If the car is shifting when you hit bumps in the road and the handling is crap, its because your wheel alignment is not correct. Mine was the same for a few months before christmas, 'Side hop' issue was present and it really felt unstable and skittish at speed. Had the wheel alignment rechecked and it was miles out!!
Once they set the car to Volvo's latest specs she now handles beautifully
Here is my cars current alignment sheet to Volvo latest spec:
As you can see, The HUNTER machine does recognize V70R/S60R models. You need to make sure you tell the technician that the car is an R not a T5 or standard S60.
You do not have to buy shocks from the dealer, if you do, your looking at £430 each + fitting + SUM calibration.
You should NEVER replace shocks individually, even R models. They must always be replaced as a pair.
The only company that makes shock absorbers for 03-07 R models is Monroe and if you buy them direct they are about £190 each. If your car has done more than 80k and still on 'original from new shocks' then its fair to say they are at or nearly at the end of their life. Replacing them is the only way forwards and whilst doing so, you should replace the spring seats and support plates too, as these wear and make a massive difference to the way the car handles.
Once replaced, the car will need a SUM calibration. The Dealer can either calibrate the SUM with no update OR update the SUM to the latest version and calibrate.
When I had my SUM updated it made a big difference and relieved the car of some of the harshness and also rectified a slight knocking noise from the rear shocks when in 'COMFORT'.
I highly recommend it!!
Do not let the garage fit the shocks they have quoted you for. At £180 a pair, they are clearly, NOT the correct ones.
Volvo's latest alignment specs will completely eradicate the dreaded 'Side Hop' issue and make the car handle really well. It will feel more composed and stable and a lot more forgiving in 'COMFORT'.
If you live in Hampshire then your only and hours drive or so from MRG in Chippenham. I highly recommend them and they will not rip you off. They know what they are doing and see a lot or R models there because many R owners, including myself, take their cars there for them to work on. If you speak to Simon Chu or Tony Mac, they may even give you a discount!
Bookmarks