Other XC90 Problem: Xc90

[PeteH]

First post on here so any advice much appreciated (bit of a technical novice here!). I have a couple of problems with my 2004 XC90 2.4 D5....

When turning left at very slow speeds I'm getting a creaking noise coming from the left front wheel. Also, when I put it on full left lock the steering seems to 'stick' in place a bit (only does this when turning left). I've recently had a new suspension arm fitted (not by Volvo) - could it be related?

My rear tyres also wear very heavily on the outside edges - is this normal??

Thanks in advance.

[Ron_XC90]

Hi PeteH,

I have the same creaking noise (MY2008, 13K miles) and will have the car in to garage next week to find out what's wrong. I find it hard to locate what could cause it, only thing I noticed is that it's mainly there when using the brakes and making a turn at the same time.

The XC90 is quite sensitive for wheel allignment so might be worth having that checked (proper 4 wheel allignment!!)

[GSMGuy]

Mine used to be creaky around the front - a quick silicone spray to the antiroll mounting bushes, and it's been fine for 12 months...


Mike

[PeteH]

I think I'll take it into the garage as the creaking seems to be coming from the rear passenger side too now (might just be my hearing)!?

Any thoughts on the tyres? Both rear tyres wear excessively on the outside edge. I could understand if the fronts did this due to poor alignment but not the rears - can this be rectified?

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by PeteH

I think I'll take it into the garage as the creaking seems to be coming from the rear passenger side too now (might just be my hearing)!?

Any thoughts on the tyres? Both rear tyres wear excessively on the outside edge. I could understand if the fronts did this due to poor alignment but not the rears - can this be rectified?

4 wheel lazer alignment. Costs about £60

Roy

[PeteH]

Thanks everyone. Finally got the job done yesterday and the 4 wheel alignment check/fix seemed to do the job as the 'dead spot' has now gone and the steering seems to be returning normally from full lock poistion. Have been told this will fix the uneven wear on the rears too. Ended up costing £70 for what was a 10-15 min job though which is good work if you can get it!! Worth it I suppose if it means I don't have to fork out for new tryres and they did also fix my cup holder for free!

Volvo also did the silicone spray the other week although it doesn't seem to have fully fixed the creaking (it is better than it was). The mechanic suggested a good jet wash under the wheel arches as he advised my issue has been caused by excessive salt build up due to the recent bad weather/gritting/salting.

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by PeteH

Thanks everyone. Finally got the job done yesterday and the 4 wheel alignment check/fix seemed to do the job as the 'dead spot' has now gone and the steering seems to be returning normally from full lock poistion. Have been told this will fix the uneven wear on the rears too. Ended up costing £70 for what was a 10-15 min job though which is good work if you can get it!! Worth it I suppose if it means I don't have to fork out for new tryres and they did also fix my cup holder for free!

The machine costs about £40,000. Are you taking that into consideration?

I get mine done anually and they charge me £40 now.

Roy

[PeteH]

I hadn't no but I've just done a quick calc and assuming it's depreciated over 10 years (no idea how long the machine actually lasts for?), the guys pays himself 20k a year, he pays a reasonable amount for a van and petrol etc, charges £60 a pop, I reckon he will break even at about 600 alignments. I don't know how many bookings he'd usually get a day (maybe 2-3?) so I suppose not too expensive after all.