Hi,
This is my first enquiry.........My 240 estate wants to go left - what should i look at to try and fix this before I end up taking it to a garage to fix? Also the rear wiper failed to work today....any advice for a newbee appreciated...

thanks,

Niall


:beer:

:00000732: Niall
Obviously you have an alignment problem - but this can be caused by several different suspension parts. Check the lower ball joints and the rack-rod ends. These have rubber seals on them. If these seals are torn they will have to be replaced.
Also check the condition of the rubber boots on the steering rack. If the components are O.K. then you can check the alignment crudely with 2 planks of wood against each front tyre. The toe-in should be about 1/16" -1/8" using this method. If it's off, turn the steering wheel so it's straight ahead and find out which wheel is out of alignment. Slacken the locknut on the track rod of the offending wheel and turn the track rod until the wheels come back into alignment. Then secure the track-rod locking nut. This should make it steer better and improve tyre wear but it's no substitute for a professional alignment.
The rear wiper problem is probably broken wiring in the tailgate. Replacement wiring harnesses are available to repair this.

Welcome to another Volvo owner.

There are many things that can affect the straight-line driveability of a vehicle, camber, toe-in, worn joints, kingpins, tyre pressure, road camber, etc, etc. and 240on280 has provided sound technical information why a vehicle will pull in one particular direction if the front wheel geometry is out of alignment and how to go about correcting any misalignment.

However, I would like to add a slight note of caution here.

Unless you're a proficient DIY back-yard mechanic, then it is probably better to have it carried out by a garage that specialises in front end alignment.

Best of luck!

WARNING: Toe in needs to be measured over a distance from the axle and at the axle I believe. That distance is critical, ^& just now I don't have it. You'll need 2 long planks with a straight side each against the diameter (axle height) of the wheel from back to front, and forward the required distance at the axle height. This method assumes the sidewalls of both tyres are even, symetrical, and the tyres are at the same pressure and load. BTW keep out of the left lane, the potholes cause this!!!

Absolute accuracy and precision is required.

That's why I would get a front-end alignment specialist to do it.

I agree guys, it's best to leave it to a professional and it would be safest to tow it to the alignment shop. However if money is limited, you will be able to save some money by replacing worn-out suspension parts yourself and roughly setting the alignment so that you can drive it to a professional for the final adjustments. However, if the steering rack is history there's no option but to replace the rack - again best done by a professional.