removing/swapping the subframe, i'm guessing now should be the time to change the subframe bushings. Should i do the xc90 HD bushings w/ ipd inserts or delrin bushings from cj yother ? What tool is needed for the OEM bushing removal/installation?