98 V70 XC self service/DIY alignment- Advice/info/step-by-step needed

Post by **CIK7** » 06 Apr 2020, 10:44

I'm ready to replace control arms, tie rods, sway bar links. I want to save $75 by not having a shop align my car. I love working on my car and would love to do my own alignment. Has someone on here done their own alignment? I know there's toe, camber, but know not much else. I have cam bolts. I'm on a very tight budget so I cannot buy expensive things. Please help me.

Richard99 · Post by **Richard99** » 06 Apr 2020, 16:28

Hi CIK7,

There is only adjustment for toe on these cars. My 98' V70 needed a toe-in of 2.9 mm set. I did it once using toe plates. It is fairly simple but you must be very methodical and careful when doing it to get it right. You can buy toe plates that come with two tape measures. Always do your measurements in triplicate to ensure they are reproducible.

Check online to make sure the toe-in measurement your vehicle calls for. It may not be the same as my V70, as you have the V70XC.

Post by **CIK7** » 06 Apr 2020, 21:25

Richard99 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2020, 16:28 Hi CIK7,

There is only adjustment for toe on these cars. My 98' V70 needed a toe-in of 2.9 mm set. I did it once using toe plates. It is fairly simple but you must be very methodical and careful when doing it to get it right. You can buy toe plates that come with two tape measures. Always do your measurements in triplicate to ensure they are reproducible.

Check online to make sure the toe-in measurement your vehicle calls for. It may not be the same as my V70, as you have the V70XC.

Thank you. I tried searching but can't find the specs for mine. Can you please find a link for me?

Richard99 · Post by **Richard99** » 06 Apr 2020, 21:57

Yes,

I found the toe-in specs from the manual here:

http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/199 ... .htm#pg136

Here are links to write-ups of an alignment that may be helpful, although I did not do it this way since I bought the toe plates:

viewtopic.php?t=28454

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=70349&start=10

Post by **CIK7** » 06 Apr 2020, 22:58

Richard99 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2020, 21:57 Yes,

I found the toe-in specs from the manual here:

http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/199 ... .htm#pg136

Here are links to write-ups of an alignment that may be helpful, although I did not do it this way since I bought the toe plates:

viewtopic.php?t=28454

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=70349&start=10

This seems like it'll be pretty tough but I'll give it a shot.

Post by **CIK7** » 06 Apr 2020, 23:00

Richard99 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2020, 21:57 Yes,

I found the toe-in specs from the manual here:

http://new.volvocars.com/ownersdocs/199 ... .htm#pg136

Here are links to write-ups of an alignment that may be helpful, although I did not do it this way since I bought the toe plates:

viewtopic.php?t=28454

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=70349&start=10

So on the front, the inner tie rods need adjusting?

Richard99 · Post by **Richard99** » 06 Apr 2020, 23:59

Yes. There is a jam nut that you loosen first, then turn the inner tie rods to make the adjustments. Just before you begin, you should be able to envision which way the wheels will turn whether you "extend" or "contract" the inner tie rods.

Post by **CIK7** » 07 Apr 2020, 10:22

Richard99 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2020, 23:59 Yes. There is a jam nut that you loosen first, then turn the inner tie rods to make the adjustments. Just before you begin, you should be able to envision which way the wheels will turn whether you "extend" or "contract" the inner tie rods.

Thank you. Is that what toe adjustment is?

Post by **abscate** » 07 Apr 2020, 10:37

Thats how you adjustment

My 1999 FWD spec is

Toe-in 0.33°±0.1°

but you wont be measuring 0.1º very well at home.

Post by **Eddystone** » 10 Apr 2020, 09:05

CIK7 wrote: ↑06 Apr 2020, 10:44 I'm on a very tight budget

I'm on a very tight budget, too. I bought quality parts when I did my control arms and all four tie rods, but was able to save a little money by shopping around and still maintain quality on the parts. You'll save quite a bit by doing this work yourself. I saved at least $75 that way.

My personal decision (and yours will be a personal decision, as well, based on finances) was that the $75 spent on alignment was money very well spent and that to NOT have the car professionally aligned was false economy. I don't believe these cars can be aligned to spec in anyone's driveway or garage, and the only way you will know for sure if the alignment is INCORRECT is when you ruin your front tires (unless it is way off). Tires cost money, too.

So, we all have to decide what we can handle and what we should pay someone to do. You need to do what's right for you, but I would rather have it aligned by a shop with decent equipment and know if it is right or wrong. Sorry to be a wet blanket, and maybe I am wrong, but it sounds to me like you are buying trouble. I suppose it doesn't hurt to try to do it yourself, but I don't know howyou could tell that it has been done right after you finish.