Greetings all!

I have a 1993 850 GLT which started having a pretty rough ride several months ago. When I hit the slightest imperfection in the road, it would jar the whole car. I replaced the front and rear shocks, as well as the strut mounts and bushings (all Volvo parts, purchased from the Volvo dealer). It's still doing the same thing, and now it's to the point where I have to tighten the dash about once a week. I really hate driving the car now, since it feels like it's going to fall apart. I've since been to the Volvo dealer, and they told me to "replace the shocks." Obviously that's not the solution.

I've checked all the suspension links, engine mounts, etc, about ten times, but can't find a thing wrong. The front coil springs seem to be good (I checked the spacing between coils with my neighbor's 850 GLT - his and mine are identical, and the car is level from side to side).

Several months ago I put some so-so quality new tires on the front, and I'm wondering if those are causing the problem (I don't remember that the rough ride started with the installation of those tires). The only thing I know to do now is to put Michelins back on the front, but I don't know if that's actually the problem.

I'm at a loss now, and I hope someone out there can shed some light on this problem. Thanks!

have u put low profile tyres on your car because we have had that problem before with a diffrent car or maybe try the steering rack

Stuart,

Thanks for your reply. I have the regular-profile tires on the Volvo. I did check the steering rack, and all seems tight and secure. This afternoon I replaced the front stabilizer bar bushings, as the old ones seemed to have too much play in them. The car is still giving a rough ride as far as the front suspension goes.

I'm really running out of things to replace now. I'm wondering if my front tires are causing the problem (even if they are the regular size and profile)? They are mediocre quality.

Thanks,
Mark

Check the lower control arm bushings and balljoints.

The tires might be made out of a harder rubber giving you the rough ride.

Tech,

Sorry for getting back to you so late. I've been away from the forum board for over a week now. Thanks for the advice, and I'll give those control arms another look. I just wish I saved the old Michelins I pulled off a few months ago, that way I could put them back on and see if the new tires are the actual problem.

Mark