04 xc70 steering jerks on acceleration

mitchbyman · Post by **mitchbyman** » 20 Feb 2019, 19:38

I have a problem with my 04 xc70, 115k miles. had issues with car tracking back and forth on the highway. also, loud clunking over bumps and road cracks. replaced upper strut mounts, bushings and lower control arms in the front. these noises went away. I brought it to shop to check alignment. they adjusted toe slightly. ... now, the car will pull hard to the left on acceleration, and swap back to right when I let off. unsure if toe is the issue, it's fairly unsafe to drive... anyone seen this and found a fix?

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 20 Feb 2019, 19:45

Take it back to the shop and give them the facts. See what they have to say.

Post by **oragex** » 20 Feb 2019, 22:33

You don't mention the brands used for parts? Something is loose to say the least. Not sure how the geometry would cause what you say, to me it's a suspension/steering part that's either not fixed properly or broken.

I'd try perhaps another shop..

mitchbyman · Post by **mitchbyman** » 21 Feb 2019, 07:29

anyone know if subframe bushings could be bad? when I replaced the lower control arms, the old bushings in them were pretty bad.. wondering if the movement is no longer being compensated in the bad bushings and is now felt in the steering...

mitchbyman · Post by **mitchbyman** » 21 Feb 2019, 07:30

also, I used parts from ipd, unsure the brand...

Post by **chrism** » 21 Feb 2019, 08:13

You symptoms are indicative of worn out or loose control arm bushings. If that's the case, it will pull in the opposite direction of the bad side when you accelerate. In your case - pulls to the left - check RH control arm.

Also make sure the LH axle is properly engaged with the differential.

mitchbyman · Post by **mitchbyman** » 21 Feb 2019, 08:46

chrism wrote: ↑21 Feb 2019, 08:13 You symptoms are indicative of worn out or loose control arm bushings. If that's the case, it will pull in the opposite direction of the bad side when you accelerate. In your case - pulls to the left - check RH control arm.

Also make sure the LH axle is properly engaged with the differential.

these are all brand new from IDP. front lower arms and bushings. just had the car in the air and used a prybar, couldn't find anything loose or sloppy in the front end.. or rear..

Post by **xHeart** » 21 Feb 2019, 08:58

mitchbyman wrote: ↑20 Feb 2019, 19:38 I have a problem with my 04 xc70, 115k miles. had issues with car tracking back and forth on the highway. also, loud clunking over bumps and road cracks. replaced upper strut mounts, bushings and lower control arms in the front. these noises went away. I brought it to shop to check alignment. they adjusted toe slightly. ... now, the car will pull hard to the left on acceleration, and swap back to right when I let off. unsure if toe is the issue, it's fairly unsafe to drive... anyone seen this and found a fix?

Various engine/ transmission mounts and pads are aging too. How is rear suspension?

mitchbyman · Post by **mitchbyman** » 21 Feb 2019, 15:03

I should have included, the car dives to the left while braking. really wondering what is going on, like the subframe the engine attaches to is slightly disconnected to the rest of the car?..???? im pretty new to Volvos, but seems like this car needs constant attention...

Post by **firstv70volvo** » 21 Feb 2019, 16:41

mitchbyman wrote: ↑21 Feb 2019, 15:03 I should have included, the car dives to the left while braking. really wondering what is going on, like the subframe the engine attaches to is slightly disconnected to the rest of the car?..???? im pretty new to Volvos, but seems like this car needs constant attention...

What's going on is your wheel alignment is changing under the stress of acceleration or braking due to worn ball joints or worn inner/outer tie rod ends or bad bushings or bad parts or bad assembly. Did these problems exist before you replaced the parts you mentioned previously? Since you've changed the lower control arms and assuming this was done correctly I think you should check the ball joints and tie rod ends. I suspect you may have badly worn ball joints, these cars are hard on them. Since the alignment shop didn't find what's causing the unwanted movement in the suspension/steering I'd take it to a different shop or check things yourself. With the symptoms you're describing the problem should be obvious, there's a lot of movement in one or both of your wheels.