Vague Steering

**Sveneng** · Tuesday 6th January 2009, 10:09

I've just started using my C70 as the main car having purchased it last May. Up until that time it was only used to travel a few miles to work everyday.

The steering feels very vague on the car, as if it is constantly on the limit of grip. It drives straight, doesn't wander but I don't get a level of feedback that I'm happy with. The tyres are all good, pressures just checked and wear is even across all four. It's as if I am driving on a contaminated surface.

I guess it could be worn bushes or maybe the steering rack (it does creak when applying full lock but I believe greasing the ends will cure this), are there any common problems to look out for, or is this how all C70s feel?

It is worth adding that the the reason it has become my main drive is due to me spinning my wife's 4x4 on ice and writing it off in a ditch a month ago, so maybe paranoia has got me and my driving confidence is to blame!

I have it booked in with a local specialist on Friday (Fenland Auto Services, Sleaford, Lincoln) and after speaking to him he seems to think it's worn bushes but any other input is greatly appreciated (apart from work at my driving skills)!

**dave854** · Thursday 8th January 2009, 11:56

MY V70 is exactly the same. I'll be interested to see what the outcome is from the Local Specialist. I have read somewhere that the '70s power steering works on a higher pressure and that there are two types of rack, a normal one and a light one. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

Post up how it goes Friday

Cheers

**gazbak1** · Thursday 8th January 2009, 13:52

you could try a strut brace as most c70 dont come with one. this will stiffen up the front of the car giving less movement.

gazbak1

**Wobbly Dave** · Thursday 8th January 2009, 14:08

Don't worry I know very well what the limits of grip (and gravity) are for a C70.

Worn suspension components - top mounts, drop links and wishbone bushes will fog your handling. Adding a strut brace may help but if everything else is worn out then benefit will be limited.

I've done loads to improve mine and she handles as well as any Volvo I've ever driven.

What year is your C70?

**Sveneng** · Thursday 8th January 2009, 19:25

Its a 2000 with 70000 miles on the clock. I've been driving it over the last couple of days and I think a big part of it is my own paranoia after my accident as today with no possibility of ice I have been much more comfortable with the handling. It definately feels 'over servo'd' on the power steering side. I agree that worn components are the most likely culprit, lets hope I can get it sorted!

**Wobbly Dave** · Friday 9th January 2009, 10:23

If you are ever around the UK (nr Birmingham) - I'll happily show you what you can achieve handling wise. Also if you change out the PS fluid - It's basically ATF - this may improve the feel.

I do know about the paranoia thing though - just look for my "There but for the grace of God" thread - I wrote 3 years ago..

**Sveneng** · Friday 9th January 2009, 11:41

Just got back from the garage and there was nothing wrong with anything as far components are concerned. The owner pointed out all of the bits that wear and said mine were all good. I did get the rack greased though to cure the annoying groan on full lock and it certainly feels smoother. On the garage's recommendation I have been and had the car 4 wheel alligned and that seems to have made a difference along with lowering the tyre pressures to 30 psi front and 33 rear.

I will drive it for another couple of days and give a more balanced assessment but first impressions are definately positive!

**gtiteen** · Friday 9th January 2009, 12:16

stick a set of konis with eibachs on, some bushes and a strut brace. That'll sort some vagueness out up to a point, will make the ride a bit harder.

The steering is never going to be full of feel due to the nature of the car though. It's not a sports car.

Dave

**Sveneng** · Friday 9th January 2009, 12:21

You are right but I don't fancy going down the route of uprated suspension. I've done that in the past and it doesn't make for a car that my wife is happy to drive around in! My concern was feeling like the car was going to slide off at every corner rather than grip the road and follow it round (an exageration but you get my point).

**dave854** · Friday 9th January 2009, 12:25

I know what you mean. It is difficult to explain. Possibly a pre 99 pump may have a lower pressure? I've been looking into this for a while now and still can't get to the bottom of it... other than changing the complete rack! which when it isn't worn out seems a bit of an unness. expense

**Sveneng** · Friday 9th January 2009, 18:24

I bought the car as a second car to take me the couple of miles to work and back when the weather is not so good, it has only done 3k miles since I got it last June so I can't really justify changing the suspension etc for the half a dozen corners I tackle on my daily drive! I know it is a bit over the top to have a T5 for this purpose but they are such good value and offer everything I wanted performance/toys wise and I love all things automotive. I paid top money for it from a Main Dealer forecourt (Peugeot not Volvo) who had it there as it was such a good example but even then it was a bargain.

It has only been called into service as our main car due to me writing off my wife's 4x4 last month. I'm already finding it a pain having to use a 3 door with 2 small children to get in and out! It does have a good warranty on it that will cover a new rack/suspension/bushes etc so in some way it was slightly disappointing to find nothing really wrong with it today but at least it confirms it's good mechanical condition.

**gtiteen** · Friday 9th January 2009, 18:57

Sorry just re read my post and it comes over a bit arsey!!! The suspension is expensive and will firm up the ride quite alot.

Sounds like this difference in early vs. later phase 1 cars may have something to do with it so may be light at the end of the tunnel! A strut brace is only £70 or so from a main stealers and well worth getting.

Dave

**Sveneng** · Friday 9th January 2009, 19:27

I didn't take it as arsey so don't worry. I know it's not a sports car, I bought it in preference to an E39 535/540 or an E38 735/740 as a car with all the luxury and toys that I wanted but with a bit of power. The swinging factor was running costs, at least I can see mid 20 mpg with the C70 in a mixed driving environment.

I think I will look at the strut brace option. I thought with the ME7 engine mine was a phase 2 car?

**Wobbly Dave** · Monday 12th January 2009, 10:41

Phase 1 and phase 2 are generally in ref to the shape. Phase 2 C70s didnt arrive till 2005. You have an engine that is more commonly associated with phase 2 V70s. The strut brace will still work on yours and is worth the money IMHO

**Sveneng** · Monday 12th January 2009, 13:09

Been out in it again today and there is a great difference to it now, my wife even commented on it after driving it over the weekend. The steering feels heavier now and less over servo'd, I am actually getting some feedback from the road I am driving on. Chuffed that I got it sorted, was the strut brace an optional extra when purchasing the car new or was a dealer add on?

Thanks for all the input from everyone!

**Wobbly Dave** · Monday 12th January 2009, 13:39

The strut brace was introduced to help with the ragtop - because they were trying to make up for some loss of torsional stiffness with the loss of the roof.

I have become a bit obsessive with improving the C70s handling. I've just imported heavy duty droplinks from the states. Hamish is in disgust. The QBM ones I bought were rubbish.

**ian_w** · Thursday 5th February 2009, 18:50

I've got a 2000 C70 and mine feels exactly as your describe - absolutely no feel from the steering.

I fitted a strut brace a while ago as many people recommend them - waste of 70 quid, made no difference!

I have considered making some thin ( 2-3mm ) wheel spacers to see how they would work but I've never quite got around to making any.