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Volvo C70 Steering and Front End Issues

21 messages,  Last post on Mar 29, 2008 at 10:30 AM

You are in the Volvo C70 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Volvo C70, Steering, Convertible

Messages Page 2 of 3

#8 of 21 Wobble by sasov

Nov 13, 2007 (9:04 am)

Hi,
 
I just bought a 2004 C70 with about 30,000 miles on it and noticed a wobble at about 45-50 mph. The dealer said it is probably tyre/wheel related. Wonder if anyone has had the same experience?
 
Also the Volvo dealership wants $590 for the 30,000 miles service which I think is a rip off. Does anyone know if a regular mechanic can do the same thing for less?
 
Otherwise it is just a dream to ride and if I figure out how to do it I'll try to attach a few photos.

#9 of 21 Re: Wobble [sasov] by qbrozen

Nov 13, 2007 (11:07 am)

Replying to: sasov (Nov 13, 2007 9:04 am)
a wobble? yeah, quite possibly a tire out of balance. Cheap enough to have them checked at a tire shop.
 
As for the 30k mile service, your problem is that you are asking the dealer "how much for the 30k mile service?" What you need to say is "how much to change the oil, rotate the tires, and ... " I don't know the rest of the list offhand, but its whatever your owner's manual states should be done at 30k, NOT what the dealer states should be done.
 
In any case, as a volvo owner, yes, you should find an independent mechanic ... but one that specializes in volvos. They need to have the proper equipment/software to service your car.

#10 of 21 Re: Wobble [qbrozen] by sasov

Nov 13, 2007 (1:37 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Nov 13, 2007 11:07 am)
Thanks for that. I asked Volvo-USA customer service and they confirmed that as long as one keeps receipts, having the service done by an independent mechanic doesn't affect the 4 years/50,000 miles warranty.
 
The 30,000 miles service is check/replace all fluids and change the cabin air filter. How do the dealerships justify $600 for that is just amazing.

#11 of 21 Re: Wobble [sasov] by qbrozen

Nov 14, 2007 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: sasov (Nov 13, 2007 1:37 pm)
ALL fluids? Are you sure that's what your owner's manual states? I'm pretty sure the coolant is 100k miles, and there is no reason to replace steering fluid. So I think oil change, brake system flush, and tranny service should be the end of it. At my Volvo dealer, that would be about $200-$240. I don't know how much for the cabin air filter, though.

#12 of 21 Re: Wobble [qbrozen] by sasov

Nov 15, 2007 (6:54 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Nov 14, 2007 6:37 pm)
You are right, it's not all fluids but they do say they will flush the cooling system. Not sure what good that would do me in the no-snow-state but still
 
In any case, there are two dealerships in Orlando, FL where I am and one asked for $440 and the other for $589 for the service. Go figure.
 
Which part of the country do you live in gbrozen?

#13 of 21 Re: Wobble [sasov] by qbrozen

Nov 15, 2007 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: sasov (Nov 15, 2007 6:54 am)
I'm in NJ.

#14 of 21 Re: Wobble [qbrozen] by sasov

Nov 16, 2007 (7:38 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Nov 15, 2007 6:48 pm)
Just for the fun of it I called the Volvo dealership in Grand Rapids, MI where I used to live. Their price: $320 including tax.

#15 of 21 Re: Steering/front end problems [srubin] by ladydi2

Nov 25, 2007 (7:06 pm)

Replying to: srubin (Jun 12, 2007 8:02 am)
Yes, I know just what you mean. I have the same thing with turning into a parking space. It gradually got worse but has stayed the same for sometime now. I understand the lubrication did not seem to make much of a difference. My last volvo had a very tight turning radius. (94 850 Turbo)
 
Ladydi2

#16 of 21 Re: Steering/front end problems [srubin] by jefe9703

Jan 31, 2008 (7:18 am)

Replying to: srubin (Jun 12, 2007 8:02 am)
I'm hoping for a little more info on the clunking. My 2004 HPT w/67k has the same issues. Sounds like hell and the turning radius gets worse when the wheel stops aren't sufficiently greased. The temporary fix that both the dealer and now the lube joint has used is to slather the wheel stops with grease. This alleviates the problem for a couple thousand miles but then its back. Is there a better way? Will replacing the wheelstops help?

#17 of 21 Lucky that I had a slow leak with my 2007 C70 by bobparis

Mar 27, 2008 (10:53 pm)

When I bought my C70 in May of 2007 I noticed the sticker on the window stating that Volvo equipped the car with high-performance tires and to expect a tread life of around 20,000 miles. It struck me as strange that Volvo would put such tires on any of their vehicles. I bought a Volvo to be safe and because it looked sporty and fun - not because I wanted or needed to go around turns at 75 mph. A few months after purchase I noticed a slow leak in one of the tires and visited a shop to have it repaired. I commented that I did not like the ride - too noisy, bumpy and as described on this message board, like "riding on rails." On worn streets with grooves, the car has flung itself to the side as the steering wheel turned by itself around 40 degrees. Really had to hold onto the wheel while driving - tough for someone who usually steers with his knees! Anyway, the tire expert (having been in the business for a few decades) fixed the tire for free and asked me to come back when I needed to buy tires. He mentioned that I would not get 20,000 miles out of the factory tires - he was right, at 17,500 miles I had 0/32nd's on the front. He promised that he would figure out what tire would be less noisy, give me a nicer ride and last longer. Yesterday he installed a set of 4 Hankook tires that are speed rated at 130 mph, as opposed to the Pirelli OEM's that are rated at a ludicrously high 160. I immediately noticed that they are quieter, smoother and less prone to being thrown across the lane. He told me the tires are touted as having a lifecycle of 50,000, but in real-world driving to expect a usable life of about 30,000 miles. And they were less than half the price of the Pirellis. Hope this story connects with any others who share the same feelings. Bob

Messages Page 2 of 3

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