S70 T5 -- softer ride? tires?

[mar601]

I've had an S70 T5 since 1998 but past few years my 66 years are having a hard time feeling every bump in this car. Want to keep it but wondering if there is anything I can do to soften the ride? I do need new tires so maybe I can start there. Always bought the Michelins that the dealer had in their recommendations for the car which may be more of a sport tire? -- thanks

[matthew1]

Check out Tire Rack https://www.tirerack.com for reviews on ride. Michelins are not necessarily sporty, and usually not in reality.

Tires are by far the easiest way to get what you want. Tire brand, inflation psi, etc.

After that comes struts, if tires don't do it.

[matthew1]

I hear you though. I had a '97 850 T5, and that had a rough factory ride. Our cars are similar if not identical on factory setup.

How many miles do you have on her?

[850 LPT]

Your car came with 16" wheels and 205/55/16 tires from the factory.

In general, if you increase the size of the side wall, you get a more comfortable ride.

You can achieve this by going to 15" wheels. The tire size I would recommend for that size is 195/65/15.

This change will make a significant difference and would be less "harsh".

[Clemens]

Interestingly, my 94 T5 wagon is very comfy with its 16 inch wheels. Maybe that is because the shocks and springs are well worn in and my reference 96R with the 17 inch wheels and Volvo sport suspension is really harsh.

But, try to play with the tire pressure. Don't go too low of course, that is dangerous, but a few psi less or more makes alot of difference for me in these P80 cars.

And yes, if looks are not that important to you, 15 inch definitely makes a very comfy ride, as 850LPT suggests.

[mar601]

You can achieve this by going to 15" wheels. The tire size I would recommend for that size is 195/65/15.

Thanks for that -- I've always had an issue with one of the wheels so will look into that. Really makes a difference you think? If so, I'll do it. --thanks

[mar601]

and to answer, I have just 155k on it. (believe it or not).

[mar601]

so when I buy 15" wheels is that all I need to know? are they also sold by width? were there ever Volvo 15" wheels that would be a nice match for the T5 wheels?

[scot850]

P80 offset is 43mm. Center hub 65.1mm.

First thing to check is if 15" rims clear your calipers. T5 may need 16" to clear if your car is fitted with 300mm rotors.

I am running 17" on my 00 'R' and it is firm but not too bad. Our roads around here are horrible. I removed the Bilstein HD shocks the car came with as way too hard. Fitted Bilstein Tourings and way better.

Talk to somone at say Tirerack and see if they can recommend a tire with softer sidewalls. I run tires at 36psi as lower they wear the outsides down quickly ( Volvo says 32psi). It may also be our elevation. A sports tire will have firmer sidewalls to give a tighter/grippier feel to the steering. Michelins tend to have stiffer sidewalls. Non sport tires will have softer more compliant sidewalls but wont make the steering feel quite so responsive. Oh, I am just a few years younger than you and prefer the comfortable drive!

Neil.

[matthew1]

Buy 15" Volvo wheels with tires off Craigslist. Press the Easy Button on this.