2006 xc70 Handling Issue

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 14 Jun 2017, 11:35

My Xc70 feels like the car is controlling the steering around corners, meaning it feels as if the steering wheel is trying to move itself back and forth when I turn. I notice it mainly on longer sweeping turns. Doesn't feel like anything is loose but feels as if something is powering the steering wheel side to side. Makes the car feel unstable, kind of like driving a boat.

I have installed new inner and out tierod ends, checked the wheel bearings and ball joints, also did a proper 4 wheel alignment. Control arms seem fine. No play in any parts that I can tell. Struts and steering rack appear fine too.

Could this be something electric based that is controlling the steering rack? Maybe something in the steering linkage to the rack?

Thoughts?

Post by **jonesg** » 14 Jun 2017, 12:34

on my 04 v70 its the control arms when it feels vague on the steering, slight side to side drift on hiway.
With car raised, weight of the wheel pulling the strut down I can see rips in the rubber bushing.

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 14 Jun 2017, 12:40

Ill give them a second peep but they looked fine when I had the car up on the lift. They were dealer replaced around 100k. 140k on the clock now.

Post by **jonesg** » 14 Jun 2017, 18:34

Yeh so its probably something else. Check tire pressure too, that can do funny things if one is low. Rear wheels too.

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 15 Jun 2017, 06:41

IT feels like the car is actively trying to turn the steering wheel. IDK if it could be the steering angle sensor or yaw sensor, or something else?

Post by **vtl** » 15 Jun 2017, 13:31

What your proper aligned angles are? It looks like wrong angles are listed in database for Hunter alignment rack.

Also check that rear suspension is in tact too.

user17600 · Post by **user17600** » 15 Jun 2017, 14:32

The wife's 06 had the same issue. Turns out some PO had changed the fluid and put the wrong kind in.

Had the indie flush it twice and it is 90% better, still pulses a bit most noticeably on long left curves.

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 15 Jun 2017, 20:16

Thanks. Wrong angles in hunter rack database? That's strange. I did check the rear suspension at the time I did the 4 wheel alignment.

By fluid I'm assuming the wrong type of power steering fluid? Ill take a look.

Thanks for everyone input!

stoutlogic · Post by **stoutlogic** » 19 Jun 2017, 07:36

Going to flush the power steering rack with new fluid. Current fluid is nasty brown. I'll report back with results

93SCMax · Post by **93SCMax** » 19 Jun 2017, 12:13

Fluid shouldn't be brown, needs to be a clean green. A good flush is needed. Hope this is your solution.